Page 56 of Bride By Coronation

"Why are you here? This is Fiona's place of work," Adrian prompts.

I quickly interject. "It's a family matter, Adrian. Everything is fine. I promise. I'll be inside in a moment."

His gaze drifts between us. He finally steps back. "I'm inside if you need me, Fiona."

"Thanks. But everything is good, Adrian," I reassure.

He cautiously disappears.

"Damn, Blue," Brax mutters.

I scoff. "How is this Blue's fault?"

"Ever since she decided to get the hots for me, he's put me on his enemy list!"

"Don't be so dramatic."

Brax grabs the letter out of my hand.

"Hey! What are you doing?" I shriek, trying to retrieve it, but he holds it high in the air.

"Go inside, Fiona. Rules are never to be broken. I know you're learning things, but break them, and you die. So do others around you. That's what your father wanted, and that's our reality. And I don't have time for your games. Go inside. Now!" Brax orders.

I gape at him.

He softens his tone, pleading, "Please. You've known me forever. I need you to go inside."

I glance at the SUVs once more, not sure which one the man my brother promised me to is in, then back at Brax. "I need to see who he is or I can't do this."

Brax shakes his head, empathetically asserting, "You read the rules and you know what happens if you don't marry him."

My insides quiver. The people I love flash in my mind, and the thought of the twins growing up as orphans tears at my heart.

Brax puts his hand on my back, maneuvering me toward the front entrance, stating in a low tone, "No one wants anyone to die, Fiona. Please. Just go inside. Your time to meet him is soon."

Confusion, fear, and curiosity swirl within me. I blink hard and glance up.

Brax adds in a regretful tone, "I know this sucks." He puts his hand on the door.

"Wait," I blurt out.

He stills.

My voice cracks, and a tear falls down my cheek. "Am I going to hate him?"

Brax tilts his head and releases a long breath. "No. I don't think so. He has his moments, but he's not that bad."

"Not that bad?" I question.

He shrugs. "Yeah. I'm not that bad either, right?" He wiggles his eyebrows.

I choke out a laugh.

He tugs me into him and hugs me. It's not something he normally does.

For some reason, I sink into it, letting more tears fall.

He hugs me tighter and reassures, "Everything will be okay, Fiona. Just don't break any of the rules, and everything will be fine. I promise. Now, I need you to go inside. This isn't worth someone dying over. Not today."

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