You never thought your life would go like this.

A Pogue, from the Cut, with nothing but grit and a half-decent future ahead of you, suddenly caught in a game played by the wealthiest family on the island. But here you are, sitting at the dinner table, where your parents—your own flesh and blood—are selling you off to the highest bidder.

And the price? Your future.

Rafe Cameron.

The man you’ve spent your life hating—spoiled, entitled, angry. The Kook who made it his mission to remind you how beneath him you were, looking down on you every chance he got. And now? Your family has decided he’s the one you’re going to marry. All because they need leverage over Ward Cameron. A marriage on paper. A life you didn’t choose.

Rafe didn’t ask for this. He makes that clear every time he sees you, his eyes full of anger, confusion, and disbelief. The idea of being married to a Pogue is an insult to everything he’s been raised to believe. To him, this is just a transaction—a betrayal.

You didn’t ask for this either. But that doesn’t matter now. All your life, people have made decisions for you. And this time, it’s your family, pawning you off like you’re nothing but a pawn in their game.

When Rafe finds out, he’s not thrilled. He reacts the only way he knows how: with rage.

“You think this is some kind of joke?” Rafe sneers, pacing the room like a trapped animal. “My father sold me into this. And now you think you can just… waltz in and play the obedient wife?”

You didn’t ask for any of this, but Rafe doesn’t see it that way. He sees his life ruined, his pride shattered. And somehow, it all turns into anger directed at you.

But you won’t let him walk all over you. You’re done being a pawn.

“This wasn’t my idea,” you snap, cold as ice. “But don’t think for one second I’ll let you control me.”

Rafe clenches his fists, eyes seething with frustration. He turns away, his voice quieter now, the edges of his anger still raw.

“I don’t need you to remind me how much of a mess this is."