Chapter 457
Chapter 457
Chapter 258: Who’s Next?
Reese
My first reaction was to laugh.
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Not a chuckle. Not a scoff. But a full, unrestrained, almost hysterical laugh tore from my chest.
I threw my head back and laughed so hard that tears spilled from my eyes, my ribs aching with every breath I dragged in between fits. He couldn’t be serious. He couldn’t possibly be serious. There were limits to madness–even for him.
My body shook under the weight of it as I dragged my hands through my hair, pulling at the roots like I needed pain to remind me this wasn’t some elaborate, sick joke.
Because what?
What sane man announces a forced marriage like he’s assigning a business contract?
“Are you done?” my father asked calmly, as if he hadn’t just casually detonated my life. As if he hadn’t just mapped out my entire future without bothering to consult me first.
That alone made me laugh harder.
I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes, still experiencing aftershocks from the laughter. “Thank you, Father. I haven’t laughed that much in a long time. Truly. I needed that p>
But he didn’t look amused nor did he look pleased. He didn’t look like a man who had just delivered a joke.
“This is good, then,” he said coolly. “I take it you’ll be laughing all the way to the altar? In that case, everything’s settled. You can leave now. I’ll arrange for Lauren to pay you a visit when she returns from Paris p>
I didn’t let him finish.
“Are you out of your mind?!” I slammed my hand down on the desk, the sound cracking through the room like a bomb. “ Is something wrong with you p>
The papers jumped. The glass on his table rattled. But he didn’t flinch nor blink. He just cocked a brow, studying me like I was the one being unreasonable.
“What the hell are you talking about?!” I lashed out, pushing to my feet. “ Is there really no limit to your cruelty p>
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Chapter 457
“Zachary, I’d advise you watch that tone,” he said calmly. “Remember who you’re speaking to p>
“Fuck that,” I snapped, because the more he spoke, the clearer it became that he wasn’t joking. Not even a little.
I kicked the chair back as I stood, the legs scraping harshly against the floor. The sound was ugly. Sharp. Exactly how I felt inside.
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“I never asked for your help in finding a wife!” I shouted. “Hell, I’m not even fit to be anyone’s husband! What is wrong with you?! First it. was River! Now it’s me! Who’s next? Ramsey? Riley? Or maybe it’ll be Rosie p>
The thought of Riley–sweet, stubborn Riley–being trapped in one of his political cages made bile rise in my throat. But he still barely
reacted.
No anger. No guilt. No concern.
Just that infuriating, composed stillness. The kind that told you he believed himself untouchable.
“Everything I do is what’s best for you,” he said, as if he hadn’t just flipped my entire life upside down.
“What’s best for me?!” I exploded, dragging my hands through my hair again. “Do I look like I’m in diapers to you?! Do I look like a child who needs his hand held while crossing the street p>
He remained silent, watching me unravel like it was a spectacle meant for his private enjoyment. The calm in his eyes made my blood boil
even hotter.
To show him just how furious I was, I slapped the pictures and documents off the desk, papers scattering across the floor like fallen leaves–contracts, profiles, photographs, all reduced to litter at his feet.
“I’m not doing it,” I said firmly, my chest heaving. “I am not marrying that girl. Or anyone else, for that matter. I don’t want that life. I don’t want you planning my life, Father. I am a grown man. And I do not need your help finding a life partner–if I ever even decide I
want one p>
My voice dropped lower, colder.
“For all I know, the girl in question doesn’t even want to be tied down to someone like me. It’s fine if you want to make me miserable, but don’t involve someone else in your schemes. Stay out of my life p>
21:58 Tue, Jan 20
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.