From Best Friend To Fiancé (Savannah and Roman) novel Chapter 465

1. us. No contracts. No bloodline obligations. The thought of being trapped like that–owned before even understanding what ownership meant- made my skin crawl in disgust.

“My father says I must give Arthur children immediately when we’re married. Sons.” River continued. “Lots of them. Daughters don’t matter. He says Arthur is meant to follow in his father’s footsteps.”

Disgust surged through me so fast it made my head spin.

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“What?” I said sharply. “That’s revolting. This isn’t the dark ages. And saying that to his own daughter?” I rubbed my arms, goosebumps rising. “Your father is sick. Truly sick. He’s a disgusting man. And I’m not sorry for saying that to you.”

Her lips twitched. A sad little smile.

“Can’t you tell Arthur’s father?” I pressed. “Just try. Maybe he’ll listen. Maybe he’ll call it off.”

River shook her head slowly. Then she wiped at her eyes, as though she were embarrassed by the tears gathering there. “He’s worse,” she said. “Much worse.”

My breath caught.

“Arthur wants nothing to do with politics nor the dirty games involved. He hates it but his father is forcing him into it.” She paused. “Arthur loves animals. He wants to be a veterinarian. That’s the only thing that ever made him genuinely happy.”

I felt a flicker of warmth at that. A softness.

Then she shattered it.

“When his father found out about that,” she said quietly, “he got rid of Arthur’s pets.”

I frowned. “Got rid of…?”

“I don’t mean he sent them to a shelter.”

The air left my lungs. “Oh my God,” I whispered.

River nodded once. “That was the lesson. That softness Is punished. That love is a weakness.”

I didn’t trust myself to speak.

“To make it worse,” she continued, “the wedding hangs over us like an axe. We don’t know when it’ll happen. Tomorrow. Next month.

12:54 Sat, Jan 31

Chapter 465

Next year. Our fathers will decide when they’re bored enough to finalize it.” She shrugged, like she was discussing the weather.

“I’m so sorry,” I said. “I can’t imagine living like that.”

She smiled through her tears. “It’s not the end of the world. At least Arthur is decent. I don’t know what I’d do if he were anything like

his father.”

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1 grimaced.

“On the bright side,” she added suddenly, her mood shifting, “I get flowers from Calder every day. Isn’t that romantic?” She grinned.

My eyebrows shot up. “Wait. He gifts you flowers?”

She laughed, shaking her head. “No. Of course not. How could he?”

“Then how-”

“I tell him to pick fresh flowers for me every morning,” she whispered conspiratorially. “I lie and say they’re for my mother.”

My mouth fell open.

“My room looks like a flower shop and it smells so nice,” she added proudly. “He gets confused by the request. But he’s too loyal to refuse

an order. Especially from a Blackwood.” She slapped a hand over her mouth, giggling.

Horror crept up my spine. This girl needs help. Before I could respond–or process the quiet tragedy beneath her laughter–the door

opened.

Ramsey stepped in first, followed by Rosalie.

“Good evening, ma’am,” Ramsey said brightly.

“How are you, Ramsey?” I forced a smile.

“I’m fine,” he said, “Rosie and I came to see Roman. If that’s alright.”

Rosie stood with her arms crossed, eyes deliberately avoiding mine.

I stood immediately. “Of course. Please.”

River rose too, grabbing the bag of chips.

“I’ll give you privacy,” I said. “Call me when you’re done, Ramsey. I don’t want to leave him alone. Also, if the nurse or doctor comes in,

let me know too. I’d like to speak with them first.”

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Chapter 465

“Yes, ma’am.”

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“Thank you.”

As they moved closer to Roman’s bed, I stepped back, my chest heavy. I didn’t know who my enemies were anymore. But I was certain of

one thing.

This house was built on cages. And none of us were actually free.

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