"Penelope had no intention of marrying a man who had ignored her for years. She had spent most of her youth waiting for a word, a sign, something to show that their engagement meant something to him as well. But Christian was always distant, a man who seemed to avoid her at every opportunity.
Now, however, everything had changed. She was no longer the girl who waited patiently on the sidelines. She had her own plans, her own life, and she did not intend to let anyone—least of all the person who had hurt her more than anyone else—stand in her way. She needed a refuge, a place of her own, far from the expectations of others.
When she stood before him, she felt the old familiarity overwhelm her, but along with it, a new strength. She looked him in the eyes, determined to show him that she was no longer anyone's pawn. Christian, on the other hand, looked at her as if he was seeing her for the first time, and for a moment, the silence between them was stronger than any word."
