Bound By Secrets

By Ranay Richards

Shauna Brayson is a naive teenage girl. During a brief summer encounter, she is casually introduced to Jim Crandall, an arrogant, experienced young man seven years her senior. Never having dated before, she finds him charming and exciting. Little does she know that Jim's subtle controlling nature will eventually lead her down a dark path that will alter her life forever.

Their union is filled with hardships and abuse, heartbreak and tears. Following a bitter quarrel, Jim tragically dies in an unexpected accident. Reeling from Jim's sudden death, Shauna abruptly finds herself facing financial ruin and life-threatening danger. With nowhere to turn, she reaches out to an affluent stranger, Ryan Randolph.

But who is this man...this handsome stranger? Shauna is tortured by suspicions and insecurities. Will he guard her secrets? Can he protect her from harm? What does the future hold for her? Will she always be indebted to him? Does she have a choice, or will she forever be...bound by secrets?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886546248

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Bound By Secrets

Ranay Richards

Copyright © 2023 Ranay Richards

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

ISBN 979-8-88654-623-1 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88654-624-8 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Epilogue

About the Author

Prologue

Time plods along in the sleepy town of Windsor, Illinois. Life is unassuming here and trouble free. It isn't uncommon to find old men sitting on wooden park benches idly chatting with one another about the weather; small children squealing gleefully in sandboxes, scooping sand with tiny shovels into bright plastic pails. Often teenagers can be seen playing kick the can on shady street corners. Fishermen doze along the riverbanks, dreaming of catching a hefty trout for dinner while housewives are busy pinning white-starched sheets on backyard clotheslines.

Windsor is not your typical modern Midwest city. It is a small, puritanical, closely knit community sandwiched between several rural farm towns. People's business and personal lives are common knowledge. News travels fast, especially bad news like the year the Jones boy skipped school and was found mysteriously drowned in Willow Creek, or when Grant Samuels, the staunch professional banker, was caught embezzling the city treasury funds. Even after all this time, people still whisper about old Doc Faraday having that sordid, disgraceful affair with the widow, Briggs. He was after her money; it was presumed. Townsfolk avoided him like the plague. Within weeks, his successful medical practice dwindled to a handful of patients, and Doc was forced to leave town to begin a new life elsewhere.

Yes, Windsor is a wholesome family community, a good place to raise children and grow old. Legal and moral codes are strictly enforced. Harsh punishments are handed down by the local magistrate in an attempt to discourage future crimes. Scandal is rare; offenders are disgraced, humiliated and shunned, given no alternative but to leave. It has remained this way for generations and will undoubtedly continue this way for years to come.

Chapter 1

Today was a special day in Windsor, a day of celebration. The golden sun shone brilliantly through the wispy alabaster clouds. A gentle breeze teased the shiny leaves on the trees. The sweet scent of lilacs and roses wafted fragrantly in the warm spring air. This was no ordinary day. No. A few fleeting moments and a few select words would transform this typical May afternoon into a day to remember.

A small slip of a girl stood silently beside the open church window, gazing at the rows of parked cars lining the customarily empty streets. There was a stir of excitement in the air as people in their Sunday finery briskly made their way toward the church, carrying their carefully wrapped presents in their gloved hands. Old and young paraded through the massive double doors and disappeared inside. The chapel bell began to ring its old familiar tune, reminding the final straggling guests to hurry in and be seated. All of these people had come to see her.

Today was her wedding day.

It could not begin to compare to her first marriage when Shauna and Jim Crandall eloped. They had caused quite a commotion in this town. People whispered among themselves and speculated it was a shotgun wedding, although that was not the case at all. In a few months, the rumors subsided and were replaced by a newer scandal. Jim had promised her a formal church wedding one day, but it was simply one of his unfulfilled meaningless promises.

Her green-flecked hazel eyes stared at an unseen object as her mind focused inward. It had only been six years ago, but she still vividly recalled the dingy rundown house where that poor, unkempt Justice of the Peace had married them. It was a nightmare she had relived over and over again. She was only seventeen then, young and innocent. Now that seemed like a lifetime ago.

Shauna was forced to grow up quickly. Tragedy had a way of doing that, making a person older than their years. The memories flashed through her mind in a tumultuous succession—Jim and her dreadful marriage, his excessive drinking and abuses, his infidelities, his expensive gambling debts, followed by his catastrophic motorcycle death. It was all one continuous blur. Then miraculously, Ryan Randolph entered her life, coming to her aid, solving her problems, paying off Jim's outlandish debts, giving her support and a shoulder to lean on, making her feel protected and safe.

Yes, Ryan was everything Jim was not—powerful, respected, wealthy, an influential businessman. It was ironic because, in spite of all his attributes, she was no better off.

Ryan appeared to be sympathetic and patient in the beginning, following her husband's accident, allowing her time to adjust to her tragic misfortune and to properly grieve Jim's death. Eventually she was able to return to work and move forward with her life. Their friendship grew as well as their feelings for one another.

Unfortunately her happiness was short-lived when Ryan left town on an extended business trip. Shauna discovered he was having an affair with his coworker. It was a devastating blow. She had trusted him and was convinced he truly cared for her, but she was mistaken. He was obviously no better than Jim. Humiliated and hurt, Shauna refused further contact with Ryan, severing their relationship.

Returning six months later after his business project was completed, Ryan wanted her back, professing his love for her and denying any affair. When she adamantly rejected his advances, Ryan concocted a scheme he knew Shauna could not refuse. He loved her, he wanted her, and would stop at nothing until he had her. He threatened to expose Jim's unscrupulous past and demanded reimbursement of his loan in full. Aware of Shauna's deep devotion to her parents and to the Crandalls, Ryan used that to his advantage. He knew Jim's unsavory past would certainly destroy their reputation. Jim's parents had been good to her; they treated her like a daughter. Shauna wished them no harm. Perhaps she could live with the town's mockery and ridicule, but she could not allow the Crandalls to suffer for something their son had done. The truth would devastate them. The people in Windsor could be so cruel and heartless.

Ryan's solution was simple—in exchange for his hand in marriage, Jim's debt would be wiped clean, and Ryan would agree to a permanent vow of silence. It was an unbelievable proposition! One she still could not fathom. Shauna was appalled by Ryan's ruthlessness. He would obviously go to any length to obtain what he wanted, this time being no exception. Never in her wildest imaginings did she ever expect to be put into a position like this. But Jim's indiscretions left her with a cross to bear. She was the one held responsible for keeping the Crandall name untarnished in Windsor and her parents' welfare to protect. It was blackmail, pure and simple.

She loved this town; it was her home. She grew up here. There were times, though, when she resented the puritanical facade the community strived to maintain. Sometimes she wished her family had lived in one of the larger metropolitan cities, where she could lose her identity in a crowd of strangers, where scandal and crime were a daily occurrence. No one would have thought twice about her predicament then. It might have been more easily accepted and forgotten. Instead they chose to live in Windsor where there was no such thing as privacy or anonymity. But Shauna understood why she could never leave. Her roots were here—her family, her friends, her childhood memories. This was her home; this was where she belonged.

Shauna was trapped. She was left with no alternative but to succumb to Ryan's demands. Shauna vowed she would not make it easy for him. She decided to portray the contented bride. When the wedding festivities were over, she would remove her loving disguise, intentionally making the marriage unbearable for Ryan. In a brief time, he would welcome an annulment. She would have fulfilled her part of the contract and be able to resume her life unencumbered from Jim's debt.

Her shoulders drooped and her finely arched brows wrinkled in a pained frown. It wasn't her nature to be deceitful. It certainly wasn't something she felt proud about. Her devious scheming made her feel shallow, no better than Ryan himself.

It was true, this time she was having an elaborate church wedding. Ryan Randolph spared no expense to make this the most spectacular wedding in the history of Windsor. This was the moment he had long awaited. He wanted to broadcast the news for miles that Shauna Crandall would be his wife. He wanted the whole world to celebrate and rejoice with them.

Shauna realized that there was a time last summer when marriage to Ryan might have seemed heavenly. Her days and nights would not have been complete without his presence or the very thought of him to fill her waking hours. But all of that was behind her now. Shauna's trust in him had been shattered. She could never feel the same toward him again. Too much had transpired over the past six months for her to ever regain those special feelings.

The beautiful scenery outside the window became a blurred haze as her eyes glistened with tears. Life appeared to be dealing her one cruel blow after another. She was being forced into a marriage she didn't want for a debt that was not hers. How could life be so painful?

Her father's entry into the room went unnoticed. He walked to her, gently touching her shoulder, and murmured, Sweetheart.

His unobtrusive presence startled her. Her momentary panic quickly turned into a forced smile. I didn't hear you come in, Father. Have you been standing there long?

No, not long.

He looked into her angelic oval face. Her eyes were still glistening. Is there anything wrong, my sweet? This is certainly no way to act on your wedding day. His tranquil voice held a note of worry as he watched her intently.

No, she said, drying her cheeks with her fingertips. She managed to give him a small cheerful smile. I'm just happy. Whoever said a bride can't cry at her own wedding?

The concern left his voice, and his worried expression disappeared. I don't remember. I guess that stands to reason. You should be happy, Shauna. Ryan is a wonderful man, and he obviously loves you very much. I have no doubt he'll make you a good husband and maybe—he winked—someday a fine father for your children.

She tried to hide an uncontrollable shudder. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she tried to conceal her hidden emotions. Yes, I'm sure he will, she answered reassuringly. I'm very lucky.

He pulled the gold pocket watch from his trousers glancing at the face. It's nearly time. Everyone is waiting for my little Sunny Sunshine.

Sunny Sunshine. A smile curved her soft pink lips. Father hadn't called her that in years. It was a pet name he had given her as a child. He said she was the light of his life, and her smile was as warm as the summer sunshine. It was almost poetic. It suited her cheerful personality.

Charles Brayson stood about five feet ten. He was a lean man with wavy salt-and-pepper hair, short sideburns, and a pencil-thin carefully trimmed mustache. His long dexterous fingers slid into the pocket of his trousers, selecting a bright copper penny. He stooped to place it in her pink-heeled shoe.

That's for good luck, he said benignly. Are you ready?

Just another minute, Father. She was in no hurry to rush this wedding. She would have liked to postpone it indefinitely, but that was impossible.

Shauna walked to the oval mirror hanging on the minister's office wall for one last scrutinizing look. Shauna's pink satin dress enhanced her small five-foot-four frame, emphasizing her firm perky breasts and petite hourglass figure. Long graceful fingers sentimentally touched the opal necklace her mother had fastened around her neck earlier that morning at home. It was the same necklace her father had given her mother on their wedding day twenty-five years before.

We wanted you to have it, Shauna, and we knew of no better time than on your wedding day. His hazel eyes glistened with tenderness. Your mother and I love you very much. Looking at her fondly, he enclosed her small hand in his. We both pray that you and Ryan will be as happy as we have been through the years.

Shauna's parents had a marriage made in heaven. The love they felt for one another was obvious and shown in countless ways…through their looks, their touch, their manner of speaking, and the respect they shared. Shauna had always dreamed of a communion like that, but her dreams of happiness seemed futile.

Her round eyes shimmered. Thank you, we will be. It was hard to deceive him. Deeply touched by his affection, Shauna tried to set aside the thoughts that were so prevalent in her mind. You know how much I love both of you. Standing on tiptoes, she rested her fingers on his shoulders, brushing a quick kiss on his firm cheek. Slowly pulling the delicate veil over her face, she said in a tremulous whisper, I guess I'm ready.

Reaching for her hand, he placed it through his arm, giving it a liberal squeeze. Together they walked through the door and down the hall.

Ryan's business partner, Bill Hanes, was best man, and Sally Preston, Shauna's lifelong friend, was maid of honor. They stood waiting for them outside the chapel doors for their entrance. When Shauna and her father approached, their friends commenced their journey down the long narrow aisle leading to the altar.

Momentarily pausing, Mr. Brayson gave a nod, signaling the organist to begin the traditional bridal march. The congregation shuffled and stood while hundreds of people turned, their eyes riveting on Shauna and her father as he calmly guided her down the rose petal-strewn path toward Ryan and the minister.

The morning sunshine cast a shadowy mist through the colorful stained-glass windows, picking up the dazzling auburn highlights in her shoulder-length brown hair. A warm breeze from the open chapel doors brought a healthy flush to her cheeks, nearly matching the color of her dress.

Ryan stood silently admiring her, beaming appreciatively as they gradually, step-by-step, approached the altar. He was impeccably groomed in a white tux and pale-pink shirt, finely tailored to conform to his broad shoulders and slim waist. He was a handsome man, nine years her senior with a strong muscular build, standing six feet three. Thick black hair and dark lashes accentuated his deep-set emerald eyes and sun-bronzed skin.

Ryan was convinced Shauna was the most beautiful woman in the world. She was as lovely and delicate as the pink sweetheart roses she held in her bridal bouquet. He longed to protect and cherish her for the rest of his life. His breath caught in his throat and a satisfied smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as Mr. Brayson relinquished Shauna to Ryan. His hand rested gently on the small of her back as they turned toward the minister.

Shauna was a small, slender young woman of twenty-three. She had hazel eyes with thick, sooty lashes. Shoulder-length brown hair contrasted her smooth, ivory complexion. High cheekbones and soft full lips rounded out her flawless features. She was a beauty.

The pastor's voice was reverent as he spoke the conventional words, Do you, Shauna, take Ryan to be your lawfully wedded husband?

She was tempted to cry out, No, I don't! This is a dreadful mistake! But Ryan's compelling eyes held hers captive as she hypnotically and obligingly answered, I do.

Her hand slightly trembled under his touch as he slipped the expensive diamond band onto Shauna's third finger, repeating, With this ring, I thee wed.

The final vows were exchanged. The minister pronounced them man and wife. Ryan slowly raised her veil, marveling at her beauty. He kissed his new bride with a passion so intense it left her visibly shaken. Shauna cast him a subtle look of warning, but he ignored it with a devilish wink.

Turning, she slipped her hand through the crook in his extended arm and together smiled a greeting to their audience. A large murmur of voices and rustling broke the silence in the sanctuary as Ryan and Shauna proceeded down the aisle amidst the photographer's flashing lights and joyful faces of their family and friends.

Chapter 2

Alavish reception was held afterward at the home of Ryan's parents, Mayor and Mrs. Winston Randolph. The Randolph Estate spread for ten miles in the upper-class Rolling Hills District. The heavy wrought iron gates opened invitingly with outstretched arms to the welcomed guests. A long winding drive led to a large white Victorian home with black shutters. Four massive columns rose upward to a second-floor balcony. Luscious sweeping lawns, colorful manicured flower gardens, and a carefully terraced landscape surrounded the elegant sprawling mansion.

The reception took place in the garden among the mingling scents of flowering shrubs and blossoming magnolia trees. The newlyweds traditionally greeted each guest as they arrived, sharing pleasantries and introductions whenever necessary.

Ryan's parents and sister, Lynda, were the first to congratulate the newlyweds. Winston and Margaret Randolph appeared delighted in a proper yet reserved way. Lynda, on the other hand, smiled radiantly, kissing her younger brother on the cheek and hugging him profoundly.

It's a real pleasure to finally meet you after all this time, Shauna, Lynda said. I'm sorry we couldn't have had the opportunity to meet before now. But I do feel as though I already know you. She grinned knowingly at her brother. Ryan has told me so much about you. I trust we will become good friends. She squeezed Shauna's hand and seemed genuinely sincere. Welcome to the family, my dear!

Thank you. I hope so too, Shauna said shyly, a bit intimidated by Lynda's gregarious nature.

This was Shauna's first opportunity to meet Lynda. She knew that she was an ER nurse at St. Mary's Hospital and was a few years older than Ryan, never married, and was dedicated to her profession. Something about her voice sounded strangely familiar, but Shauna knew she had never met her before.

The Randolphs disappeared into the crowd to mingle while a puzzled look swept Shauna's features.

Ryan noticed immediately. What is it, Shauna? Did Lynda say something to trouble you? He cocked a dark eyebrow then let out a rich laugh. You can rest assured I didn't tell her everything about you. There are some things I prefer to keep to myself.

She ignored his intimate meaning. No, it wasn't what she said but how she said it. It's…it's nothing. Her voice tugged at her memory, but Shauna couldn't immediately place where she had heard it.

Soon another guest approached, and her mind was forced back to the moment.

Several professional photographers wandered freely through the crowd, clicking candid shots of the guests and of the newlyweds for the social section of the Windsor Herald. The Randolphs were big news in the city, and this wedding was the event of the year.

Later that afternoon, Ryan and Shauna cut and shared the first piece of their magnificent five-tier wedding cake. Delectable finger sandwiches, salads, canapés, and a boundless assortment of hors d'oeuvres were tastefully prepared and served by the staff. Toasts were made and champagne poured freely. Pictures flashed continuously throughout the afternoon. Friends and relations circulated through the cheerful crowd, talking, laughing, and partaking of too much food and drink. A professional ten-piece orchestra played a variety of waltzes, swing, and classical music from the gazebo. The beautiful music drifted pleasantly throughout the estate. A number of guests danced to the enchanting melodies. The newlyweds shared a special number at Ryan's request, Love Me with All of Your Heart.

Ryan was an exceptional dancer, and Shauna seemed to float on air when he twirled her in his arms. It was a heady feeling being so close to him again. It had been a long time. The feelings he evoked in her were still very real, but she wouldn't, she couldn't, let him know that. Shauna wondered if he could feel her heart pounding in her breast, or whether he was aware of the trembling in her limbs when their thighs softly touched as they danced. She wished things were different. She tried to shake the feelings he was instilling in her. The champagne and music were undoubtedly causing havoc with her senses. She had to get a grip on her feelings.

Ryan held her tenderly as they swayed gracefully to the beautiful music. He loved the wonderful way her body molded to his, and it made him eager to make her his completely. The thought of lying with her on his bed, making love to her, made him impatient to leave the reception. It was obvious that the celebration was prepared to extend late into the evening.

Shauna's father requested the next dance, and she was effortlessly swept away again.

Ryan knew this merriment could go on indefinitely. He was restless to leave the noisy throng of well-wishers. His desire was to spend some quiet solitude with his new bride. Seeing an opportunity, he whisked her away before another approaching guest acquired her attention. Gently grasping her elbow, he guided her a short distance from the crowd to a water fountain, where a beautiful mermaid sculpted from white marble bathed placidly under a waterfall.

Yes, master, what can I do for you? she asked, intentionally being cruel and jerking away from his touch.

Must you speak with such contempt? This is our wedding day, Shauna. You should show me a little wifely affection. He nuzzled her ear provocatively and whispered, We're supposed to be in love, you know.

Don't! she spatted, taking a step out of his reach. And spare me the sermon. I've already heard one today. Her fingers unconsciously made ripples in the water, trying her best to ignore him. What is it you want?

It's time to leave. We have a long drive ahead of us this afternoon.

Well, just remember I agreed to be your wife in name only. If you have any ulterior motives, you are sadly mistaken.

Don't worry your little head about the formalities, my love. He smiled as he stroked her silky hair with his fingers. I won't take unfair advantage of you. That's not my style. But I do hope before the weekend is over, you will come to me with the same burning desire that I have always felt for you.

Come to you? Her eyes conveyed the fury within her. That will never happen, so don't hold your breath!

Regardless of how you feel about me, Shauna, it is time to leave…now. Ryan made it clear that he refused to be detained any longer. He spoke with a quiet firmness that demanded authority.

Yes, sir! Right away, sir! she said flippantly. She turned on her heels, straightened her shoulders, and indignantly walked away. She was not eager to leave the safety the reception provided for her.

Shauna knew that Ryan was attractive and could easily win the heart of any unsuspecting woman. She remembered how his arresting good looks and charm captured her attention. Well, maybe once but not again. She was determined not to let that happen a second time. She was foolish and vulnerable then; she was wiser now.

Rumor quickly spread that the newlyweds were departing. The single girls gathered around the mahogany staircase waiting for Shauna to climb the stairs and throw the coveted bridal bouquet. She turned around, closed her eyes, and gently tossed the flowers over her shoulder. A joyful outcry and a few disappointed sighs filled the room.