Eleanor hesitated before answering, the slightest crack in her voice betraying a hint of pity. “It’s a lot to ask of her, Richard. She’s only just begun to adjust here.”
“Adjust?” he repeated, sounding almost amused. “This is her adjustment. She was born into this life, Eleanor, and maybe… maybe this is her true calling. We owe her parents nothing but gratitude for raising her well. Now, she must learn to fulfill the role she was meant to play.”
In the silence that followed, Sarah’s hands shook, her grip on the doorframe tightening as she felt the sting of tears she refused to let fall.
Her life, a transaction, a fix to save a family she’d only recently met.
She’d known her place here was tenuous, yet hearing it spoken so coldly laid bare the isolation she’d felt ever since stepping into the Caldwell world.
Then, Eleanor’s sigh reached her again, softer now, almost resigned. “And what if Sarah refuses?”
“She won’t,” Richard said, his tone dismissive, as if he’d never even considered that she’d deny them. “She’s obedient, far more than Victoria. And once she understands her role, she’ll accept it.”
A surge of defiance rose within Sarah, clashing against the vulnerability that threatened to consume her.
Slowly, she backed away from the door, retreating down the hallway.
She could barely hear her own footsteps over the echo of their voices in her mind.
She was to be given away as if she were an item in their possession, a tool to secure their reputation and, by extension, their wealth.
Back in her room, Sarah sank onto the bed, the gravity of the moment pressing down on her.
A life in a marriage arranged not for her happiness but to conceal her sister’s indiscretions and keep the Caldwell name untarnished.
..................
Sarah stood outside the Caldwell library, where the words she’d overheard the night before still echoed in her mind.
She clenched her hands, steadying herself as she prepared to enter.
Today, she would confront her biological parents, not to beg, not to fight, but to make her own choice.
When she opened the library doors, Richard looked up, startled, while Eleanor’s teacup paused mid air, her face drawn.
Neither had expected her this morning, certainly not like this.
The sharpness in Sarah’s gaze, the poised determination, was something they were unaccustomed to seeing from the girl they’d labeled quiet and submissive.
“Good morning,” Sarah began, her voice even but resolute. “I overheard your conversation yesterday... about the arrangement with the Blakes.”
Richard straightened, an air of authority enveloping him. “Sarah, this arrangement isn’t easy for us either, but sometimes we all have to make sacrifices for the greater good of the family.”
Sarah’s face remained calm, her eyes never wavering. “For the family’s good,” she echoed. “I understand. And I’ll do it.”
Eleanor blinked in surprise, clearly unprepared for her calm acceptance. “You’ll... accept the engagement?”
“Yes,” Sarah said, her tone clear and unwavering. “I’ll marry Alexander Blake.”
A faint sense of satisfaction crossed Richard’s face, but Eleanor’s frown deepened, uncertain of Sarah’s motives.
“But why would you agree so easily, Sarah?” Eleanor asked, her voice tinged with suspicion. “You barely know Alexander, and this life isn’t what you’re used to.”
Sarah met her gaze, drawing upon every ounce of strength instilled in her by her true parents, the Millers. “I’m doing this to protect my family, the Millers,” she replied softly. “If I marry Alexander, it’ll mean Victoria has less reason to go after them. She’s already creating tension, spreading lies. It’s only a matter of time before she makes things difficult for them back home.”
Richard and Eleanor exchanged glances. It was as if they were beginning to realize, for the first time, that the girl before them was far more than just a displaced country girl.
Her loyalty to the Millers, the family who had raised her, was something they could barely comprehend. But it was that loyalty that seemed to cement her decision now.
“Sarah, this is no small commitment,” Richard warned, though his tone softened. “The Blakes are not easy people, and they expect you to behave as Victoria would. This isn’t a simple substitution.”
“I understand that,” Sarah replied.
She drew in a steady breath, her expression giving no hint of doubt. “I’ve survived a great deal to stand here today, Mr. Caldwell. I can manage this, too.”
Eleanor watched her. “Then if you’re to go through with this, you’ll need to train. Society events, managing household staff, navigating the Blake family’s complicated reputation, these are no small matters.”
Sarah nodded, holding her gaze. “Then teach me. Show me what I need to know.”
The determination in her voice left Richard momentarily speechless, and even Eleanor was at a loss for words.
This was no passive, naive girl in front of them. Sarah had made her choice with a clear eyed resolve that neither could ignore.
“Very well, then,” Richard said at last, with the faintest hint of a nod. “We’ll make the necessary arrangements with the Blakes.”
As Sarah turned to leave, Eleanor called after her, her voice unusually soft. “Sarah… I know this isn’t easy, but perhaps in time, this life will feel like it belongs to you.”
Sarah paused, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her expression before she composed herself once more. “Maybe,” she replied quietly, though she wasn’t sure who she was trying to convince.
Back in her room, Sarah took a moment to let it all sink in.
She would become someone’s wife, a member of the Blake family, a link between two wealthy, powerful houses.
She was stepping into a future entirely removed from the life she’d once imagined for herself.
The next day, Sarah sat at the polished mahogany table. To her left were Richard and Eleanor Caldwell, looking crisp and composed as ever, their postures radiating a sense of authority.
Across from them sat Lawrence and Beatrice Blake, dignified and intimidating in their expensive suits. And in the center of it all was Alexander Blake, seated in his wheelchair, his sharp eyes appraising the room with a detached gaze.
The air was thick with tension as the lawyers finished detailing the terms of the marriage contract.
Sarah kept her hands in her lap, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve as she listened intently.
This was no ordinary marriage agreement, every line of the contract felt like another chain tightening around her freedom.
It was then that she let herself glance directly at Alexander.
He was striking, with high cheekbones and a cool, measured look. His dark hair was styled neatly, and though his face was calm, Sarah caught a flicker of something beneath the surface, a quiet defiance, perhaps, or maybe a simmering frustration. But what stood out most to her was his posture in the wheelchair.
There was a stiffness there, a subtle strain that seemed too precise, as if he were holding himself in place rather than simply sitting.
He looked less resigned than a man should in his condition, and something about it struck her as... unnatural.
She must have stared too long because he suddenly looked up, his gaze meeting hers with piercing intensity.
His eyes were a deep, stormy blue, and they held hers a beat longer than was appropriate.
He didn’t smile, didn’t acknowledge her with even the faintest nod, but his gaze carried a strange understanding, almost as if he, too, felt trapped by this arrangement.
The lawyer’s voice broke the silence. “With that, both parties will sign here, to formalize the engagement and the terms stipulated.”
Beatrice Blake leaned forward, her voice dripping with a polished warmth that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “We are so pleased, Sarah, to have you joining our family. Alexander is a man of high standards and noble character, and we’re confident he’ll make an excellent husband.”
Sarah forced a polite smile, though she could feel Alexander’s gaze on her still. “Thank you, Mrs. Blake,” she replied, keeping her voice steady.
Alexander finally spoke, his voice low but with a trace of a dry, unyielding wit. “You’ll have to forgive my mother, Sarah. She tends to speak as if I’m not here.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Beatrice’s face, though she quickly masked it with a delicate chuckle. “Oh, Alexander, dear, we’re just thrilled that you’ll have such a lovely bride by your side during your recovery.”
“Recovery?” Sarah repeated, her brow arching slightly as she looked at him.
“Yes, recovery,” he replied smoothly, his gaze narrowing as he watched her reaction. “My ‘accident’ has left me in this chair, after all.”
Something about the way he said “accident” felt off, like a challenge wrapped in a confession.
She held his gaze, wondering just how deep his hidden struggles ran. But whatever she was seeing, Alexander seemed in no hurry to reveal.
The Past.St. Mary’s Hospital was quiet in the early hours, the hum of fluorescent lights echoing through stark white corridors as nurses shuffled from one room to the next.Outside, the first hints of dawn struggled against the heavy clouds, casting a pale glow through the windows.Inside the maternity ward, Nurse Evelyn Harper leaned against the counter, fighting a wave of exhaustion.She had been on her feet for nearly sixteen hours, her second double shift this week, and the weight of it pressed into her bones.She closed her eyes briefly, massaging her temples. Just one more check, she thought.One last round, and then she could rest.The nursery lay behind a large glass window where two tiny newborns, each wrapped in soft pink blankets, slept soundly.A little card with their names and times of birth rested on the foot of each crib.Evelyn glanced at the chart and made her way into the nursery, her steps heavy but practiced.She picked up the baby in the first crib, glancing at
Nights on the mountain were peaceful. Sarah would sit by the window, her face illuminated by candlelight as she read the few books they had at home.They were mostly second hand novels, dog eared and worn, but they were treasures to her.She would press her fingers to the faded words, tracing their outlines as if memorizing every curve, every letter.Her mother, Mary, would come in sometimes, her arms full of firewood, her face tired but warm.“Books are like windows,” Mary would say, patting Sarah’s hand. “Even if you can’t see everything yet, they’ll open up worlds for you someday.”Sarah believed her. She knew they didn’t have much, but somehow, her parents made her feel as if the world was hers to explore.She dreamed big, even though it was hard to imagine a life beyond the mountain.One day, when she was fourteen, she sat with her father by the river that ran through the valley. The afternoon sun cast golden flecks across the water, and they sat in comfortable silence, a picnic
Within moments, the silver haired woman was seated at the kitchen table, a porcelain teacup steaming in her hand.James crouched outside, already working on the Bentley’s engine, while Mary laid out a plate of lemon cake and offered Margaret a warm smile.As they sipped tea, Margaret listened attentively, asking Sarah questions about her life, her interests, and the mountain that seemed to shape her very soul.It wasn’t long before Sarah was showing her a sketchbook she kept hidden in her room, each page filled with designs and delicate patterns she dreamed up in the quiet hours.They were tiny works of art, details of wings and leaves, petals unfurling like secrets she was only just beginning to understand.Margaret flipped through the pages with the same careful attention she’d shown the wire sculptures, nodding thoughtfully.“Sarah,” she said finally, her voice soft but serious, “I believe there is something extraordinary within you. Have you ever heard of jewelry design?”Sarah sh
The crisp morning air was strangely still, as if the whole world was holding its breath.At the Caldwell mansion, sunlight spilled through floor to ceiling windows, casting a cool glow over the marble floors.Eleanor Caldwell sat poised on the edge of an ornate armchair, her knuckles white as she held the envelope in her hands.Across the room, her husband Richard paced in front of the towering stone fireplace, his brow furrowed, his eyes locked on the same envelope he held.Meanwhile, miles away in a quiet farmhouse nestled between rolling hills, Mary Miller stood by the kitchen table, her fingers trembling as she stared at the letter in her hands.James sat beside her, his hand resting atop hers.His face was lined with worry and the strain of sleepless nights, yet his gaze was steady, holding onto the hope that the results in Mary’s hands would only confirm what they had always believed.That Sarah was theirs.But neither household was prepared for the truth written in sterile, unf
Eleanor stiffened, but Richard took over, stepping forward and handing a sheaf of documents to James. “These are notarized documents. We’re prepared to offer full financial compensation for Sarah’s education, her living expenses, and more if she comes with us. We intend to give her the life she deserves, and we expect your cooperation.”James looked down at the documents, his face hardening.He could see the unspoken truth in Richard’s words, the desperation lurking beneath their polished veneer.The Caldwells weren’t here because they wanted to right a wrong or embrace the daughter they’d never known, they were here because Victoria, their real daughter, had been a burden too heavy to bear.Whispers of scandal had reached even their quiet village.Victoria’s name had become synonymous with excess, with careless rebellion. It wasn’t Sarah they wanted, it was a replacement.James held the papers at arm’s length, his face tight with anger. “You think you can just walk in here with your
Upstairs, Sarah’s room looked so much smaller than she remembered, her belongings so few and plain against the faded walls.The sight of her life, stripped to its barest essentials, made her chest ache.A stack of old books on her nightstand, filled with scribbled notes and worn pages, the tiny wooden carving her father had given her when she’d learned to read, a small bundle of dried flowers her mother had tied with ribbon and kept in a mason jar on her dresser.She picked each one up slowly, trying to etch the memory of them into her mind.She carefully packed her clothes into a simple duffel bag, the material rough under her fingers as she folded each shirt and dress.She slipped in her sketchpad, its cover worn from years of use, the pages inside filled with designs and notes, sketches she’d drawn while lying on the grassy hill behind the farmhouse.It felt like she was leaving behind more than just her possessions.With every item she packed, she was leaving behind pieces of her
Social Media Frenzy: Public Divides Over #SwitchScandalAcross social media platforms, opinions clashed, ranging from sympathy for the quiet girl thrust into high society, to accusations that Sarah was only in it for the Caldwell fortune.The hashtag #SwitchScandal trended overnight, as strangers dissected every detail of her life, her family’s life, and what the news meant for them all.As debates raged online, other headlines emerged, tugging the story in different directions.“Eighteen Years of Lies: Who Really Deserves the Caldwell Name?”“Sarah’s Simple Life: How a Country Girl Became an Heiress”“Victoria Reed’s Society Status Under Threat Amid Heiress Drama”People speculated endlessly on the implications for both young women, the lives they would be forced to navigate, and the challenges that lay ahead.Talk shows filled their airtime with commentary, journalists debated which family deserved Sarah, and tabloids printed half truths, attempting to fuel public curiosity even mor
Sarah’s mind raced as she tried to find the words that might satisfy him. “I, uh, went to the local school,” she said quietly. “I did well, but it was a small place… not like the schools here, I’m sure.”“Local schools,” Richard echoed, his gaze steady but with an edge of skepticism. “So, no formal training in any… refined skills?”Sarah’s jaw tensed, but she forced herself to keep her voice steady. “No formal training,” she replied, keeping her gaze on her plate. “But I did learn some skills from a neighbor.”“Such as?” Eleanor inquired, her voice light but curious.Sarah took a breath, realizing she’d stepped into a story she couldn’t retract now. “Jewelry design. I met someone in our village when I was younger, and she taught me a bit. I’d make little pieces sometimes.”Eleanor’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Jewelry? That’s rather… unique.”“It was more of a hobby,” Sarah added quickly, feeling Richard’s eyes still on her, weighing her every word.Her mind flashed to Margaret Windsor
Sarah felt the weight of the moment settle over her.Her fingers absentmindedly traced the rim of her coffee cup as she glanced at Alexander.His protective demeanor was evident, his gaze unwavering as he watched her.“Did he mention specifics?” Sarah finally asked, her voice soft but steady.Margaret nodded. “He mentioned a meeting to discuss the details further, nothing is set in stone yet. But it’s clear he sees Mountain Rose as a valuable asset.”Alexander’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I don’t trust him,” he said bluntly. “And I don’t want you walking into something that could compromise your independence, Sarah. You’ve built Mountain Rose from the ground up. You don’t need Blake Group to validate your work.”Sarah gave him a small, grateful smile. “I know, Alexander. And I appreciate your support. But if there’s a chance to expand the brand and bring it to more people without losing its essence, isn’t it worth at least hearing them out?”Margaret interjected gently, “You don’
They finally disentangled themselves from the sheets and began getting ready.Sarah hummed as she rummaged through her suitcase for something to wear, while Alexander leaned against the bathroom door, watching her with amusement.“Do you think Margaret will notice if we’re a little late? And why the sudden breakfast?” he asked casually.Sarah glanced at him, arching a brow. “She’ll notice. And then she’ll scold me for letting you sleep in.”Alexander smirked. “I don’t mind taking the blame if it means a few more minutes alone with you.”Sarah rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her. “You’re hopeless,” she said, shaking her head as she pulled out a dress.“Hopelessly in love with you,” he corrected, his voice light but sincere.Sarah paused, looking over at him with a soft smile. “Good thing I’m hopelessly in love with you too, then.”Dressed to perfection, Sarah adjusted the hem of her chic, pastel dress, the soft fabric flowing gracefully as she stepped into the room where Alexan
Alexander’s lips found Sarah’s in a kiss that started soft but deepened with an intensity that left no room for doubt.It was the kind of kiss that spoke of love, longing, and unspoken promises.Sarah responded in kind, her arms wrapping around his neck, her fingers threading through his hair as their breaths mingled and the world beyond their suite ceased to exist.Alexander’s hands, steady yet reverent, moved to Sarah’s waist, pulling her closer as though afraid she might slip away.Her scent, warm and inviting, enveloped him, and the warmth of her touch ignited something raw within him.He broke the kiss only to trail his lips along her jawline, planting gentle kisses down the curve of her neck.Sarah sighed, her head tilting to give him better access, her heartbeat quickening with every caress.Her hands roamed over his chest, slipping beneath his shirt to feel the heat of his skin.Alexander shivered at her touch, his restraint teetering on the edge. “Sarah…” he murmured against
The gala drew to a close, the glittering lights dimming as the event transitioned into quiet farewells. The crowd of fashion elite thinned, and the once buzzing atmosphere settled into the polite murmurs of guests departing for the night.Near the grand entrance, Alexander, Liam, Sarah, and Margaret stood in a loose circle, exchanging parting words.Margaret, ever the gracious mentor, reached out to clasp Sarah’s hand. “You’ve done brilliantly, my dear,” she said warmly. “Mountain Rose has left an indelible mark tonight. You’ve made me so proud.”Sarah smiled, her cheeks tinged pink from both the praise and the lingering tension of the evening. “Thank you, Margaret. I couldn’t have done it without your guidance.”Liam chimed in, his easy charm lighting up the moment. “She’s a natural. You’d better watch out, Alexander. Sarah’s destined to outshine us all in the jewelry world.”Alexander’s lips curved into a faint smile, though his hand instinctively tightened on the armrest of his whe
Alexander froze mid motion, his heart pounding as the shrill cry echoed through the grand hall.“Sarah,” he murmured, his voice a mix of alarm and urgency. Forgetting his ruse of reliance on the wheelchair, he pushed it with one hand, propelling himself faster toward the center of the room where a crowd was beginning to gather.The sea of guests parted slightly, and Alexander’s breath caught at the sight before him.Sarah, pale and shaken, was being helped to her feet by Liam, who looked equally concerned.Her gown was slightly askew, and the delicate straps of her shoes seemed out of place, one bent as though it had twisted mid step.“What happened?” Alexander’s voice was sharp as he reached Sarah, his gaze scanning her face for any sign of pain or injury.Liam glanced at him, his expression unusually serious. “She must have slipped on the polished floor,” he explained, steadying Sarah as she swayed slightly. “She’s fine, but she hit the floor hard.”“I’m fine, really,” Sarah interje
“Well,” he said, taking a small step back, “I’ll leave you both to enjoy the evening. Don’t forget, Sarah, there’s always a place for you in my corner of the industry.”With that, he clinked his glass lightly against hers one last time before turning away, disappearing into the crowd.Sarah exhaled slowly, tension she hadn’t realized she’d been holding easing from her shoulders.She turned to Alexander, whose expression was a study in restraint.“I...” she began, but Alexander cut her off, his voice low and firm.“Not here,” he said, his eyes flicking briefly to the crowd before returning to her. “Let’s just focus on the gala for now.”Though his words were measured, the look in his eyes spoke volumes. This wasn’t over, not by a long shot.Sarah excused herself to use the washroom.The soft hum of the gala’s festivities faded as she stepped into the lavishly decorated washroom.The walls were lined with opulent mirrors, their gold filigree frames reflecting the soft, warm light.She t
Cecilia raised a perfectly arched brow, a flicker of surprise crossing her features before she masked it with an amused smile. “Wife? Well, isn’t that unexpected?” She chuckled softly, though it lacked warmth. “I would have thought you’d... wait longer to settle down. Considering everything.”Alexander’s expression darkened, and Sarah felt the weight of his restraint. “What I do with my life is none of your concern, Cecilia,” he said sharply. “You made your choices. I made mine.”Cecilia’s eyes flashed, and she tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Oh, Alexander, don’t be like that. I only meant... you’ve been through so much. It’s just surprising to see you with someone so... fresh faced. Doesn’t she look barely out of school?”The jab was subtle but clear, and Sarah stiffened.Her instinct was to retort, but Alexander beat her to it.“Sarah is everything I’ve ever wanted,” Alexander said firmly, his voice cutting through the tension. “And more than you could ever understand.”Cecili
The grand hall was a dazzling display of opulence, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors and gilded walls.The Paris Fashion Gala had drawn a crowd of elite figures from across the globe, designers, celebrities, business magnates, and journalists, all mingling in their most extravagant attire.As Alexander and Sarah entered, their presence immediately commanded attention.Heads turned, and a murmur rippled through the crowd.It wasn’t just Alexander Blake, the formidable businessman, or Sarah, his stunning wife, it was their palpable aura as a couple that drew people in.“Mr. Blake!” A portly man with a thick French accent approached, his hand extended in greeting. “A pleasure to see you again. It’s been too long.”“Good to see you, Jacques,” Alexander replied smoothly, shaking his hand while subtly shifting his chair to ensure Sarah was included in the conversation. “Allow me to introduce my wife, Sarah Blake.”Jacques beamed as he turned to Sar
As they made their final preparations, Sarah added subtle jewelry to complement the gown, delicate emerald earrings and a matching bracelet.Alexander, ever attentive, adjusted the clasp on her necklace, his fingers brushing against her skin.She shivered at the touch, and he noticed, his lips quirking into a knowing smile.Once they were ready, Sarah stood back to admire the both of them in the mirror.They looked like a power couple straight out of a fairy tale, her radiant in green and him a pillar of poise and strength, even in his chair.“You know,” she said playfully, “if I didn’t know better, I’d say we look like we’re about to take over the world.”Alexander raised a brow. “Who says we’re not?”They both laughed, and he held out a hand. “Shall we, Mrs. Blake?”“We shall,” she replied, her heart swelling as she took his hand.She bent down to place another lingering kiss on his lips before standing straight again.“We’re going to turn heads tonight,” he said as they exited the