Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 549

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At ten o’clock the following morning, outside the city hall, Lacey stepped out of the car and immediately spotted Mark, impeccably dressed in a formal suit, waiting beside the car for her.

“Layton, I’m feeling a bit anxious,” Lacey said, turning to grasp the car door. But Layton brusquely pushed it open.

“Demand a hefty price. If he still wants to marry you, then by all means, go ahead,” Layton declared. “It’s pretty hot outside; don’t keep him waiting too long. Hurry up.”

Layton swiftly shut the car door and instructed the driver to leave. Watching Layton away, Lacey felt a surge of unease.

“Is there anything you need to clarify? We can talk in the car,” Mark said, turning his attention from Layton back to Lacey and ushering her into his car.

The air conditioning was strong in the car, yet Lacey, seated in the passenger seat, found herself sweating profusely. Meanwhile, Mark remained composed at the wheel.

Lacey suddenly clutched his arm, her voice trembling. She looked into his eyes, tears welling up. “Mark, I made a mistake. Can we renegotiate the

Lacey with a serious expression and said, “You have to

her hair out in frustration. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile. “Mark, I’ve developed feelings for someone

you definitely didn’t say that.”

expression twisted in distress as she leaned against Mark’s arm. With a muffled voice, she lamented, “I never expected to lose to you. I was caught

rejected firmly. “If you really want to back out, I want repayment for the things I’ve given you. Our wager can be canceled.”

the implications of returning the money. Once it was in her hands, it felt like it was rightfully hers; she could not imagine giving

met, and Lacey’s gaze darted around. “Mark, even though we’ve known each other for years, we’ve never truly spent time together. I’ve always seen you as a brother.

becoming a couple is just too much for me to handle. What if we consider a contractual marriage instead?”

pressuring you. Let’s have a contractual marriage for one year. If, after that, my feelings haven’t changed, we can

with a neutral expression, “What other requests do you

develop feelings for someone else, you wouldn’t try to kill me, would you?” Lacey asked cautiously, her

not a murderer. We will proceed with the contract for a year; don’t fall in love by then,

we keep our marriage private without a wedding?”