The-Wrong-Bride-Ares--Raven’s-story-(Maura,-Catharina)_bibis

invest in me. Grandma Anne warned him that she’ll pull away all support if this marriage falls
through.”
She runs a hand through her hair. “They’re just trying to strong-arm me, Raven. They won’t
actually make you do that. Besides, Ares wouldn’t ever agree to it. That’s sick.”
My heart clenches painfully even as I nod. Sick. Twisted. That’s probably what he thinks of this
entire situation, too. “I’m not sure, Han. I don’t think they’re merely bluffing. Dad seemed worried,
and I’ve never seen Grandma Anne look quite so serious.”
Hannah shakes her head. “Don’t worry,” she reassures me. “You won’t be forced to do anything,
Rave. They won’t make you. They’re merely threatening us and using you to make me change my
mind, but I won’t.”
“Hannah,” I plead. “Can you truly bear to watch Ares marry someone else? Marry me? I know
you love him, Han, so please think about this carefully. If they aren’t bluffing, then what? Will you
really stand back and become Ares’s sister-in-law? Because that’s what’ll happen if you see this
through. Dad made it quite clear that if you’re not there on your wedding day, I’ll have to walk down
the aisle in your stead, or I’ll lose everything I’ve worked for.”
I know Grandma said she wouldn’t accept Hannah at all anymore, but I’m certain she wouldn’t
object if Hannah changed her mind now. All she’s ever wanted is for Ares to be happy, and his
happiness lies with Hannah. It always has.
Hannah looks away and runs a hand through her hair. “I’m certain, Rave. I can’t do this. I won’t
sign away my life for anyone — not even Ares.”
I stare at her in disbelief. “Even if it means he’ll marry someone else?”
She nods. “If that is our fate, then so be it.”
I grab her shoulders and shake her. “Hannah!” I snap. “Be reasonable, for God’s sake. Can’t you
see what you’re doing to me? You’ll get off easy, but what about me? I’ll be stuck having to marry a
man who has only ever loved you, and if I refuse, I’ll lose my career. Don’t do this to me, Han. Don’t
do this to Ares.”
She looks into my eyes, her expression a mixture of defiance and disbelief. “It won’t come to that,
Raven. You won’t lose your company. Neither Dad nor Grandma Anne would ever let that happen.
She loves you more than she’s ever loved me, you know? Even if I don’t marry Ares, she won’t
punish you for it. Don’t worry, okay? You won’t get trapped in a loveless marriage, or whatever it is
that’s going through your mind. Forget the fear Dad instilled in you, Rave. Everything is going to be
okay. I promise.”
I shake my head. “No,” I whisper. “Everything won’t be.” I don’t know how to make her see
reason. If Hannah doesn’t change her mind, she’ll be destroying three lives, including her own.