I stepped into the grand lobby of the Luxe Horizon Hotel, radiating self-assurance in my carefully curated attire. The beige blazer and skirt I had carefully chosen the day before hugged my figure perfectly, while the black heels and matching handbag added a touch of sophistication. As I walked, my long ash blonde wavy hair swayed gracefully, drawing the attention of those around me.
It was no surprise that people glanced in my direction. Throughout my life, I had often received compliments on my appearance. Standing tall with a statuesque figure, my fair complexion accentuated my features. A sharp nose and captivating hazel eyes completed the picture, adding an air of allure to my overall look.
With each step, I embraced the attention with grace, knowing that my looks were just one aspect of the person I was. Beyond the physical attributes, I carried ambition, intelligence, and a drive to succeed. As I prepared for the important meeting ahead, I knew that my inner qualities would shine through, complementing the outward beauty that had garnered admiration.
With a confident smile, I swung open the door to the assigned meeting room, fully expecting to see potential investors awaiting me. However, my heart skipped a beat as I laid eyes on the unexpected sight that unfolded before me. Seated around a grand round table, adorned with a lavish display of delectable dishes, were the familiar faces of my own family.
A surge of disbelief surged through me, causing my smile to fade. Did I enter the wrong room? Confusion gripped my mind as I struggled to comprehend the unexpected presence of my loved ones in this seemingly professional setting.
"What are you doing here?" I managed to utter, my voice laced with a mixture of shock and disbelief.
Alyssa, my sister, rushed towards me, tears streaming down her face as she enveloped me in a tight embrace. Her trembling voice revealed the distress that consumed her. "Sis," she choked out, "Grandma said that I have to marry a stranger!"
The words hung heavily in the air, intensifying the tension that filled the room. Anger surged within me as I glared at my family, demanding an explanation for this bewildering situation.
"Have you all gone mad?" I shouted, my voice filled with a mix of anger and frustration. "What is the meaning of all this?"
Grandma, her eyes filled with greed, began to explain. "I stumbled upon an engagement letter among your grandfather's belongings," she revealed, her tone heavy with a hunger for wealth. "It states that one of you must wed the heir of Vanguard Holdings. And, without consulting any of you, I made the decision to choose Alyssa, as she is young and obedient."
The room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by Alyssa's tearful plea. "I don't want to marry someone I've never met!" she cried, her voice filled with desperation and fear.
But the response from our mother, Alice, was far from supportive. Her eyes narrowed with a cold determination as she lashed out at Alyssa. "Do you have a say in this?" she sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "Fool! Be thankful that you will become the young madam of a wealthy family! Even if you study and work until death, you will never acquire this fortune!" Her finger pointed accusingly at Alyssa, punctuating her harsh words.
In this intense moment, the clash between personal desires and the insatiable hunger for wealth tore at the fabric of our relationships, leaving us all grappling with the consequences of a decision that had been made without our consent.
"What if he is an old man with many children? Are you going to let me marry such a person? Even if he is wealthy, I will not marry someone I don't love!" Alyssa stood up, her voice filled with determination as she tried her best to convince them.
"Will your love pay off our debts?" our father Nicholas sneered, his arms crossed defensively.
Frustration boiled within me, and I confronted my father, my hands pointing accusingly at him. "This is all your fault!" I exclaimed, my voice laced with anger. "Your gambling debts have led us to this point! How can you all use my sister for your own greed?" I glared at each of their faces, determined to protect my sister from their selfish motives.
Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing an old man in a wheelchair. He appeared to be around the same age as my grandmother. Could he be the groom? Worry and apprehension filled my heart as I immediately confronted him, unwilling to accept this arranged marriage. "I'm sorry, but we are not interested in marrying into your family," I stated firmly, my voice tinged with defiance.
The old man looked at me with a faint smile, seemingly unfazed by my rejection. His assistant, who pushed his wheelchair, calmly led him to the table. Everyone took their seats, and I reluctantly followed suit, trying my best to maintain a respectful demeanor despite the storm of emotions brewing within me.
"This is Sebastian Collins, the owner and chairman of Vanguard Holdings," his assistant introduced the old man to us. A group of waiters burst into the room, carrying trays of delectable dishes.
"Let's eat first," he commanded, his voice booming with authority. Despite his age, Sebastian exuded a commanding presence, with his striking and captivating features. It was evident that he was not someone who accepted rejection easily.
As we began to eat, it was clear that the family was thoroughly enjoying the sumptuous feast. However, my sister and I struggled to chew, our anticipation building for the next turn of events. Just as we were nearing the end of the meal, Mr. Collins abruptly set down his cutlery, fixing his gaze upon me.
"Your grandfather, Ezekiel, is one of my most trusted friends," he declared, his voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and determination. "He saved my life when I was in grave danger, even though he didn't know me at all. I made a promise to him to repay his kindness with an arranged marriage. Although your grandfather has left us, I am still bound by that promise."
"Yes, of course. A promise is a promise, right?" Grandma Beatrice chimed in, her voice filled with agreement and respect.
"We are honored to be considered a part of your esteemed family," my mother interjected, her tone reflecting her eagerness to please.
"You will be relocated to an exclusive villa and receive generous monthly allowances for each member of your family. And once you produce an heir, you will receive a million dollars, double if it's a boy," the assistant explained, handing us the papers. "Please sign if you have no further questions."
I could see the joyous anticipation on their faces, but I knew I had to speak up. "I'm sorry, but we have to decline your offer. My sister is still a minor, and we have no intention of marrying her off at such a young age," I explained, my voice filled with determination.
"What are you saying, Drew? We will decide what's best for our family!" my mother exclaimed, her voice rising as she slammed her hands on the table. Alyssa, my sister, couldn't hold back her tears, which fell onto the paper in front of her.
"Mom, please don't do this to me!" Alyssa cried out, her tears falling onto the paper in front of her, leaving small damp stains. Her voice trembled with a mixture of fear and desperation, as she pleaded with our mother to reconsider.
"I apologize, Mr. Collins. There seems to be a misunderstanding within the family. My granddaughters simply don't want to leave our family. Please excuse their behavior," Grandma said, her smile tinged with awkwardness.
"We don't want to force anyone into this marriage. Feel free to reach out to us once you've made your decision," Mr. Collins said with a sigh of regret, his voice filled with disappointment. His assistant stood by his side, ready to push his wheelchair and leave the room.
"My daughter, Drew, can marry into your family instead!" my father suddenly stood up, his voice filled with desperation. Mr. Collins turned his head and looked at me, assessing me with his gaze. "She is the right age, graduated from a top university. She is smart and good-looking. She can be useful in any way!"
I turned to my father, disbelief written all over my face. It was clear that he was willing to go to any lengths for the sake of money.
"Yes, yes!" my mother chimed in, her eagerness evident. "She may not have been our first choice since we thought you might prefer someone younger. But our daughter, Andrea, is a great candidate too! She is still young and healthy, capable of bearing an heir anytime soon."
"You're right, Alice. Alyssa is merely 17 years old, and it will take an excruciatingly long time before she can even consider the possibility of bearing a child. But Drew, she is a mature young woman, unfairly burdened with the responsibility. She is expected to handle all the demanding household chores, sacrificing her own aspirations and dreams to cater to my future grandson-in-law's needs, always ready to conceive at a moment's notice. Surely, she must be the best choice, right Drew?" My grandma's gaze bore into me, her plea tinged with a sense of desperation.
As I looked at their determined faces, their greed becoming more apparent, I knew I had to make a decision. Instead of pushing my sister into this absurd situation, I would bear the responsibility myself. With a wavering voice, I mustered my courage and said, "I-I agree." Without hesitation, I signed the papers, sealing my fate.
Mr. Collins smiled and left the room, his secretary entering to collect the signed documents. The rest of the family rejoiced, their excitement evident. But as for me and Alyssa, a sense of unease and uncertainty lingered in the air.
As I stand on the sandy shore, the clear blue sky stretches out above me, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our beach wedding. The warm sun embraces my skin, while the gentle sea breeze brushes against me, creating a harmonious symphony of sensations.
The beach wedding is like a dream come true. Delicate white and pastel-colored flowers are meticulously arranged along the aisle, their sweet fragrance blending with the salty scent of the ocean. The altar, adorned with flowing white fabric, exudes an air of elegance and romance.
As I prepare to walk down the aisle in my elegant white flowy dress, a mix of emotions fills my heart. My gown is an elegant masterpiece, crafted from flowing white fabric that cascades gracefully around me. The dress is ethereal, with its soft and delicate design, mirroring the gentle movement of the ocean waves. It embraces my figure with a sense of effortless beauty, while its flowy silhouette adds a touch of romance to the overall look.
My hair is styled in loose, beachy waves, reflecting the natural and carefree atmosphere of the seaside. The soft curls frame my face, enhancing my features and creating a radiant and romantic aura.
The warm sunlight enhances my dewy complexion, and a light foundation evens out my skin tone. Soft, earthy tones are used on my eyes, with a touch of shimmer to capture the light and create a subtle sparkle. The focus is on enhancing my natural beauty, with soft blush and a nude lip color that complements the overall bridal look.
It has been a month since the family meeting, and yet I have not met the groom in person. The anticipation and curiosity linger, but I am ready to embrace the unknown, convincing myself that sometimes the most journeys begin with a leap of faith.
It was an intimate wedding, with only a select few invited guests. As I walked down the aisle, a mix of emotions filled my heart, and a faint smile played on my lips.
But as I approached the altar, my breath caught in my throat. To my surprise, standing there was a familiar face, a man I had vowed to forget. It was Andrew Collins, my first love, my only heartache. The sight of him took my breath away, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.
The scene became breathtaking as the realization sank in. The groom that I had never met was the one who had left an indelible mark on my heart. Memories flooded back, and a whirlwind of emotions washed over me. It was a mixture of joy, confusion, and a glimmer of hope.
"I did not expect it to be you," I said, breaking the silence as I took a seat on the bed.
"I will treat you well," he responded.
My eyes widened with surprise as his words sank in. This man, who had made my life a living hell during our high school days, was now promising to treat me well. The memories of countless rejections and hurtful words came rushing back, leaving me feeling skeptical and unsure. Was he playing with my emotions? Could I trust his words?
A whirlwind of emotions swirled within me as I tried to make sense of the situation. Part of me wanted to believe that people can change, that perhaps he had grown and matured over the years. But another part of me feared that history would repeat itself, that I would once again find myself hurt and broken.