Chapter 3
News of my broken engagement with Lawrence spread like wildfire.
The beating I expected from my father never came.
Instead, my father cut off all contact with my siblings inEngland -his favorite punishment when he was pissed.
He and my stepmother began hunting for a suitable replacement husband. They needed to marry me off to someone wealthy to maintain the Bennett family’s social standing.
But the rumors outside were getting nastier by the day.
People whispered I’d done disgusting things to please Lawrence over the years. That I was “used goods” and probably couldn’t even have children anymore.
No decent man in New York would take me now.
My father’s temper grew worse. And so did my life.
Two months after our broken engagement, another bombshell dropped: Lawrence was getting engaged again–to Viola.
He’d even gone against his parents for her.
The gossip vultures made sure I heard every detail. I knew what they wanted–they were bored and missed having me around as their personal circus act.
“Kristin, I think Lawrence still has feelings for you.”
“Life’s pretty rough now, huh? Why not beg him to take you
back?”
“He’s actually a softie. Cry a little, maybe threaten suicide–he might change his mind.”
“Viola’s got nothing on you. You’re way
hotter”
I ignored them all and focused on preparing for marriage.
A week ago, I spent an entire night on my knees begging until Dad finally agreed to let me take my barely–adult sister’s place in an arranged marriage in Los Angeles.
I was set to marry Asher Thorne, the eldest son of the Thorne family in Los Angeles. He has a reputation for ruthlessness.
Everyone called him the uncrowned king of LA’s elite. He’s powerful but crippled in one leg with a volatile temper to match.
But I’m not scared. Anything to escape the Bennett house and secure my siblings‘ freedom.
Besides, New York has nothing left for me.
In LA, maybe I’d find a way to survive.
20:10
Begging Me Back? Sorry I Was Already the Queen of Your Enemey
6.7%
ש Toidy
60%
C
