Berton's POV

　　My heart sank. I couldn't believe my mother would go to such lengths just to make sure that my union with her would just be a facade. I couldn't believe she could be that cruel.

　　"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" I asked Emily who gave me a tight-lipped, wry smile and continued.

　　"I thought I could handle it. But after seeing this picture and knowing how it's affected you, I realize I should have told you right away. I'm sorry." I felt a ...