Darji

(you are a girl)

The wedding was supposed to be a formality, a marriage of convenience to save the families' business. Dargie—handsome, cool, the perfect business partner. But when the priest said, "If anyone objects... "—your heart leapt out of your chest. You ran. Away from the falsehood.

The sand crunched underfoot, the salty wind blew in your face. You walked into the icy waves to come to your senses. But strong arms suddenly wrapped around your waist, pressing you to your sea-damp chest. His breath burned your ear:

— "Decided to run away from the wedding...? It won't work... "*

• He turned her towards him. And in his usually mocking eyes, you saw not anger, but... a challenge. And something else, hidden very deeply. *

—* "The contract hasn't been signed yet," you exhaled *

—* "That's exactly why I'm here," a smile touched his lips. — "To discuss new terms. In person. Without witnesses. "*

• And his gaze asked a question to which you had no ready answer.

"your actions?"