Page 71 of The Reluctant Heir

If I marry Damek, I’m going to be spending a lot of time with the woman. And she despises me.

I could change her mind about me over time. But there is always a chance that she won’t change her mind.

Do I want to spend the rest of my life withheras a mother-in-law?

No. No, I don’t.

But then I consider all the other options. Every heir that I’ve met I haven’t clicked with. Some of them were nice and attractive enough, but there was no spark. Which always brings me right back around to Damek.

Damek is the only option that I’m comfortable with. He’s not only attractive and kind, but we have chemistry. I could picture a life with him. However, the picture is a bit incomplete since I hardly know him.

I wonder if my dad would be okay with a long engagement. It would give me time to get to know him before we get married. But then I remember my dad saying he got married in less than a week. But he cheated on his wife with my mother, so maybe he will consider a different option for me.

I think about my father and his marriage. Even though I exist because he cheated on Eden, I get the feeling that he loves her now.

Maybe this political marriage thing will work.

Feeling resolved, I decide it must be Damek. He is the only option that I am comfortable with.

I turn to head toward Kaine’s office but realize I don’t want to tell him, not yet anyway. Instead, I find myself heading to Julien’s room. He’s the only one I want to talk to right now anyway.

Even though Julien always just lets himself into my room without an invitation, I knock on his door and wait outside for him to answer.

“Come in, Maddie,” he yells.

I let myself in and find Julien sitting at his desk. He’s doing something on his computer but he shuts it and turns to face me.

“What’s up, big sis?” He stands up and makes his way toward me.

I look up at him. “I might be older, but you’re bigger.”

He smirks. “That’s because you’re short.”

I scowl at him. “I don’t need to be reminded about my lack of height.”

He rests his arm on the top of my head. “You’re the perfect height.”

I wouldn’t say that I’m the perfect height, but then again I’ve spent most of my teenage and adult years lamenting how short I am compared to my succubi cousins.

“I’m not in here to discuss my height,” I tell him.

“Then what are you here to discuss?”

“Dad says I have until the end of the month to choose a husband.”

Julien’s eyes widen. He tugs on my arm, pulling me toward his couch. “Come on. We should sit for this discussion.”

I allow him to tug me along. I take a seat beside him on the couch wondering where to start.

“So… you’re going to choose Damek, right?” Julien asks.

I nod. “If Damek will agree.”

Julien shoots me a look. “Of course he’ll agree. The guy is half in love with you already.”

“WHAT?” I blink, then shake my head. “No. You’re wrong. He’s not in love with me.”

He ignores me. “Have you told Kaine yet?”

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