Elizabeth’s father was determined to marry her off to one of his wealthy choices, but none of them felt right to her. Frustrated, she blurted out that she’d rather marry the first man she saw. When that stranger appeared, she instantly regretted her words, realizing how reckless her decision might have been.
Elizabeth stood in the grand, glittering mansion, the soft clink of champagne glasses and murmurs of idle conversation filling the air.
The room was packed with elegantly dressed men and women, their smiles polished and practiced, their laughter hollow. The falseness of it all made her stomach churn. These people, with their perfect appearances and shallow words, were everything she despised.
Her father, Richard, fit in like a puzzle piece, always confident, always at ease. She glanced at him, wondering how they could be so different.
“Elizabeth, darling,” Richard said, stepping closer with a smile. “I brought you some company. You looked bored.” He motioned to the man beside him, who stood tall and well-dressed.
Elizabeth forced a polite smile and extended her hand. “Hello,” she said, expecting a handshake. Instead, the man took her hand and kissed it. Elizabeth felt her stomach twist and pulled her hand back quickly, hiding her irritation.
“This is Tom,” Richard said proudly. “He owns a large company. I think you two would make a great couple.”
Elizabeth blinked, unsure if she heard right. “What?” she asked, looking from Tom to her father.
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