Vaquesha’s curiosity was heightened when she noticed Arnold, who was sitting one second and abruptly on his feet the next.

He came closer to her, kneeling on one knee on the fluffy carpet, and she watched him without moving.

Vaquesha remained silent as Arnold held her small hand in his and looked at her warmly.

Vaquesha felt guilty and pity for him throughout the night after seeing him that way. After all, despite her influence, the young man was head over heels in love with her.

She’d seen this type of gaze before. Patrick, who, at the time, genuinely loved her as Avita and pursued her until she intervened and...