A Man of Means

the long version

Mark had seemed far out of her reach. Dana had fallen in love with him, yet how could a seventeen year old hold the interest of such a mature successful man? Though his marriage proposal was a surprise, she eagerly accepted and asked no questions. But Mark let her know that theirs would not be a normal relationship. Bitterly she pondered why he had married her. Then one day he cruelly told her, "I was blackmailed." Her happiness and her pride were at stake, and Dana refused to remain a mere pawn in her own life.