"Laya, come downstairs, we have something important to discuss," called out Dr. Raha, Laya's mother, her voice tinged with urgency.
Laya furrowed her brows, wondering what could be so important. She made her way downstairs, finding her parents, Dr. George and Dr. Raha, sitting at the dining table with solemn expressions.
"What's going on?" Laya asked, her tone laced with curiosity.
Dr. George cleared his throat, his serious demeanor contrasting with his usual flirtatious nature. "Laya, we've made a decision regarding your future," he began.
Laya's eyes widened, her mind racing with possibilities. She braced herself for whatever news was about to come.
"We've arranged a marriage for you," Dr. Raha added, her voice gentle but firm.
Laya's heart skipped a beat. "Marriage? But... but I haven't even had a say in this!"
Her father sighed, his eyes filled with concern. "Laya, we understand your feelings, but we believe this alliance will benefit our family."
Laya's frustration grew. "But what about my happiness? Shouldn't that matter too?"
Dr. George reached out, his hand hovering in the air before dropping to the table. "We've thought this through, Laya. Aiden, the grandson of Kane and Lidia, would be your prospective husband."
Laya's eyes widened in disbelief. "Aiden? That spoiled brat? You can't be serious!"
Just then, Zain, Laya's protective brother, entered the room, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed the conversation. "You're expecting Laya to marry someone she doesn't even like? This is outrageous!"
Dr. Raha's voice wavered with determination. "It's for the betterment of our family, Zain. We can't let emotions cloud our judgment."
Laya felt a surge of anger, her voice trembling. "What about my dreams, my aspirations? Am I just supposed to give them up for the sake of a marriage that I don't want?"
Her mother's eyes softened, but she remained resolute. "We believe this decision is in your best interest, Laya. It's time for you to settle down and start a family."
Laya's mind raced, searching for a way to escape this unwanted arrangement. She couldn't let her own happiness be sacrificed for the sake of her family's reputation. Determination filled her voice as she spoke, "I won't let this happen. I will find a way to break off this proposal."
Little did Laya know that her resolve to escape this marriage would set in motion a chain of events that would forever change her life. As the weight of the decision settled upon her, a spark of defiance ignited within her, pushing her to fight against the fate that had been thrust upon her.
And so, chapter one ends with Laya standing at the precipice of a tumultuous journey, her heart set on breaking free from the chains of an unwanted marriage proposal, unaware of the challenges and unexpected connections that lie ahead.