Bittersweet marriage

He offered a future, all right!

Manon Lucas, out of work for six months, with a young brother to support, was desperate. Why else would she have gone to an interview set up by powerful Stephen Vestris?

Stephen Vestris! Their love affair three years ago had been idyllic -- at first. Now she learned that Stephen, still angry at her walking out, had actually manipulated her into her present state of need.

His marriage proposal, just like a job, had to be accepted. She could be hurt again, Manon knew. That was the worst part of loving a man like Stephen. It turned life upside down!