Home / Romance / My Politically Arranged Marriage / Chapter 2 : Do I Get A Choice?

Share

Chapter 2 : Do I Get A Choice?

Author: Amelie Bergen
last update Last Updated: 2024-04-03 14:08:23

Lena’s POV

My phone lit up in the holster on the treadmill. It was a message from Charles. I quickly pressed stop on the machine and hopped off, eager to get an update from him.

Charles: I just got a notification. The package should be on your doorstep.

No sooner had I read his message, was I running to beat Frederick to the front door. Frederick was our butler. While he was the best butler my family had ever hired, he came with one fatal flaw—he was nosy as all get out.

Charles begged me to keep his secret until he was ready. I was sworn to secrecy, and I wasn’t about to let Frederick get the best of me. I reached the front door just in the nick of time. I swung open the door to find a small brown box sitting on the brick walkup. I swiped it, relieved that I had gotten to it in time.

“Someone at the door, Lady Eleanor?” I heard Frederick ask, walking up behind me.

“I’m afraid not,” I replied, covering the shipping label with my hand. “Just a package.”

“Is that for Master Harris?” Frederick asked, reaching for the box. “Hand it to me, I’ll take it to him.”

“A-actually, it’s for me,” I replied nervously. “Just something I ordered.”

“I see,” Frederick noted, suspiciously. “Would you like me to remove the packaging? I can have the contents sent to your room later.”

“That won’t be necessary,” I said, slowly inching my way back down the long hallway. “I can open it myself.”

Frederick eyed me for a second before giving up and walking away. I let out a deep sigh of relief before quickly heading to my room. I passed by the gym where I had been working out before, and turned down a few more hallways before eventually reaching my room.

I locked the door behind me in case nosy Frederick came snooping around. Once I was sure I was completely alone, I sat at my desk and tore into the box. Some of the tape was thicker than I expected, so I had to use scissors for the seams.

Once all the cardboard was stripped away, there was nothing left but a tiny royal blue velvet box, and a business card from the shipping company - Douglas Jewelers.

I laid the card down on the desk and picked up the tiny blue box. My fingertips acclimated to the fuzzy feeling of the velvet. I drug my thumb against the seam of the small box and cracked it open. Inside was the most beautiful diamond ring I’d ever seen. I quickly pulled out my phone to text Charles back.

Lena: It’s perfect! When do you want to pick it up?

I put my phone back down to study the ring further. It was gorgeous. It was lacking in only two things, blemish and color. It was, however, the most impeccable stone I’d ever laid eyes on. My phone lit up on the desk.

Charles: Tonight. Can you swing by the pub?

I replied with a quick ‘yes’ to Charles before pulling out the ring to try it on. I knew it wasn’t for me, but I couldn’t help but to wonder what it’d be like. The ring was for my younger sister, Emily. Emily and Charles had been together for as long as I could remember.

For the most part, the couple had managed to keep their relationship hidden from the public. They didn’t want to be bothered by the media. I couldn’t say I blamed them. Being the child of the Prime Minister came with many disadvantages. We were spectacles; mere vessels to shoulder the burden of blame for all that was wrong with the world.

I admired the diamond from my left hand. I held it up toward the ceiling so it could catch the light. It sparkled, like glitter, and I was suddenly wishing I had a reason to wear one.

I had never really found the right fit in a man. If I’m honest, it was a little discouraging. I’d dated a few guys at university, but they were all pretentious and snobby. I didn’t want any part of it. Whoever I ended up with needed to be level headed, smart, and passionate about the less fortunate. Those were my non-negotiables.

A knock at my door startled me into a frenzy. I tried to remove the ring from my finger but it was stuck. Damn Emily and her dainty fingers.

“Lena?” I heard my father’s voice call out from beyond the door. “Are you alright in there?”

“Just a minute!” I shrieked, trying to pull the ring off with no luck.

“Open the door, I’d like to have a word with you,” my father replied with concern.

“Be right there!” I called out, looking around my room for something to get the ring off.

I spotted my riding gloves sitting neatly on a chair in the corner of the room. I jumped at them, slipping on the left one with desperate rigor. As soon as the glove was mostly on, I sprinted over to my door and unlocked it to let my father in.

“Hello, father,” I panted, trying my best not to let on.

“Lena, your face is completely flushed!” my father gasped, studying me. “What’s the matter?”

“N-nothing,” I lied. “I was just getting a workout in before my dress fitting for the banquet this evening.”

My father was hosting a banquet at our chateau to celebrate raising ten million pounds for orphaned children in Africa. He was very passionate about the growing number of children without homes. It was one of his main campaigns and it was likely why he was elected nine years ago.

“Do you have a minute?” my father asked, a look of dread settling on his face.

“Sure,” I answered, trying not to draw attention to my gloved hand. “Should I meet you in the study?”

“Perfect.” My father smiled. “I’ll meet you there in five.”

He pecked my cheek and escorted himself out of my room. I sighed in relief, closing the door behind him. I ran to my ensuite and shuffled through drawers, desperate to find something that could get the ring off. I found a face serum hiding in the back of a drawer, and knew it was my best shot at removing the dainty ring from my stalky fingers.

I ripped off the glove and dripped the oil all around my finger. I worked in the mixture, careful to get it underneath the band, and slowly, but surely, the ring slipped off. Disaster avoided.

I went back to my room and carefully wiped the excess oil from the ring before replacing it in its box. I stuffed the velvety box between my mattress and the box spring, hoping that Frederick wouldn’t be able to find it there. I gathered all the remaining trash from the shipment and tossed it in the kitchen bin on my way to my father’s study.

He was already perched behind his large mahogany desk by the time I walked in. He looked nervous when he spotted me, and something told me that whatever he wanted to tell me was not good.

“Close the door behind you, please,” he said, waving for me to come in.

I did as he said. Now I was confident that something was wrong. My father was not the secretive type. He never closed his door, and seeing it shut behind me made the hair on my neck stand at attention.

“What’s this about?” I asked, making my way to a chair.

“I need to discuss something with you. Something of great importance.”

“What is it?” I asked, making myself comfortable in my chair. “Is it mother?”

“No, no,” he answered, shaking his head. “Your mother is just fine. She’ll be home before the banquet tonight.”

“So, then what?”

My father was quiet for a moment. I could tell he was struggling to figure out how to say whatever it was he wanted to tell me.

“Lena,” he began. He sat forward in his chair and looked me right in the eyes. “You know how much I love you, don’t you?”

“Of course, father,” I concurred.

“There’s been a situation,” my father went on, shifting in his seat. “It seems that our ties with the United States are in question.”

“Oh, my….” I gasped. “I-is it serious?”

“Yes,” my father answered plainly.

“What’s happened?”

“Some of the southern American states attempted to branch off and form their own government,” he confided. “Have you heard about it?”

“I have.” I scrunched my nose. “I think I saw something about it in the news.”

My father nodded. “Apparently, there were talks of creating a monarchy.”

“A monarchy?” I asked, confused. “In America?”

“It never took legs,” my father assured me. “American congress quickly passed a law prohibiting the southern states from legally being able to go through with it.”

“So, what’s all that got to do with me?” I asked, still not quite getting the big picture.

My father sat forward, sweat beading on his brow. He was never nervous, especially when he was talking to his family. I couldn’t imagine what had gotten him so worked up.

“Some of the language used in the bill that was passed seems to have ruffled a few feathers here at home. It unintentionally insulted our monarchy—what’s worse, our queen. Long story short, there have been talks of cutting our alliance with the states.”

“What?!” I said, baffled. “That’s utter madness!”

“I know,” my father agreed. “But the damage has already been done.”

“Father, you have to fix this,” I urged. “You should go to the monarchy and tell them how absurd this is. I mean, over a law? I-it’s ridiculous!”

“Settle down, Lena,” my father said, calmly raising a hand. “I’m already working on a solution.”

“Oh,” I replied, willing my heartbeat to slow. “So, why are you telling me all of this?”

“Because,” my father began, his eyes leveling on me. “The solution is you.”

“Me?” I asked, even more confused.

“We need a way to show that we’re united, and we thought that the best way to do that would be with a marriage.”

“Marriage.” I repeated the words. They didn’t feel real on my lips. “A marriage for who?”

“I was hoping you’d be open to it,” my father said slowly, observing my expression. “You’re practically a lady now—nearly twenty-three years of age.”

“Y-you want me to marry someone?” I asked, still in awe of the proposition. “Who?”

“There’s a young American fellow, Caledon Booker. He’s of high society. Son to Edward Booker, the Vice President of the United States. We think he could be a good match for you, as the President himself has no children to offer.”

“I-I don’t understand,” I replied, standing to my feet. “Why me? I’m not a princess or even a duchess, I-I’m not of noble blood at all! Shouldn’t someone else be doing this?”

“The royals are all betrothed,” my father shrugged. “Most of them were assigned spouses at birth. I am the head of government, Lena. There is no one else.”

I was quiet. My life was changing and it didn’t really feel like I was in control of it.

“Do I get a choice?” I finally managed to get out.

My father gave me a disappointed look. “You’re my daughter before anything. Of course, you have a choice.”

“Okay.” I sat back in my chair, considering all the facts. “Then I say no. I don’t want to marry a stranger. I’m sorry, it’s just too big of an ask.”

My father nodded. I could tell he was disappointed, but his love for me was bigger than his need to satisfy the monarchy.

“Very well,” he replied. “I won’t say another word about it.”

I stood to my feet again and nodded respectfully to express my gratitude.

“Thank you, father,” I said, heading for the door.

“Would you do me a favor?” my father asked as I gripped the door knob to his office door.

“Sure.” I answered, turning back around.

“Go and fetch Emily for me.”

“What for?” I asked, turning back to face him.

“I need to find someone to marry Caledon Booker,” my father sighed, rubbing his temples. “Emily is much more agreeable when it comes to things like this. Perhaps I’ll get a yes out of her.”

My heart sank as I heard the words. Emily was about to get engaged to the love of her life, even though she, and no one else, knew about it yet.

“Wait, you can’t ask her,” I spit out. My father raised his brow and I realized what I’d just said. “I-I mean, what about Charles?”

“This is for our country,” my father noted. “Emily knows her place as much as you.”

I thought about Emily being forced into a loveless marriage with this Cal person. She’d be miserable. And what of Charles? I could see it now. The sulking and sadness would be insufferable. I couldn’t let her go through with it. But my father was right, she was much more agreeable than I was. If she believed it was her civil duty, she’d do it.

“I-I’ll do it, then,” I exclaimed, not seeing any other way.

“What?” my father asked, surprised. “You will?”

I bit on my lower lip and nodded slowly. “Yes. If me and Emily are your only choices… I volunteer.” I said, voice low and sure. “It’s only fair, as the eldest, that I take on this role. As you said, it’s for our country.”

My father was quiet. I couldn’t tell if he was happy or disappointed. I wondered if there was a part of him that didn’t want either of us to go through with it. He gave me a sweet look before finally speaking.

“Lena, my sweet girl.” He choked on his words a little as emotion overtook him. “You are so brave, so kind. I’m so proud of you.”

After leaving my father’s study, I walked in silence down the hall to my bedroom. It felt as if I’d entered his study as a little girl and left a woman.

I daydreamed about my betrothed, and I wondered if we’d get along. Would he be gentle or spiteful? I supposed only time would reveal that answer. All I knew was I was about to enter into a loveless marriage with a complete stranger, and the very idea sent a shudder down my spine.

Related chapters

  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 3 : I Wish I Could Help

    Cal’s POVI parked on third street to avoid the paparazzi. The public didn’t know about the divorce between her and my father yet, and I didn’t want to risk it. I walked two blocks down until I reached Cornwall Village, the complex my mother’s condo was in. I hid the bouquet of yellow roses I bought behind my back while I waited for her to come to the door. When she opened it, her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “Caledon!” my mother exclaimed, wrapping both arms around my neck. “I didn’t know you were stopping by today.”“I thought we could have lunch,” I said, presenting the bouquet to her. My mother touched a hand to her chest like the roses were just the boost she needed today. She pressed the bouquet to her nose and breathed in. “These are just perfect,” she noted with a smile, waving for me to come inside. I stepped in and closed the door behind me. I looked around at her tiny condo. I tried my best not to let on that I was disappointed, but it was eating me up insi

    Last Updated : 2024-04-03
  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 4 : Daddy Issues

    Lena’s POV“Hey Joe,” I greeted and waved, walking into Glenwood Express, the convenience store by Sydney’s house.I was on my way to her flat so I could spill the news about my blind engagement. Sydney was my best friend. We shared a few classes together at university and had been close ever since. Whenever I needed to unwind, I’d take a cab across town to Bridgeburn and visit with her. There were less paparazzi where she lived and I knew I’d be safe from tapped phones and bugged radios. I’d been to the convenience store by Syd’s place so many times, I became friends with all the workers. Joe waved back without looking and I smiled as I drifted over to the candy aisle. I browsed a few snack sections casually before settling on a big bag of potato crisps and a couple of candy bars. I carried my goodies over to the counter as Joe lazily stood from his stool in a corner behind the register. He cleared his throat and grunted while he scanned all the items. Joe was your typical mar

    Last Updated : 2024-04-03
  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 5 : The Meeting

    Lena’s POVMy father and mother came with me to meet him. We had landed in D.C. the night before the meeting and stayed in a private suite at a nearby hotel. I was a complete wreck on the morning of. I sweat through two outfits before finally settling on an all-black dress that wouldn’t show moisture.“You look so beautiful,” my mother noted, admiring me in the elevator mirror as we rode it down to the lobby of the hotel. “Caledon Booker better count his blessings. I think he’s just landed the jackpot.”“Now, Charlotte,” my father chided her. “Let’s not go putting fanciful ideas in the girl’s head.”“Oh, what’s a little confidence going to do?” she replied, brushing off his comment. “I’ve got two of the prettiest daughters in London, and I want them to know it.”My mother pressed her forehead against mine as the elevator dinged open. We all stepped out and headed for the car that was just outside waiting for us. My father held the door for us as we climbed into the backseat. “

    Last Updated : 2024-04-03
  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 6 : A United Front

    Media POV“This just in, Caledon Booker, son to Vice President Edward Booker, is reportedly in a new relationship with Eleanor Harris. Eleanor is the eldest daughter to Arthur Harris, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom,” Samantha Waters said to the camera at the Channel Five news station. “We’ll be right back with more details about the couple’s secret love life after the break.”“And we’re off,” Matt Withers, the news director, called from off screen. “We’ve got ninety seconds, people. Look alive.”A team of makeup and hair stylists came rushing to Samantha’s side to powder and primp her during the commercial break. They smoothed out her crimson red hair and reapplied her lipstick while Samantha tried her best not to move. She read through her notes of the breaking story while they blotted away at her face. “What a pig,” Samantha scowled, rolling her eyes as she read.“Let me guess, you slept with him,” Jake Mitchell, Samantha’s co-anchor chimed in, swiveling his chair tow

    Last Updated : 2024-04-03
  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 7 : Twenty Questions

    Lena’s POVAfter the exhausting press event, both of our parents—to our surprise—agreed that I should return to Cal’s place with him so we could get to know one another better. Despite Cal’s calm demeanor, the whole thing still made me queasy when I thought about it too long, and the feeling only intensified when he opened the door to his condo.Cal’s place was nice. I didn’t expect it to be so clean. He struck me as the kind of man that wouldn’t care about such things. Not that he’d be dirty; just preoccupied with other things. “Make yourself at home,” Cal said, clearly and visibly as uncomfortable as I was. “I’ll go prepare your room for you.”“Room?” I asked, a little surprised. “You don’t mind sleeping separately?”I didn’t really know what I was expecting, but I assumed we’d sleep in the same bed for the illusion of it all. “If it’s alright with you, I’d like to get to know you a little more,” Cal replied, turning toward me. “Of course,” I agreed, smiling to myself as he

    Last Updated : 2024-04-03
  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 8 : Awkward

    Cal’s POVI woke up to a naked Lena in my arms and a crook in my neck. I winced as I moved, realizing we were still on the couch. Then my mind flooded with regret. What had I done? I tried to slide my arm from under her body so I could sneak away. To my dismay, she awoke when I touched her. “Morning,” I said, trying to be nice. “Oh, god, my head,” she groaned, sitting up. She covered her breasts with one hand.“I know,” I nodded, rising from the couch. “I haven’t drank that much in a while.”“I don’t think I’ve ever drank that much,” Lena admitted, hardly making eye contact with me. It was clear she was feeling the same way I did. Her body language was stiff and reserved as she looked at me again. We needed to make this right. “Look, about last night—” I began, sliding a leg into my pants. “You don’t have to say anything,” Lena interjected, reaching for her blouse. “We were both drunk. It’s fine. It was a mistake, and won’t happen again.”I nodded. “Okay,” I answered.I

    Last Updated : 2024-04-03
  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 9 : Breaking News

    Lena’s POV“Shoulders back,” my mother chastised as we waited behind the curtain of the stage in the conference room.The three of us, including Cal, were waiting behind the stage for our cue. Cal’s father felt it was important now that we had made our relationship public and two weeks had passed since, that we should have another press event—this time in a more intimate, personal setting—to talk about how this will impact our political relationships going forward.And my father agreed, so no one else was going to disrupt that, no matter how much the idea of another public appearance—another reminder of this chosen lifestyle—made me want to vomit. “Mother, please,” I whispered, swatting her hand away as she went to fix my hair. “Lena, I’m only trying to help,” she fussed. “Would you two stop bickering?” my father cursed under his breath. “We’re going to be called on any minute. Mind your tones.” Just then, a young gentleman dressed in a tailored blue suit popped his head out

    Last Updated : 2024-04-03
  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 10 : The Announcement

    Media POV Jake and Samantha were already deep into the morning broadcast when the news came in. Jake covered his mouth as he read the message on his phone. “What are you gasping at?” Samantha asked. She pulled out a compact mirror from behind the anchor desk and applied a new coat of lipstick. “The memo that just came in,” Jake said, still somewhat surprised. “Apparently, Eleanor Harris and Caledon Booker are engaged.”“What? Let me see that,” Samantha demanded, snatching Jake’s phone from his hands. “Oh. My. God.”“Hey! Give me it back,” Jake exclaimed, grabbing his phone. After the first press event, Jake had a feeling ‘America’s sweethearts’ as the media had dubbed them, weren’t telling the entire story. But he didn’t think this was it. Just then, the sound of a door slamming echoed through the newsroom.“Sam, Jake, did you see the memo?” Matt asked almost instantly and earnestly.  “Just got it,” Jake replied, holding up his phone. “They’re engag

    Last Updated : 2024-04-03

Latest chapter

  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 50 : Embracing

    Cal's POVI was in such a rush to leave the house that I didn't notice Daniel standing outside and smacked right into him."Geez, you're supposed to help me, not take me out," Daniel said, straightening himself."Sorry," I replied, my words just as rushed as my actions."What's the rush?" Daniel asked, his joking demeanor changing for a serious look. He had noticed my down attitude the last couple days and had been trying to cheer me up, but now that jokester was gone."I'm going to get Lena," I said matter-of-factly, and despite the nerves in my chest and stomach, a smile spread across my face.A responding smile crossed Daniel's."About time," he stated, then fished in his pockets until he pulled some keys out. "Take my bike and go get her."I stared at him in surprise for a moment, but then the rush I was feeling surged back and I was bouncing on my heels."Thank you, I'll leave the keys at the airport for you." I snagged the keys and dar

  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 49 : Supported Decisions

    Lena's POVThe spoon swirling around in my tea was the only thing I could focus on in the noisy little cafe full of people."Earth to Lena!" Emily said, breaking through my reverie and really bringing me back to Earth.I dropped the spoon and looked up at her. Concern was clear on her face, but I couldn't seem to feel anything about it. In all honesty, I hadn't been feeling much since I left Cal in that hotel room."Sorry," I replied, not sure what else she wanted me to say."What is going on with you?" she asked, but it came out gentle instead of harsh."Nothing," I said naturally.Emily sighed and ran her hand through her hair. I kept my eyes focused on her, not wanting to get distracted and zone out again.It had only been a couple of days since they had flown me in on a private plane, but this was the first time I had left the house. In fact, this was the first time I had left my room. Partly because I didn't want to deal with the media again

  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 48 : Change of Power

    Lena's POVThe sun started streaming through the window, but it still wasn't as warm or as inviting as the man's chest I was lying on. I glared at the rising beams, willing it to go the opposite direction and prolong the moment of bliss.Though after the night before, I wasn't sure there was any bliss I hadn't received.My body tingled at just the memory of it and I had to repress a shiver as the tingles danced through my body. With our naked bodies still pressed to each other, I was worried that any movement could wake him up.And as much as I wanted to talk to Cal, as soon as he woke up, I knew the fairytale would be over and the real questions would have to begin…What did this mean? What were we? Were we staying married? Were we going to stay in the states?The questions all ran through my head, but I wasn't able to answer any of them myself, let alone answer them to Cal…and what would he think?Even after all this time, and with his admission of

  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 47 : Heightened Emotions

    Lena's POVThey walked us down a couple of halls until they came to a plain door with nothing fancy on it. The door opened easily and they pushed us inside. What in the bloody world was happening?I could feel my anxiety building, but knowing Cal was at least with me was enough to subdue it. For now."What was all that about?" I asked incredulously.He didn't even bother to reply or take in the small, basic room around us before he stepped forward and grabbed the back of my neck, pulling me in until our lips met. Instantly, he parted my mouth with his tongue and pressed even harder.It took everything in me not to moan against him. Cal pulled back and stared into my eyes."God, I love you," he whispered.My rapid breath picked up even more at his words. "Do you really mean that?"He looked down at me. He brought his hand from the back of my neck up to my face and stroked my cheek with his thumb."Yes, I really mean that," he said softly. "I

  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 46 : Taken Away

    Cal's POVDays.It has been days since I had seen Lena.When I had gotten back to the hotel room, I had found that she was missing. At first I wondered if she changed her mind again and simply just left me, but then I noticed all of her stuff was still there. She wouldn't have left without her phone at the least.I had to admit, while realizing that she was taken by secret service members should have been terrifying, I couldn't help but feel relief at the fact that she hadn't left me. Don't get me wrong though, the worry about where she was and how she was doing were the only things on my mind.Not that I had a right to care. Not with what I was going to have to do to her…My mind whirled again as I stood behind the curtain. The press were on the other side of the curtain, waiting for me to come out and make my appearance. And tell them what was going on.And ruin Lena's life.It had been days, which made no sense to me since they were in such a

  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 45 : Sacrifices

    Cal's POVThe host led me to the table in one of the private back rooms and I had to take a deep breath as I saw my father sitting there. This was the first time I was seeing him since our earlier meeting where he had scolded Lena and me like misbehaving children.Not to mention that the conversation we had before that consisted of him saying that he could ruin Lena's life. Even remembering that got my blood running cold."Cal, good, you're finally here," my father said, not able to miss a chance at even a small dig at me. "Let's get down to business."He said that as if he ever did it any other way. The man was always quick, blunt, and to the point.I sat down across from him without even bothering to walk over and shake his hand or give him a hug. This wasn't the time for formalities. In fact, it was just him and I."Then speak your piece," I said, relaxing into the chair as much as I could to make it seem as if I was comfortable.My father always had to be the l

  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 44 : Restricted Future

    Lena's POVI flipped nervously through the news channels, hoping to see anything except my face, but was unsuccessful. Eventually, I gave up and just left it on the last news channel it landed on.This was not good, not good at all.Of course, it had been in my plan to go to the media and reveal the truth about Cal and I, hoping that their uproar would force everyone to allow Cal and I to do what we wanted, but I would have never revealed the private government details.Like being unable to leave the country.Cal and I had just been in the beginning process of making up when his phone had rang. He didn't want to answer it at first, but I insisted that he did.When was I going to learn?The person on the other end of the line had been his father, and he was furious. I tried to hear what he was saying, but all I could make out were yells. Sometimes, I wasn't sure how Cal dealt with that man.However, it was easy to figure out that the reason for his anger was beca

  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 43 : Illegal Detainment

    Media/Samantha's POVSamantha's phone buzzed on her makeup desk and she grabbed it quickly before the artist had a chance to look at it. She resisted the urge to open it up right then and there and held it tightly in her lap until the artist finished the final touches for the on-air makeup and walked away.As she walked away, Samantha's patience cracked and she brought my phone to her face, glancing once more around her to make sure nobody was looking.The message box blinked at the top of the screen and she clicked it.Her eyes widened as she read the message in shock. This was nothing she would have guessed. Matt needed to know about this right away. He needed to fact check it."Matt!" Samantha called out as she saw him walking by the cameras behind her."What is it?" he asked, coming even closer when she gestured to him."I've heard from a reliable source that Eleanor is being forced to stay here in America, being held against her will," she said in a low voice.

  • My Politically Arranged Marriage   Chapter 42 : Come to a Consensus

    Cal's POVEverything felt right again.It didn't matter how wrong it was, or how much it might hurt me later, kissing Lena just felt right. Especially as her arms hooked around my neck and she kissed me back.Maybe we were volatile, but I could withstand any of the lows if it meant that I got to feel those highs. The euphoria was unlike anything I had ever felt in my life, even including the adrenaline junkie era I had a few years back.This was a whole new type of endorphins.And my body never wanted them to stop.Too bad Lena's body didn't seem to get the message.A sudden noise made Lena pull away from me, my eyes shooting open and searching for her as if I lost the sun. Her lips were off of mine, but she kept her arms around me and she was close enough that I could still feel the warmth of her breath."What just happened?" she practically whispered, her bright eyes burning into me.Man, I had missed those beautiful eyes.Damn. One kiss and I was alread

DMCA.com Protection Status