Skipped at the altar, Taken by his uncle Novel

Time Between Lost Worlds - Steven Bennett 7 Summary In Chapter 7 of "Time Between Lost Worlds," the tension between Samuel and his daughter Whitney escalates dramatically. Samuel's frustration boils over when he slaps Whitney after she expresses her refusal to marry into the Harris family, which he believes is crucial for saving their family's failing business. Whitney, however, stands her ground, challenging her father's assumptions about love and the necessity of the engagement.

Her defiance and determination to forge her own path shine through, even as Samuel's desperation for stability clouds his judgment. Whitney's resolve is further tested when she encounters Carter, who expresses concern over her well-being after witnessing the aftermath of her confrontation with Samuel. Their interaction is fraught with tension, as Carter insists on their impending marriage despite Whitney's firm rejection.

Whitney's bitterness towards Carter's attempts to make things special after Valentine's Day highlights her emotional turmoil, as she grapples with feelings of betrayal and frustration over his relationship with Emily, his sister. As the chapter progresses, Whitney's internal conflict deepens. She reflects on the state of her relationship with Carter and the implications of their engagement. Despite her attempts to dismiss his feelings, Carter's insistence and her own emotional responses create a volatile atmosphere.

The chapter culminates in Whitney's decision to leave, driven by a need to reclaim her independence and escape the reminders of their fractured relationship. Her determination to pack up her belongings symbolizes a new beginning, albeit one filled with uncertainty and heartache. The chapter closes with a poignant moment between Carter and his sister Emily, revealing the complexities of familial relationships and the emotional struggles they face.

Carter's concern for Emily contrasts sharply with his tumultuous interactions with Whitney, showcasing the different dynamics at play within their family. Whitney's departure sets the stage for further exploration of these relationships, leaving readers eager to see how the characters navigate their intertwined fates. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Chapter 7** With a sharp crack, Samuel's hand collided with Whitney's cheek, the sound reverberating in the tense air between them. "How dare you!" he barked, his voice dripping with indignation.

Whitney's head snapped to the side, and the heat of the slap surged through her skin, a fiery reminder of the escalating conflict. Yet, as she turned her gaze back to Samuel, her eyes held a fierce determination. "Why wouldn't I dare? What is there for me to fear?" she challenged, her voice steady despite the sting. "He doesn't love me, so why should I marry him? Can't I simply say no?" Samuel's chest heaved with frustration, his anger palpable. "Love? What does that even matter? Have you forgotten that Dad's company is teetering on the brink of collapse?

If you marry into the Harris family, we could secure our future. "If you refuse, we might as well prepare for bankruptcy." Samuel had always longed for a son, but fate had dealt him a different hand; both of his wives had given him daughters. His younger daughter, Tina, had a knack for charming him, always knowing how to lift his spirits with her sweet words and warm laughter. But Whitney? She was as obstinate as they came, a true force of nature. Whitney let out a soft chuckle, defiance dancing in her eyes. "Then let it go bankrupt," she said, her tone dismissive.

To her, the company was already gasping for air, running on empty. Bankruptcy didn't seem like a dire consequence; it felt like a new beginning. "Once it's bankrupt, I can support you with my salary. You won't need anyone else," Whitney asserted, her voice firm, believing in her own resolve. Samuel's fury twisted inside him, a storm of emotions brewing. "Save it. Your paycheck wouldn't even last me a day," he shot back, his voice laced with scorn. "Whitney, think carefully.

If it weren't for the engagement between our families, do you really think the Harris family would ever accept you?" Whitney smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Well, why not just pass the engagement on to Tina?" Tina's eyes widened in disbelief. "Seriously? You really think you won't regret that?" Whitney clicked her tongue, dismissing the question as she grabbed her bag and strode out of the room, her mind made up. Outside, she spotted Carter leaning against his car, a cigarette dangling from his fingers.

As soon as he caught sight of her, he crushed the cigarette and tossed it into a nearby trash can, concern etching lines on his forehead. When Whitney approached, Carter's gaze fell on the angry red mark blooming on her cheek, stark against her pale skin. "Did Samuel hit you?" he asked, his brows furrowing in worry. He reached out, instinctively wanting to examine her face, but Whitney swatted his hand away, her voice icy. "None of your business." Carter's expression darkened, irritation mixing with concern. Just like her father said, she was as stubborn as a mule. "Get in the car.

We'll get our marriage license tomorrow. I missed Valentine's Day, but I'll make it special," he insisted, his voice firm yet tinged with a hint of desperation. Now he cares about making it special? Whitney thought bitterly, her heart sinking. "Too bad. It's way too late for that." Her voice remained calm, but the steel behind it was unmistakable. "Carter, we don't need to do this. I told you we're over." Carter, who had only been worried for her well-being, now had a fire in his eyes. "Whitney, enough. Emily is my sister. No one could ever replace you.

How many times do I have to say this?" "But you know she's not your biological sister. You're not even related by blood. Can you swear you'll never see her again?" Whitney pressed, her heart racing with the intensity of the moment. She caught the way Carter's gaze faltered, and a rush of understanding washed over her. "See? You can't do it, and neither can I. Just thinking about your relationship with her makes my skin crawl," Whitney shot back, her voice rising with emotion. Carter's breath grew heavy, and in a sudden movement, he pulled her into the passenger seat.

"Feel however you want, but breaking up? That's not happening," he snapped, determination etched across his features. He slammed the gas pedal, and the car surged into the night, leaving their argument behind. Whitney shot Carter a cold glance from the corner of her eye. His lips were pressed into a thin line, his frustration palpable. Yet, despite the tension, she found a flicker of amusement in the absurdity of it all. What right does he have to be angry? she mused, annoyance bubbling within her. "I'm not looking to die tonight.

Slow down, or I'll call the cops," Whitney warned, shooting him a pointed glare. Carter caught sight of her pale lips, and recalling her earlier complaints about her stomach, he reluctantly eased off the accelerator, the car slowing down. Once they arrived, Whitney slammed the car door shut, her expression icy as she marched up to the guest room on the second floor. Carter followed her, hesitating outside her door for a moment before retreating to his own room, both of them avoiding the master bedroom like it was a minefield.

Inside her room, Whitney rubbed her stomach, forcing herself to respond to her clients' messages. She checked her calendar, organized her cases for the upcoming week, and finally shut her laptop with a sigh. She logged into her alternate account, the only person she followed being Emily. 65 vouchers. The last time she had checked Emily's page, she had forgotten to switch back to her main account. A red dot on her following list caught her attention, and she clicked on it. Emily had just posted a new tweet five minutes ago. Emily: [My brother got me the Heart of Angel as a welcome-back gift.

What do you guys think? Isn't it gorgeous?] "So it was Carter who dropped 15 million dollars at Crownstone Auction House for the Heart of Angel," Whitney thought, a bitter taste rising in her throat. Just then, a knock echoed through her room, and with a heavy heart, Whitney opened the door. Carter stood there, one hand tucked in his pocket, the other holding out a gift box. "Saw this at the mall while I was away. Thought you'd like it, so I got it for you," he said, his voice casual, but the tension was thick in the air.

If Whitney hadn't just seen Emily's post, she might have believed that Carter was genuinely trying to make amends. But now, staring at the jewelry box that felt almost like a cruel joke, she couldn't muster any anger. Instead, a small smile crept onto her lips. "Wow, what a surprise. Hope it didn't break the bank." Carter frowned, catching the sarcasm in her tone. "Hundreds of thousands won't break the bank." Whitney took the box, attempting to shut the door, but Carter stepped into the entryway, blocking her escape.

Raising an eyebrow, she asked, "Got another gift for me?" Carter arched his own brow in response. "Nope. Just a reminder. We're getting our marriage license tomorrow." Whitney glanced at her phone, casually reading a new message that popped up. [Whit, are you with Carter right now? If you call him, he'll ditch you in a second. Wanna try it?] The message was quickly deleted, a knot forming in her stomach. Carter looked annoyed, his patience wearing thin. "Hey, I'm talking to you," he said, his voice sharper than before. Whitney offered him a half-smile, her eyes locked onto his.

"Sorry, what did you say?" Carter repeated himself, impatience creeping into his tone. "We're getting our marriage license tomorrow. Don't sleep in..." Before he could finish, his phone rang, cutting through the tension. "Hey, Milly," he answered, his demeanor shifting instantly. "Where are you? I'm coming right now. Just wait for me." Without sparing Whitney another glance, he rushed downstairs, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the silence. Moments later, she heard the car roar to life and speed off into the night. "Marriage license?

What a joke," Whitney scoffed to herself, her heart heavy with the weight of their reality. Without wasting a moment, she decided to send the jewelry straight off to a high-end consignment store, eager to rid herself of the reminder of their fractured relationship. This time, she packed up everything-the sheets, comforter set, scented candles, bath products-every single item she had lovingly chosen for their home, shoving it all into boxes with a sense of finality. Next, she marched to Carter's room.

Opening his closet, she grabbed every shirt and tie she had ever bought for him, stuffing them into her suitcase as well. Whitney heaved another suitcase down the stairs, determination fueling her every step. Linda, taken aback, blinked in surprise. "M-Madam, are you going on another business trip?" Whitney turned to her, offering a faint smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "No, I'm moving out. I probably won't be coming back." Linda watched Whitney walk away, her expression a mix of shock and concern.

'Is she joking, or is she really leaving for good?' Linda pondered, anxiety creeping into her heart. "Milly, why are you always so careless? You know your health isn't great. Why don't you just stay with Mom and Dad?" Carter's voice was laced with worry as he confronted his sister. Emily's tears fell, soft and sudden, landing on Carter's hand like tiny pearls. Seeing her tears caused a sharp pain to pierce Carter's heart. "Milly, I wasn't trying to be harsh with you..." he said, his voice softening. Emily wiped her tears away, her voice barely a whisper. "I know, Carter.

I know I'm not very helpful. But what can I do? You're the only one who cares about me in this house." Carter set down the cotton swab and gently pulled her into his arms. "Come on, don't cry. I was too harsh earlier. It's alright. I've got your back, always." Conclusion In the aftermath of the tumultuous confrontation, Whitney stood at the precipice of a new beginning, her heart heavy yet resolute. The sting of Samuel's slap was not just a physical reminder of her father's expectations, but a catalyst that propelled her toward a path of self-discovery.

As she packed away not only her belongings but also the remnants of a relationship that had become a tangled web of obligation and resentment, she felt an unexpected sense of liberation wash over her. The weight of familial duty and societal pressure began to lift, replaced by a fierce determination to carve her own destiny, one that didn't hinge on the approval of others. With each item she shoved into boxes, she was not merely leaving a home; she was reclaiming her autonomy.

Meanwhile, Carter's frantic urgency to maintain their relationship, juxtaposed against Whitney's resolute departure, painted a vivid picture of two souls caught in a storm of miscommunication and unfulfilled expectations. His concern for Emily and his insistence on marrying Whitney felt like a desperate grasp for stability in a world that was rapidly unraveling. Yet, as he rushed away to comfort his sister, leaving Whitney to confront her choices alone, the reality of their fractured connection became painfully clear.

As Whitney confronts her feelings and the reality of her situation, the emotional landscape promises to be fraught with conflict, heartache, and perhaps unexpected moments of clarity. Meanwhile, Carter's frantic attempts to hold onto Whitney will take center stage, revealing the depths of his feelings and the lengths he is willing to go to keep her in his life. With the impending marriage license hanging over their heads, the question remains: can he convince Whitney that their love is worth fighting for, or will his ties to Emily complicate matters beyond repair?