Sarah had lived under her mother’s shadow
since childhood, detesting arranged
marrinson and unorning for fundam
L
marriages and yearning for freedom.
That’s why she hated me for three years.
Since I’d lost the bet, there was nothing more
to hide.
“Your mother and I made a bet three years
ago. If I married you, you wouldn’t have to
marry that crippled Thompson.”
Everything I cherished the Tom family’s
fortune, my parents–was gone.
I didn’t want to lose the last important person
in my life.
But in my twenty–plus years of being
childhood sweethearts with Sarah, I had never
won.
Upon hearing my words, Sarah’s face turned
pale, and she couldn’t utter a word.
The guests, who were invited, watched the
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drama unfold, whispering among themselves.
“Isn’t the Thompson young master bedridden
and unable to speak? If Sarah marries him,
she’ll be his free caretaker.
“What can you do? The Thompsons are
wealthy and powerful; even the Millers have
to bow…”
Hearing the whispers, Sarah’s face flushed
with humiliation.
Her eyes reddened as she roared.
“I won’t marry into the Thompson family.
Don’t try to force me!”
She pointed a trembling finger at me. “Tom, don’t think I’ll give in because you’re
putting on this act with my mother. I won’t leave Mark. I said I’d show you how happy I am!”
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