On Wednesday night, two days before the wedding, Clara sat stiffly in the backseat of a black luxury car, the faint sound of the engine masking the storm inside her head. She'd tried to say no..more than once. But Ethan had been relentless, insisting she honor her end of the contract. Love his family as her own, he had said, his voice sharp, no room for argument.
So here she was, heading to the Ashford estate, dressed in a way designed to shock and unsettle. A tight tank top and shorts that left little to the imagination. No jacket to cover it up. She wanted to make sure Ethan's family saw this version of her, as the rebellious woman who wouldn't fit in their world. That way, they might convince Ethan to cancel the wedding.
As the car rolled down the private drive, Clara forced herself to breathe deeply.
The gates swung open, revealing the grand Ashford estate. It was more than she'd expected, a mansion straight out of a movie. She'd called Ethan a rich boy back in high school. Now, she realized that that was a severe understatement.
The driver pulled up, and before she could take it all in, she saw Margaret approaching. She was more beautiful in person than on TV...tall, elegant, and breathtaking in a way that made Clara feel instantly aware of her own appearance.
Beside Margaret stood a small boy, nervously shifting on his feet. He had Ethan's sharp features but softer, more open eyes.
"Welcome, Clara," Margaret said warmly, pulling her into a firm hug. The little boy shuffled forward, holding out a hand.
"I'm Axiel, Ethan's brother" he said shyly, then wrapped his arms around her. " Welcome to our home." he added.