He Ditched His Fiancée For Her Mute Sister

Synopsis

Gabriella Kensington has lived with a horrible stutter for all of her life. The embarrassment it seems to cause her family makes her go mute as she refuses to speak, feeling ashamed of her flaw.

After her father, John Kensington strikes a deal with the ruthless Robert Sinclair for their children to join in marriage, the family holds a dinner party that only the wealthiest are invited to.

26-Year-old Jamie Sinclair has been declared the most eligible bachelor in the country, he is the CEO of Sinclair Industries and has been pressured by his father to marry.

He was supposed to announce his engagement to the eldest daughter, Cecelia Kensington that night but decided to take matters into his own hands. After running into Gabriella, he decides to switch things up, causing an uproar as he claims the youngest daughter of the Kensington’s instead.

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Review

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He Ditched His Fiancée For Her Mute Sister

Prepare your hearts, romance readers, because ‘Speak To Me’ delivers an emotional rollercoaster that starts with a bang and refuses to let up. If you crave stories brimming with angst, undeniable chemistry, a powerful (and possibly obsessed) billionaire hero, and a heroine finding her strength against all odds, then buckle up. This story dives headfirst into the deep end, and trust me, you’ll want to dive right in with it.

We meet Gabriella Kensington, a young woman silenced not just by a lifelong stutter, but by the crushing weight of familial shame and cruelty. Her stepmother, Regina, and half-sisters, Cecelia and Katrina, treat her as less than human, a “stain” on their perfect, wealthy façade, a constant reminder of her father’s past affair. Gabriella’s mutism becomes her shield, her refuge from the disgust and dismissal that greets her every attempt to speak. It’s a heart-wrenching existence, softened only by fleeting moments with her often-absent father, John, the quiet kindness of household staff like Betty, and the comfort of her childhood stuffed bunny, Butterscotch – a poignant link to her deceased mother and a symbol of the innocence stolen from her. You can feel her isolation, her quiet yearning for acceptance, simmering beneath the surface. She’s learned to observe, to exist in the background, making her sudden thrust into the spotlight all the more dramatic.

Enter Jamie Sinclair. At 26, he’s the epitome of the billionaire romance hero: devastatingly handsome (those honey-brown eyes!), CEO of Sinclair Industries, and declared the country’s most eligible bachelor. Pressured by his equally ruthless father, Robert, to marry for business – specifically to merge their company with the financially struggling Spark Enterprise owned by Gabriella’s father – Jamie is expected to announce his engagement to the eldest daughter, Cecelia. But Jamie Sinclair clearly plays by his own rules.

The setup is classic dramatic romance: a high-society dinner party, a strategic engagement announcement poised to unite two powerful families. But one chance encounter changes everything. Jamie meets Gabriella, the hidden youngest daughter, and in an instant, the pre-arranged plan shatters. The way the narrative describes their first eye contact across the crowded room is electric – you *feel* the world stop for them both. He’s drawn to her immediately, and with a decisiveness that’s both shocking and thrilling, he takes matters into his own hands. When the moment comes, he doesn’t name Cecelia. He names Gabriella.

The fallout is immediate and intense. Chaos erupts. Cecelia is hysterical, Regina is murderous, and John Kensington is caught between his business desperation and his paternal love for his vulnerable daughter. But Jamie? He’s resolute. His protectiveness flares instantly when Cecelia slaps Gabriella – he physically stops her second attempt and demands an apology, shielding Gabriella with his own body. It’s a powerful moment that establishes him not just as a decisive businessman, but as a potential protector for our heroine.

Let’s talk about Jamie. He’s complex. On the surface, he’s the powerful CEO, potentially cold (his office nickname is rumored to be “Mr. Frost”), used to getting his way. His initial choice of Gabriella is intertwined with the business deal his father demands. Yet, his actions scream something more personal. He’s instantly captivated by Gabriella, finding her “beautiful” and “cute” in a way that feels genuine. He’s surprisingly gentle with her, concerned when she cries, reassuring her, and immediately noticing her needs (getting her a phone when he learns she doesn’t have one, offering her his jacket). His declaration, “I will learn sign language,” when her father points out her mutism as an obstacle, is a swoon-worthy promise that speaks volumes about his commitment, even at this incredibly early stage.

His possessiveness is already showing – negotiating a side contract with Gabriella’s father to ensure *he* gets to marry *her*, promising not to divorce her unless she asks, and even throwing in money. It borders on obsessive, but in the context of this genre, it reads as intensely compelling and deeply protective. He’s already fighting for her, even against her own family and potentially his own father’s expectations regarding the “heir.” His internal monologue reveals a man blindsided by his feelings, texting awkwardly, getting jealous, and admitting Gabriella makes him feel things he’s never felt before. This glimpse beneath the powerful CEO facade makes him incredibly intriguing.

Gabriella’s journey in these opening chapters is just as compelling. We see her vulnerability, the deep scars left by her past trauma (her mother’s death is truly horrifying) and ongoing abuse. Yet, there’s a quiet strength there. She’s survived. She’s found small ways to cope (her jewelry business, her bond with Betty). Meeting Jamie ignites something within her – hope, excitement, a fluttering connection she’s never experienced. Her decision to agree to the marriage is a turning point. It’s impulsive, driven by the kindness Jamie shows her and the undeniable spark between them, but it’s also her first major act of defiance against the family that has tried to erase her. Watching her navigate her burgeoning feelings via text, her shyness mixed with genuine excitement, is endearing. Her subtle pushback against Regina’s manipulations shows a backbone solidifying. She’s starting to believe she might deserve happiness, even if she’s still plagued by insecurities about her mutism and her past.

The relationship dynamic crackles with potential. It’s an insta-connection scenario, but grounded in the high stakes of their situation. The power dynamic is initially skewed – he’s the powerful billionaire, she’s the hidden, silent daughter. But Jamie’s actions consistently elevate her, centering her comfort and choice (even if his methods are forceful). Their communication, despite the obvious barrier, is surprisingly intimate through texting and that first video call – the awkwardness, the shared smiles, the confessions feel real and build a connection quickly. The chemistry is undeniable, described through intense stares, fluttering hearts, and Jamie’s barely concealed physical reactions to her presence.

The emotional resonance is strong. You’ll feel fury at Regina and Cecelia’s cruelty, deep sympathy for Gabriella’s pain and loneliness, and a surge of protective instinct alongside Jamie. The swoon factor is high with Jamie’s protective gestures and quiet reassurances. The angst is palpable, stemming from Gabriella’s past, the toxic family, the transactional nature of the marriage agreement (especially the uncomfortable “fertility check”), and Gabriella’s own insecurities.

While there are no explicit scenes yet, the romantic and physical tension is thick enough to cut with a knife. Jamie’s internal thoughts, his possessive touches, the charged atmosphere during their interactions, and the intensity of his gaze promise significant heat down the line. Phrases like “burst into flames” at his touch and his struggle to maintain composure when she enjoys her pancakes hint at a simmering passion waiting to ignite. It’s a tantalizing slow burn layered over an incredibly fast-paced plot development.

The world-building paints a picture of the cutthroat elite, where appearances are everything and cruelty hides behind designer clothes. The plot is driven by the forced proximity of the engagement and the underlying business machinations, creating constant tension and intrigue. Will Jamie’s feelings remain genuine? Can Gabriella truly find her voice, literally or metaphorically? How will they navigate the vindictive family members and the ruthless expectations of Jamie’s father?

Based on these opening chapters, ‘Speak To Me’ is shaping up to be an addictive, emotionally charged read. The characters are complex and draw you in immediately. Gabriella is a heroine you’ll root for fiercely, and Jamie is the kind of intense, protective hero that defines the genre. The stakes are high, the emotions run deep, and the chemistry is undeniable.

If you’re looking for a story that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go, filled with drama, angst, burgeoning passion, and the promise of a love story that defies expectations, you NEED to read ‘Speak To Me’. Don’t wait – dive into Gabriella and Jamie’s world immediately. You won’t regret it.