Chapter 3

Clara instinctively took a step back, putting space between them, panic flashing in her eyes. "Mr. Kane, please don't joke around. I'm engaged, there's no way anything could happen between us."

"Engaged?" Elliot arched a brow, his voice dripping with disdain. "A loveless arrangement like that can't bind anyone. If you want out, I'll make it happen."

"It's not that easy," Clara said, shaking her head, her tone serious. "This marriage was arranged by the elders of both the Sterling and Hart Families. It involves family honour and social ties. It is not something I can easily walk away from."