Prologue I knew this would be the most foolish thing I'd ever done, but it was the only way out of this tight corner I’d placed myself in. I could choose to let everyone know the truth, but that would only stain the white name my father and mother had built for our family, and I couldn’t bear to bring shame and disgrace upon them. And oh, the pain and sadness that would show on my mom's face would haunt me for life. Knowing her, she’d blame herself, thinking she hadn’t watched over me well enough, hadn’t given me the guidance I needed, hadn’t been there in ways I needed. She’d find fault in herself. As for my father, he’d carry a downcast, shameful look. He wouldn’t say a word—he’d only be silent. But his silence alone would drive me mad, would haunt me to the point of breaking. I couldn’t be the one to bring melancholy, disgrace, shame, and guilt to my family. They had done so much for me, and this was no way to repay them. I couldn’t live, knowing what I’d done. So, without a second thought, I held my head high and looked directly into his cold eyes. They held no love or kindness, only promises of a long, dutiful but unloving, uncaring, and fearful marriage—devoid of any warmth or emotion. “Yes—" I said, taking a steady breath. In this moment, I was thankful for my height; at least he couldn’t see the weak facade I was barely holding up. And, making things worse, he just had to look at me with that hard stare that made me want to turn and run, to say I couldn't do this. “I… have made my choice."