Mia’s thoughts spiraled as the pain sank deeper into her chest. She had been clear last night, blatantly clear. When her father suggested the marriage to Julian Thorn, she hadn’t hesitated to shut it down. She had refused outright, making it impossible for him to misunderstand her stance. But now, just hours later, he had gone ahead and announced it to the world, as if her refusal meant nothing.

She had suspected he would do something like this, but she never expected it to be this soon.

Her hands trembled as she clutched her phone, her thoughts spiraling further. Did Stefan know? Had he seen the news yet? Her heart...