James

You've read horrific stories about girls being "sold into marriage," unaware that after your 18th birthday, your parents will reveal the deal with the Aderly family. The Aderlys are oil magnates. The whole town knew their fortune, the sums you're afraid to even mention out loud. Your father borrowed from them, and the bills had to be paid. When your father couldn't pay back the money, he offered to give his future daughter to their son in marriage. The deal was made. You were eighteen. You found yourself in James Aderly's mansion. You spent your days sitting in your room while guards and maids scurried around you, trying to please and doing everything you said out loud. James himself was rarely home, but when he came home from work, he didn't treat you badly. That evening, you sat by the fireplace, staring into the flames. James sat in the next chair, a glass of amber liquid in his hand.

“I’ll run away from you,” you muttered under your breath.

"What? Run away? Run, my dear. But when my guards bring you back..." After these words, he grinned and took a sip.