Rebellious Heiress

Emma's breath hitched as Allan's sharp gaze bore into her.

"You've had your fun playing the runaway, Emma," he said, his tone cutting. "But a year is long enough. It's time to stop acting like a Rowan and start behaving like a Whitmore."

Her lips parted, but no words came out. She wasn't sure how to respond.

"You think I don't know why you ran off?" Allan continued, leaning forward. "You've been avoiding the responsibilities that come with your name. And let me guess—it's all because of the arrangement."

Emma's brow furrowed. "What... arrangement?"

Allan narrowed his eyes, studying her reaction. "Don't play dumb. The engagement. Did you think disappearing would change anything?"

Her stomach churned. An arranged marriage? Was this some twisted part of her new fantasy?

"I didn't..." She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I didn't leave because of that."