About

His father had made the decision for him. An arranged marriage. No discussion, no negotiation. His family needed a suitable wife, and tonight, he was expected to choose one. Five girls stood in a line across the grand drawing room, each carefully selected by his father—beautiful, accomplished, well-mannered, and from families considered “appropriate.” They had been dressed for the occasion, coached on what to say, and told exactly what was expected of them. He stood several feet away, already hating the entire thing. His father gestured toward the line. “Choose.” He looked at each girl, knowing that whichever one he pointed to would become his wife. Then his eyes landed on her. She wasn't supposed to be there. She wasn't dressed like the others. She wasn't standing properly, wasn't smiling politely, and looked like she had absolutely no idea why everyone was staring at her. In fact, she hadn't even known this was happening.