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“Of course.”
Bella raced into the kitchen before she said something that would surely earn her a harsh punishment. Her patience was wearing thin, but she couldn’t afford to give into her humiliation and anger. She just needed to get through a few more minutes of torture, then she’d be fine.
Until the wedding.
Her marriage to that creep out there.
She shoved the thought from her mind and filled the sink with soapy water. They didn’t have a dishwasher, as her father believed it would make the women in the house lazy — while they were serving him. The double standards never ended with him.
Neil didn’t appear to be any different.
After a few minutes, footsteps sounded behind her.
Bella braced herself for a lecture from her mother.
Instead, hands rested on her waist, then fingers gripped her tightly. Soon, Neil pulled her backward until she firmly pressed against him. He brushed his rough beard against her cheek. “I love seeing you hard at work. Remember what I said about eating more, because I wasn’t kidding. You need to be hardy so you can handle your chores when I bring you home. Wait until you see how much there is to do. I’m so relieved to see you already have a good work ethic.”
She swallowed, couldn’t find her voice, so she nodded.
“I’m glad we understand each other.” He breathed in deeply then moaned before walking away.
With her heart in her throat, she spun around, trying to blink her tears away.
Her father leaned against the doorway, a smug look on his face. He’d seen the whole thing and didn’t care.
She needed to find a way out of the engagement.
Where could she turn? No matter where she went, Father would find her. He had cameras all over the property, so sneaking away would be impossible.
If there was a solution, she would find it.
Her life depended on it.
ChapterTwo
Ariana rewound the video again. It was the third time in ten minutes.
“Focus.”
She stared at the screen, trying her best to listen to everything the teacher said. It was a good thing these classes were recorded and not live, and also that she didn’t have a deadline. If it took her two years to get through the material, it didn’t matter. At this rate, it would likely take that long.
Knock, knock!
She paused the video. “Come in!”
Damon entered with a tray of snacks. He set it next to her.
Ari leaped from her chair and threw her arms around him. “How did I manage to get the world’s best husband?”
He chuckled. “It’s just cheese and crackers.”
“But you knew I’d need them.” She squeezed him. “You’re the best!”
“If I’d known you’d react this way, I’d have brought better food for you.” He gave her a kiss that made her weak in the knees. “Can I do anything else for you?”
“Anything.”
He lifted a brow. “Are you okay?”
