Ella sat motionless, her fork idly tracing the edges of her untouched breakfast. In the past, she would have cherished a morning like this—a family gathering. Her father, brother, grandmother, all around her fussing over her as she avoided the food. It was the kind of scene she had once dreamed of, the kind of moment that had always brought her peace.
But today, that warmth felt hollow. As she glanced at her father, she did not see the love she had thought she saw. No. All she saw was the deceit that he had dealt her even as he continued to pretend he was fine. This is what Aiden and Nathan had tried to warn her off. When they'd said that she was being manipulated. She grimaced. It was no wonder that Aiden had not wanted him in his house. Knowing that the man could sell you off for his own selfish profit was your father, it would make anyone feel sick.
