It was only October, but the air in Kleymond was already crisp cold. in the morning. Maeve Reese was still curled in bed, deep in sleep. Suddenly, her mother, Valda Reese, burst room, her through the silence. “Macve, come on Stop lazing around. got to get ready-today’s the big day. You and Graves getting your license. Don’t him wait!” The words license” hit a bucket of ice water shot up in bed, hesitating for a before. lowering her gaze. “Mom, I don’t want to him,” she mumbled. the hell did you just say?” Valda’s voice spiked with disbelief. “Are of your damn mind? Jeff a family! Marrying him means you’ll set for life. you how many would kill for this and you’re saying you don’t want it?” “He’s with else. There’s no I’m him,” Maeve said firmly. Just yesterday, she had to bring Jell some hangover medicine, only to upon a gut-wrenching truth. a crack in the had Jeff tangled up in bed another woman. The sight was brutal wake-up call, shattering illusions she’d held about him and making her just little she really knew about him. had first met Jeff at the her father was seriously ill and in desperate need of an surgery the family couldn’t afford. It Jeff’s father, Wallace Graves, who had stepped in to help, covering the costs and even offering Maeve’s father a job at the Graves family company. of gratitude for the Graves family’s support and feeling the from both sides to make a match, eventually gave in to Jell’s advances. first, Jeff seemed the guy-kind, attentive, and always looking out for Maeve. But as soon as she to take their relationship to a level, his attitude a sharp turn. Jeff distant, dismissive, and often downright cruel. He’d call her in the middle the night to bring him medicine or booze, not giving a damn about her needs or feelings past Maeve been and more drained, both mentally and physically. In her relationship, she felt a and more an unpaid maid. night, Maeve had softly under covers, hoping that talking to Valda this morning would some comfort, maybe even of understanding But instead, Valda’s response was harsh and unyielding. already blown through most the money from the family. If you out now, where the hell are we supposed to find the tens of thousands we need for your tuition? “Have you ever thought about what means your dad and me? expect to sell our blood to costs?” Maeve stared at her in shock, thinking. Tm one who’s wronged, and all she cares about is the damn money? I didn’t even know they’d already received the Graves family’s gift!’ “Mom!” Marve’s frustration more than the before. “He on me! How can expect me go through with this?” “Stop the excuses,” Valda snapped “Every man messes up. As long as he out after the what’s the big hurry up and stop making Jeff wait!” Valda couldn’t care less about pain. She wasn’t about let of the she already had her hands on. dragged Maeve out bed rushed her through a quick wash and change, shoved her the door the hall Standing outside the hall, surrounded couples with and anticipation. Maeve an overwhelming sense despair. She should’ve known-no one in her cared about her feelings. Her entire life had been parents the schools she went to, the friends she had, career she chose. But wasn’t going to them control anymore-not when it meant marrying a man treated her like a doonmat. After twenty-three years of being obedient daughter, Maeve suddenly had bold idea. Before showed up, she’d find else to marry and put an end to her plans once and for all the am I going to find someone marry such short notice?’ wondered. Just then, a deep, voice sliced through the air behind Maeve. “So, you’re telling me it you this long to figure out my ran off a bodyguard?” The words “fiancée” and “ran hit Maeve like a slap, forcing her turn around. A impeccably man stood a nearby tree, his back partially turned as he spoke into his phone. He was handsome, and dark suit was tailored to perfection, exuding an air of commanding elegance. Even from several feet away, Maeve could feel the almost palpable authority him. A spark of hope flickered Maeve’s eyes as she quietly followed him. His lips curled into a sardonic smile he listened to on the other end. “Don’t looking,” he said “Are really no other women there? I seriously have to settle for someone who’s off with another man?” “But Mr. McDaniel Mr. Mcdaniel that you either another suitable or grab someone off the street. made it clear that matter what, getting married today. Otherwise. voice the other end hesitated. he go on living Byron McDaniel rubbed his in frustration, about to fire back when he suddenly a gentle tug on his sleeve He to see a woman standing there, her voice barely above a whisper. “Excuse me, sir,” she said tentatively. “Since your bride has run off… would you consider marrying me instead?”