A Desperate Bargain

Under her pacification, Desmond gradually turned calm.

He grasped her hand as if he had found an incredibly comforting presence.

“Rowie, don't meet with Victor. Don't agree to his terms!”

Rowena hesitated.

“Rowie, promise me, as we agreed before!”

Desmond gripped her hand tightly, not noticing he was causing red marks to form on her hand.

“I promise you I'll never marry him, but... I'm sorry!”