Chapter 6

"I won't do it," I said, my voice steadier than I expected as I stood in the center of Mr. Wilde's study. "I won't marry Samuel Rodriguez."

The morning light cast long shadows across the room, highlighting the rigid set of my father's jaw. Mrs. Wilde's perfectly manicured nails drummed against the leather armrest of her chair, while Celestine shifted uncomfortably by the window.

"Don't be ridiculous," Mr. Wilde snapped. "This isn't a request, Lark. It's happening. The arrangements have already been made."

"Then unmake them," I countered, surprising myself with my boldness. "Surely there are other solutions. I could…