She couldn’t watch any longer. The hurt was too much. Elizabeth quietly closed the door and ran, her heels clicking on the old wooden steps. One of the steps gave way beneath her, but she didn’t stop, quickly pulling her leg free and continuing down the road.
“Elizabeth!” Scott’s voice called out behind her. She kept running, tears blurring her vision, but he was faster. Soon, he grabbed her arm, gently pulling her to a stop.
She yanked her arm back, anger mixing with her hurt. “I can’t believe you. You took the money. You betrayed me!” Her voice shook with bitterness. “Turns out you do have a price.”
Scott frowned, reaching into his pocket and pulling out the envelope. “This isn’t for me,” he said, holding it out to her. “It’s for you.”
Elizabeth stared at him, confused. “What? And your father’s debts? You were going to sell yourself for them, right?”
Scott shook his head. “We don’t have to pay for what our parents did. I’ll figure something out. But I don’t want you to marry me just because you promised your father. You should marry the man you love.”
“Then you’ll have to marry me,” Elizabeth said, her voice soft but determined.
“What? No, I’m giving you the money,” Scott insisted, offering the envelope again.
“No, Scott. If I’m going to marry for love, then it has to be you. With or without the money.”
Scott looked at her, stunned. For a few moments, he didn’t move, just staring into her eyes, trying to make sense of what she’d said. Then, without a word, he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. His lips met hers in a kiss, soft and full of emotion.
“So, is that a yes?” Elizabeth asked breathlessly.
Continue reading…
