The Secret Billionaire Heiress Strikes Back

Chapter 1

The iron gates of Blackwater Correctional Facility were clanged shut behind Ravyn Hawkins for the last time ever in her life, but the sound didn't bring the relief she'd once imagined it would. Rather it left her feeling out of bounds.

After all..after five years behind prison, only taught her that freedom was another kind of cage, just with prettier bars.

A sleek black sedan was parked beyond the prison gates, and the butler who stepped out wore the same immaculate uniform she remembered from her childhood, though his hair had gone completely silver in her absence.

His face was neutral as she approached her.

"Miss Ravyn," he said with a slight bow, his voice carrying none of the warmth she might have once hoped for. "I'm to escort you home."

Home. The word felt foreign on her tongue but Ravyn nodded silently, holding on tight to the small plastic bag containing her few possessions-a change of clothes, a photograph of her sons (a secret she will take to the grave before her family found out), and the worn paperback book that had kept her sane during the darkest months.

She slid into the backseat without a word, noting how the butler's eyes never quite met hers in the rearview mirror.

When the sedan pulled through the wrought-iron gates of the Hawkins estate, Ravyn's breath caught despite herself.

The butler led her through the servants' entrance, which was a small humiliation that was not lost on either of them. Ravyn knew that her biological parents had ordered the butler to treat her nothing more as a servant after all. The butler led her through the corridors that were filled with generations of family portraits dating back 100 years.

When they finally got to the dining room, where Ravyn could hear the sounds of conversation going on, the clanking of cutleries against dishes, she could see her whole family seated around the mahogany table like the picture of a perfect family with no cracks or dark skeletons in the cupboard. They looked up as she entered, and for a moment, time seemed suspended.

Garret Hawkins sat at the head of the table, wearing a suit that probably caused more than what people made in a year. Her biological father-the man whose blood ran through her veins but who had never claimed her as anything more than an obligation.

Beside him, Eleanor Hawkins-her mother in DNA only-maintained her composure gracefully, looking at her with nothing but contempt and scorn.

Nathan Hawkins, her eldest brother, sat in his chair, with the air of a man who had never doubted his place in the world.

Jeremy Hawkins, the middle son and golden boy of the family, sat straighter in his chair. At twenty-eight, he had always been the most eager to please their parents, the one who followed every rule and exceeded every expectation. On his face, were the traces of guilt, which he managed to mask under the distaste that he had for her.

And there, in the place of honor at their mother's right hand, sat Aspen Hawkins. The girl who had stolen her life and was favoured on by everyone in the family.

"Ravyn." Her father's voice cut through the silence like a blade. "You look... different."

"Mr. Hawkins," she replied, her face betraying nothing of the real emotions she felt inside.

A flicker of something-surprise? disappointment?-crossed her father's face at the formal address that she had given him. Eleanor tight Eleanor's lips tightened almost imperceptibly, the only sign that the distance in Ravyn's greeting had found its mark.

"Please," Eleanor said, gesturing to an empty chair that was located at the far end of the table, as far from the family as possible while still technically including her.

"Sit. Maria will bring you something to eat."

Ravyn took her assigned place without complaint, noting how the chair had been set with the second-best china, even on her first day of return, they could not help acting cruel towards her.

The conversation resumed around her as if she were a piece of furniture. Nathan and Jeremy discussed while Eleanor and Aspen talked about upcoming charity galas, and shopping trips.

Meanwhile Ravyn ate the simple meal Maria placed before her, which also was a far cry from the elaborate spread the rest of the family enjoyed and listened in on their conversation, keeping up to date with things that she did not know of.

The old Ravyn would have tried to join the conversation, desperate for any scrap of affection, losing her dignity in the process, but not this time.

"The basement room has been prepared for you," Eleanor announced during a lull in conversation, not bothering to look in Ravyn's direction. "Maria will show you where everything is."

"Thank you, Mrs. Hawkins," she said, and this time Eleanor's hand paused halfway to her wine glass.

The formal address hung in the air between them and Ravyn smirked softly to herself, knowing that if Eleanor spoke up about the title, then it meant her actions to treat them as strangers were hurting them.

After dinner, Ravyn followed Maria down the hallway of corridors to a door she'd never noticed as a child.

The basement room was small but clean, and it was furnished with basic necessities-a single bed, a narrow dresser, a small desk beneath a window that looked out at ground level. It smelled faintly of cleaning products and disuse.

"I'm sorry it's not much, Miss," Maria whispered, her weathered hands smoothing the simple bedspread with nervous energy, not daring to meet my eyes.

"I tried to make it comfortable."

"It's perfect," Ravyn replied, and meant it. After a prison cell, this felt like luxury to her, no roommates, no torture lined up, no more being raped without her permission.

"Thank you for your kindness."

Maria's eyes filled with tears, and she squeezed Ravyn's hand briefly before hurrying away.

She had barely finished unpacking her meager belongings when she heard approaching footsteps and she turned around to see that it was Jeremy who had showed up on her doorway, looking agitated. His hair was disheveled, his tie loosened, and his face flushed with what looked like wine and frustration.

"There's a party tomorrow night at Grandfather's house," he started speaking, leaning against the doorframe as if he owned not just the house but her very existence.

"The family story is that you've been abroad all these years-studying in Europe, traveling, finding yourself. Whatever bullshit sounds believable. You will not, under any circumstances, let them think anything else. Do you understand me?"

Ravyn made a small sound of acknowledgment, it wasn't agreement, or submission. It was more like to indicate that she'd heard him.

The noncommittal response snapped whatever restraint Jeremy had been maintaining.

His face darkened, and before Ravyn could react, he slapped her as she cut her lip, tasting blood in her mouth

"When I speak to you, you answer properly," he snarled, his voice rough with an emotion that she could not identify.

"I'm not some prison guard you can ignore. I'm your brother, and you will show me the respect I deserve."

Ravyn slowly turned her head back to face him, her hand rising to touch the burning spot on her cheek. She did not look at him, as she spoke.

"I apologize, Master Jeremy. It won't happen again."

"I... you..." He struggled for words, clearly unprepared for her complete emotional withdrawal. "Damn it, Ravyn. Why are you acting like this? Like you don't even know me?"

Because I don't, she thought but didn't say. The Jeremy she'd once known, had died the day he helped frame her for murder. This man wearing his face was a stranger who happened to share her blood.

"I understand my place, Master Jeremy," she said instead. "I won't cause any trouble."

Before Jeremy could respond. Aspen appeared at the bottom of the staircase, looking innocent to whoever was gullible enough to see her as an angel.

"Jeremy, what's going on down here?"

"I heard raised voices and thought... oh!" She gasped theatrically as she noticed the red mark on Ravyn's cheek. "What happened? Are you hurt?"

She rushed forward with practiced grace, reaching out as if to examine the injury. Ravyn stepped back smoothly, avoiding the touch without making it seem deliberate.

"I'm fine," Ravyn said simply.

"Oh, Ravyn, I've missed you so much," Aspen said, her voice trembling with false emotion. "These years without you have been so hard. I kept hoping you'd write, or call, or... something. I know things were difficult before you left, but I always considered you my sister, no matter what anyone else said."

"That's very kind of you to say, Miss Aspen," Ravyn replied, her tone neutral and polite.

The formal address had the desired effect. Aspen's mask slipped for just a moment, revealing a flash of fury that she quickly covered with a look of hurt confusion.

"Miss Aspen?" she repeated, her voice breaking slightly. "Ravyn, why are you being so cold? We're family."

"Perhaps," Aspen continued, stepping closer despite Ravyn's obvious desire for distance, "we could talk privately? Sister to sister? I feel like there's so much we need to catch up on."

"I don't think that's necessary," Ravyn said calmly. "I'm quite tired from the journey."

"Of course," she said softly, masking her anger underneath her act of feeling dejected.

"You must be exhausted. We can talk tomorrow, before the party. I have so many things I want to share with you. I just... I hope you can forgive me for whatever you think I've done wrong. I never wanted us to be strangers."

With that, she turned and walked away while Jeremy lingered for a moment longer, his expression conflicted.

"The party is at seven," he said finally. "Don't make us look bad."

Then he too was gone, leaving Ravyn alone in her basement sanctuary.

Chapter 2

The next morning, the kitchen was already bustling with activity when Ravyn arrived.

The conversation died the moment she appeared in the doorway, and six pairs of eyes turned toward her in surprise.

"Miss Ravyn!" Maria gasped, nearly dropping the silver tray she'd been polishing in shock, finally regaining back herself, after the initial shock. "You shouldn't be down here."

The other maids immediately began to bow their heads, greeting the biological daughter of the Hawkins family, a title that Aspen was desperate to own. But Ravyn raised her hand, stopping them mid-motion.

"Please don't," she said quietly. "There's no need for that anymore."

The women exchanged uncertain glances. Elena, the youngest maid who couldn't have been more than twenty, looked particularly confused about what was going on.

She'd probably been hired after Ravyn's imprisonment and only knew whispers about her, whispers where she was known as a disgraced daughter who had brought the Hawkins name to shame.

"But Miss," Maria said hesitantly, "you're the family's-"

"I'm nobody special," Ravyn interrupted gently shaking her head as she added. "Just another person in this house."

She moved toward the large wooden table, where she saw the meals that the maids had prepared for themselves, beside it was the elaborate expensive meals already dishes out for the family.

Without hesitation, Ravyn moved toward the simpler meals. She washed her hands at the small sink designated for staff use, aware that every eye in the kitchen was watching her movements.

She took a small bite from the rice ball and closed her eyes briefly in appreciation.

"This is delicious," she said to Rosa, the cook who had prepared it with a smile on her face. "The seasoning is perfect."

Rosa, a woman in her fifties who had worked for the Hawkins family for over two decades, stared at her with wide eyes. In all her years of service, no member of the family had ever complimented her cooking-at least, not directly to her face.

The other maids slowly began to relax, seeing that Ravyn was low to earth, and liked hanging around them instead of being up front with her family.

She was halfway through her second rice ball when the kitchen door opened and the butler, Harrison, appeared.

"Miss Ravyn," he said formally, "the family is expecting you in the dining room."

Ravyn nodded acknowledgment but made no immediate move to leave.

"Thank you, Harrison. Please let them know I'll be along shortly."

"You should go," Maria whispered urgently. "They don't like to be kept waiting."

"I'm sure they don't," Ravyn replied calmly, taking another bite of her rice ball. "But I'm not finished eating."

She could feel the staff's anxiety ratcheting higher with each minute that passed.

Elena kept glancing at the door as if expecting the family to burst through at any moment. Rosa wrung her hands nervously, torn between her genuine fondness for Ravyn and her fear of the family's displeasure.

When Thomas offered her a small bowl of the vegetable soup he'd been eating,

Ravyn accepted it with a warm smile. "What's in this? It smells wonderful."

"Just carrots, onions, and potatoes," Rosa said quickly. "Nothing fancy. I can make you something better if-"

"This is perfect," Ravyn interrupted, tasting the simple broth.

She was savoring the soup's warmth when the kitchen door flew open with enough force to rattle the hinges. The entire family stood in the doorway-Nathan in the lead, his face dark with fury, followed by Jeremy, Eleanor, Garret, and Aspen. The staff immediately scrambled to their feet, bowing deeply and backing away from the table.

Ravyn remained seated, her spoon halfway to her lips. She looked up at her family with the same calm expression she'd worn the night before, as if their obvious anger was of no consequence to her.

"What," Nathan said, his voice dangerously quiet, "do you think you're doing?"

Ravyn finished her spoonful of soup before answering. "Eating breakfast."

"In the servants' quarters," Eleanor added, her voice sharp with disapproval. "Like some common... like you don't belong to this family."

"Belonging," Ravyn said thoughtfully, setting down her spoon, "is earned, Mrs. Hawkins. Not claimed."

The formal address hit its mark again. Eleanor's face flushed red, and Garret stepped forward, his businessman's composure cracking slightly.

"You are our daughter," he said firmly. "Blood of our blood. This behavior is unacceptable and reflects poorly on all of us."

Ravyn's laugh was soft and entirely without humor. "Your daughter? Yesterday you assigned me to the basement and had me eat alone at the far end of your table like a stranger. Today you object when I choose to eat with people who actually welcome my presence?"

"How dare you speak to Father that way!" Jeremy snarled, stepping forward aggressively. "After everything this family has done for you-"

"Everything you've done for me?" Ravyn's voice remained level, but something in her tone made Jeremy halt mid-stride. "Please, Master Jeremy, enlighten me. What exactly have you done for me?"

"Enough of this nonsense," Nathan said. "You want to act like you don't belong to this family? Fine."

With one violent sweep of his arm, he sent Ravyn's bowl flying. The soup splattered across the floor, ceramic shards scattering in all directions. The staff gasped and pressed themselves further back against the walls, clearly terrified of being caught in the crossfire.

Nathan leaned down until his face was inches from Ravyn's, his voice dropping to a whisper that somehow carried more menace than shouting would have. "If you consider yourself no better than the help, then you can eat like them. Off the floor, like the animal you've chosen to be."

The kitchen fell deadly silent. Even Aspen, who had been watching the scene with barely concealed satisfaction, seemed shocked by her brother's cruelty. The staff looked horrified, several of the maids covering their mouths to stifle gasps of dismay.

Ravyn looked at the mess on the floor-the spilled soup, the broken ceramic, the scattered vegetables-and then up at Nathan's expectant face. She could see what he wanted: for her to break down, to cry, to beg forgiveness and promise to be the grateful, submissive daughter they expected her to be.

Instead, she stood up slowly and walked to where the largest piece of carrot had landed. Without hesitation, she knelt down and picked it up, brushing off a small piece of ceramic before taking a deliberate bite. The vegetable was still warm, still seasoned with Rosa's careful touch.

"Delicious," she said, looking up at Nathan with a serene smile. "Rosa, you really are an excellent cook."

The color drained from Nathan's face as Ravyn continued eating, picking through the soup without any look of pain and anger on her face. Her actions horrifying her family.

"This is insane," Eleanor breathed. "She's lost her mind."

"The carrots are particularly good," Ravyn continued ignoring the Hawkins family and addressing Rosa directly. "Did you grow these in the garden, Thomas?"

Thomas, looking like he wanted to disappear entirely, managed a weak nod. "Yes, Miss. From the south plot."

"I can taste the difference fresh vegetables make," Ravyn said, taking another bite. "Much better than... well, than what I've been eating."

Garret stepped forward, his face pale with what might have been shock or fury. "Ravyn, stop this immediately. You're embarrassing yourself and this family."

Ravyn looked up at him, still kneeling on the kitchen floor, and tilted her head slightly. "Am I, Mr. Hawkins? Or am I simply meeting your expectations?"

Before anyone could respond, Harrison appeared in the doorway,

"Pardon the interruption," he said smoothly, "but the car is ready for your departure to Mrs. Hawkins Senior's residence.

Nathan stepped back from Ravyn, his chest heaving with suppressed rage.

"Get cleaned up," he ordered coldly. "We leave in twenty minutes."

Ravyn rose gracefully from the floor, brushing imaginary dust from her dress. "Of course. I wouldn't want to keep Mrs. Hawkins Senior waiting."

As the family filed out of the kitchen, Aspen lingered for a moment. Her green eyes met Ravyn's with unmistakable malice, and her perfect lips curved in a smile that held no warmth.

"Enjoying yourself?" she asked softly, her voice pitched too low for the remaining staff to hear clearly.

"Immensely," Ravyn replied with equal quiet. "Are you?"

Chapter Three

Ravyn had deliberately chosen the front passenger seat beside the driver, instead of sitting in the back of the limousine, where the rest of the family were seated.

"Miss, are you sure you wouldn't be more comfortable in the back?" the driver asked quietly, his weathered hands adjusting the rearview mirror.

"I'm perfectly fine here, thank you," Ravyn replied, settling into the leather seat and closing her eyes. "I prefer the view."

"The weather is perfect for outdoor photos," Eleanor said, her voice carrying the practiced enthusiasm of a woman who had orchestrated countless social events. "The gardens will be absolutely stunning as a backdrop."

"Mother, you're making me nervous," Aspen laughed, the sound light and musical. "It's just a family gathering, not a magazine shoot."

"Every gathering is a performance, darling," Nathan interjected, his voice carrying the weight of family wisdom. "Reputation is built on consistency."

Ravyn kept her eyes closed, letting their voices wash over her like background noise.

"Oh!" Aspen's voice suddenly brightened . "I forgot to mention-Miles will be there tonight."

The car fell silent for a moment, the name of rather who it belonged to, settling down on all of them.

Ravyn's jaw tightened briefly, but she maintained her relaxed posture and closed eyes.

"Miles Archer?" Jeremy's voice carried a note of uncertainty as he asked. "I thought he was..."

"Engaged to someone from the Morrison family, yes," Aspen finished quickly, supplying them with information.

"But that fell through months ago. He's been asking about family gatherings, wondering when he might see everyone again."

Eleanor made a soft sound of interest. "How thoughtful of him to maintain his connection to the family, even after..."

She didn't finish the sentence, but everyone knew what she meant. Even after Ravyn's disgrace. After her marriage engagement to Miles Archer fell through because she was sent to prison instead of Aspen.

"I always thought Miles was wonderful," Aspen continued, her voice taking on that dreamy tone that did not hide the fact that she harboured feelings for him.

"Even when we were younger, I had such a crush on him. He was always so kind to me, so protective. Of course, I never said anything because..." She let the sentence trail off delicately.

"Because he was promised to Ravyn," Nathan finished bluntly. "Though I suppose that's no longer an issue."

"Naturally, any previous arrangements are null and void," Garret said, speaking up since the conversation started.

"The circumstances have changed completely. If Miles wishes to explore his interest within the family, that would be... appropriate."

Ravyn opened her eyes and watched the city pass by through the windshield, her expression serene.

She could feel their eyes on her, waiting for some reaction-jealousy, anger, heartbreak. Instead, she simply smiled.

"How wonderful for both of you," she said without turning around. "I'm grateful that you're looking out for everyone's happiness. Aspen deserves someone who will cherish her, and I'm sure Miles will do exactly that."

"That's... very mature of you," Eleanor said carefully, clearly testing the waters. "I'm glad you understand that sometimes circumstances require... adjustments."

"Oh, I understand perfectly," Ravyn replied, her smile widening slightly.

The limousine pulled through the gates of the senior Hawkins estate, a sprawling mansion that made their own family home look modest by comparison.

As they stepped out of the car, the family naturally arranged themselves into formation with the parents taking the lead, followed by the children.

Ravyn followed at a respectful distance, not wanting to be identified with the rest of the family.

Miles Archer stood near the entrance, his tall frame elegant in a perfectly tailored navy suit. When he saw the family approaching, his face lit up with smiles.

"Eleanor, Garret," he said, embracing them briefly as he added.

"You both look wonderful. And Nathan, Jeremy-good to see you both."

His eyes swept over Aspen with affection present in his eyes.

"Aspen, you're absolutely radiant. The years have been very kind to you."

"Miles," she breathed, color rising in her cheeks as she offered her hand.

"It's so good to see you again."

When his gaze finally landed on Ravyn, there was a moment of awkward recognition.

"Ravyn," he said simply, offering a brief nod. "You look... well."

"Thank you, Mr Archer," she replied with the same formal tone. "It's nice to see you again."

Inside the mansion, the party was in full swing.

Ravyn's grandparents held court near the main fireplace.

"Grandmother, Grandfather," Ravyn said as she approached, her voice warm with genuine affection. These two, at least, had always been kind to her, even if they hadn't been able to protect her when everything fell apart.

"Ravyn, darling," Margaret said, her eyes brightening as she pulled her granddaughter into a gentle embrace.

"How lovely you look. Come, tell us about your travels. We've heard such wonderful things about your time in Europe."

Before Ravyn could respond to the lie, the soft hitting of a fork against a crystal wine glass drew everyone's attention. Nathan stood near the center of the room, his champagne glass raised as all eyes were fixed on him.

"If I could have everyone's attention," he called out, his voice loud enough to be heard as the whispers and murmurs settled down.

"We have some wonderful news to share."

Beside Nathan, Aspen glowed with excitement, her hand resting lightly on Miles' arm as he stood close beside her.

"It gives our family great joy to announce the engagement of our beloved Aspen to Miles Archer," Nathan continued, his words carrying across the silent room. "Their wedding will take place in the spring, and we couldn't be more delighted to welcome Miles officially into our family."

The room erupted in applause and congratulations. Ravyn joined in the applause, watching with a neutral expression as MIles slid a glittering diamond ring onto Aspen's finger. The couple kissed briefly, as cameras flashed taking pictures of them,

"How romantic," someone near Ravyn sighed. "They make such a beautiful couple."

"Perfect match," another voice agreed. "Both families must be thrilled."

Ravyn continued clapping until the moment had passed and conversation resumed its normal flow.

She made her way toward the refreshment tables, suddenly craving something to occupy her hands and give her an excuse to move through the crowd without engaging in conversation about her personal life

At the buffet table, Ravyn was examining a particularly intricate chocolate sculpture when she stepped backward to get a better view and collided solidly with someone behind her.

"I'm so sorry," she began, turning around with an apologetic smile. "I wasn't watching where I was-"

The words died in her throat as she found herself looking up into the most striking pair of gray eyes she'd ever seen. The man was tall-considerably taller than her-with dark hair that looked like he'd run his fingers through it and sharp features that belonged in a Renaissance sculpture.

"No harm done," he said, his voice carrying just a hint of an accent she couldn't place. "Though you might want to rescue that strawberry before it falls."

Ravyn looked down to see that her collision had caused her to juggle a chocolate-covered strawberry, which was now precariously balanced on her palm. She laughed amused at what she saw.

"Excellent reflexes," she said, securing the strawberry properly.

"Though I'm not sure I could eat this without making a complete mess of myself."

"A tragedy, really," the stranger said, his green eyes twinkling with mischief.

"That strawberry is far too beautiful to waste. Perhaps I could assist?"

She tilted her head, studying his face, searching for something she couldn't quite name.

"Assist how, exactly?"

Instead of answering with words, he reached out and gently took the strawberry from her hand.

"May I?"

She nodded, not entirely sure what she was agreeing to, and watched as he brought the strawberry to her lips. The chocolate was still slightly warm from the kitchen, and the strawberry beneath was perfectly ripe. As she bit into it, a small drop of juice escaped and ran down her chin.

"Now that," he said softly, reaching up to catch the drop with his thumb, "is how strawberries should be eaten."

Ravyn felt heat rise in her cheeks, but instead of backing away from him and running away from the tension brewing between them, she found herself smiling. "Your turn," she said, taking another strawberry from the table.

What followed was a small intimate display that got everyone's attention as they were lost in their own bubble.

He fed her small pieces of exotic fruit, she offered him pastries that she assumed he would like, and soon they were both laughing like conspirators sharing a delicious secret. .

"This is completely ridiculous," she said as he offered her a small chocolate truffle, holding it just out of easy reach so she had to lean closer to him.

"The best things usually are," he replied, his voice low enough that she had to strain to hear him over the party noise around them.

When she leaned forward to take the chocolate from his lips rather than his fingers, the gesture felt natural, and intimate, like she had known him before.

The chocolate melted on her tongue as their faces remained close together, close enough that she could see flecks of silver in his green eyes.

"Your turn," she whispered, selecting a small piece of candied ginger and bringing it to her own lips.

He leaned down to take it, and for a moment that stretched like eternity, they shared the same breath.

When he straightened, his hands somehow found her waist, pulling her gently against him as they both dissolved into quiet laughter at their own audacity.

"We're causing quite a scene," he murmured against her ear, but his tone suggested he couldn't care less.

"Are we?" Ravyn replied, her hands somehow finding their way to rest against his chest. "I hadn't noticed."

But even as she said it, she became aware of the weight of watching eyes, the way conversations had quieted around them.

Her family stood frozen near the announced engagement celebration, their faces ranging from shock to fury. Miles looked like someone had struck him across the face, his champagne glass forgotten in his hand.

"Ravyn!" Miles' voice cut across the room with unmistakable anger as he stalked toward them, his face flushed with indignation. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

The stranger-she still didn't know his name-didn't release her from his gentle hold. Instead, he turned slightly, positioning himself so that he was partially shielding her from Miles' advance while still keeping her close against his side.

"I'm sorry," the stranger said, his voice carrying a note of polite confusion, "but are you speaking to my companion? Because I'm fairly certain she's occupied at the moment."

"Your companion?" Miles' voice rose higher, drawing even more attention from the other guests. "That's my fiancée you're manhandling!"

"I'm sorry," he said again, his tone now carrying a dangerous edge beneath its politeness, "but I believe you're confused. Your fiancée-" he gestured toward where Aspen stood near the fireplace, her engagement ring catching the light, "-is over there. This lovely woman has been keeping me company, and I don't recall her mentioning any prior commitments."

The silence that followed was deafening. Every eye in the room was now focused on their little drama, including the horrified faces of Ravyn's family. Nathan looked like he was contemplating violence, Jeremy's jaw was clenched tight enough to crack teeth, and Eleanor appeared to be having some sort of internal crisis.

"Unless," the stranger continued, his gray eyes now cold as winter steel, "you're suggesting you're engaged to both women? Because that would be... complicated."

Miles' face cycled through several shades of red as he struggled for words. "I... she... we were... before she..."