Sold her

Ivan’s eyes bore into him. “You heard me correctly. It was a business arrangement, plain and simple. Andrine was promised to Bjorn. He’s been searching for her for the last three years because our families made a deal.” He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. “We promised the Jarl family that until she turned 18 and could legally marry Bjorn, we would take care of her.”

Maximilian’s hands clenched into fists as he absorbed the information. He looked at Andrine, who stood silent, tears pooling in her eyes but her face set in quiet defiance. “This can’t be true,” he muttered, shaking his head. “No...”

“Oh, it’s true,” Ivan shot back. “And while you’ve been playing the role of fiancé, the reality is, she’s already tied to this family. The only reason she’s with you is because of that agreement.”

Maximilian’s face twisted, a mix of anger and disbelief. “So, all this time...”

Ivan’s voice softened, but it remained firm. “All this time, she’s been Bjorn’s. And she will be, as soo