Page 16 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

Nora’s eyes flicker over my face. She doesn’t look convinced—but she doesn’t look like she’s saying no, either. I continue ranting, now feeling certain.

“We’ll tell them we’re going undercover as a married couple to find out the truth about what happened. It's a way to help you out and clear the air around my name. This presents an image of stability and commitment to my superiors. It can help counteract the negative perceptions towards me created by the scandal. It’ll show them what lengths I can go to for a mission.”

“This is marriage,” she says, frowning.

I shake my head. “This is a mission. We’ve done similar before where we used fake identities to infiltrate foreign territories. This is the same thing, Nora.” There’s a moment of silence between us as I await her response.

“Can you try to comprehend the implications of entering into a fake marriage?” she asks, unable to hide her fears and restrictions.

“You're taking this too seriously. There won't be any implications. We won't really get married. We can stop pretending once Ethan’s behavior dies down. Only my superiors will be aware of the arrangement being fake, but I need your cooperation, Nora.” I hold her two hands firmly, pleading with my eyes to get her agreement.

“I still can’t see how this will help,” she says reluctantly.

“A fake marriage will offer you a way out of your own personal crisis. It will provide me with some relief from the intense scrutiny I’m under, and give me space to navigate the fallout from the scandal more effectively. Who knows, the commander might release a press statement saying I’m trustworthy and stop the rumors. I need the help of someone I can trust to solve this issue.”

“No, I can’t… It’s not a good idea,” she says, freeing her hands from mine and heaving a deep sigh before making a move to leave.

“Will you at least think about it?” I ask as she reaches the door, my question halting her in her tracks.

“Okay. I’ll think about it.” She presses the lever and shuts the door with a click. Even though it’s selfish of me, I find myself hoping and praying she agrees, or I’ll be left to think of some other way to stop this drama. Any other way would involve my superiors which would only make matters worse.

Chapter five

Nora

Sitting on the couch, I watch the rain drops pelt endlessly on the well-manicured lawn as I brood over Chase’s suggestion. “Why don’t we get married?” That was what I just ran away from, and it seems like I’m running back into it. Now, isn’t that déjà vu? That’s the last thing I’d ever think of doing to get myself out of this mess.

Chase is fiddling with some gadget on the other end of the couch, bent in half with a screwdriver in his hand. I’m trying to pay attention to anything except my cell phone and Ethan’s most recent text.

You could still come back to me, you know. You should stop this drama while my parents are still ready to take you back.

Come back! As if! How did I ever get engaged to such a jerk? I suppose it’s because I’ve always wanted to please my parents. And look where that got me. With an arrogant, pompous and conceited man who won’t get off my case!

I look at the news headlines again, and I feel anger coursing through me. There's a new headline daily and each one has Ethan's name written all over it. Drama unfolds as High-profile Politician Ethan Sinclair, faces Public Humiliation When Bride-to-be Nora Evans, Daughter of Fellow Power Player, Flees from Wedding Ceremony leaving him in Despair!

Despair?! The Ethan I spoke to yesterday did not sound like he was in despair! He sounded totally fine. Putting on a facade and making it look like I would never amount to anything without him, while trying to sound dejected, and blaming me for ruining his reputation.

My phone dings with multiple text messages.

Are you done with your tantrum, Nora?

I cringe seeing my name. There was a way he used my name that literally raised the hairs on my back. I wish I had paid attention to it before.

I have a press conference at 8.00am tomorrow. I need your response by this evening so I can release a statement to the press about our wedding. Call me when you see this!

I should have blocked him after that call. I drop the phone on the couch and look at the lush greenery outside as the rain stops. Chase does have a flair for luxury.

Ethan's name pops up on the screen, and I resist the urge to kick the phone away. Will he ever give up? Can’t he just take my silence as a no? Or maybe I’ve been quiet for so long that my silence just seems to be a yes to him or to everyone except the one person standing in front of me right now.

I look up, and Chase’s eyes are on my ringing phone. He looks away when I catch him.

“Chase… I…” I swallow thinking of what to say as I’m torn between picking up the call and what to say to Chase.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to do it.” He says softly, a far cry from his earlier insistence.

Another text arrives.

Nora, do not ruin my reputation. Pick up the damn phone!

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