Emily should have felt perfectly at home among the aristocrats, business magnates, and powerful families that filled the great ballroom. Still, she felt nothing as she stood among them, wearing a gown that felt like a second skin, and holding a glass of champagne. Even with the glittering extravagance of the evening, there remained a void inside of her.
Senior Parker, her grandfather, was talking animatedly with a group of board members across the room, full of pride. His commanding presence served as a constant reminder to Emily of everything she was supposed to be: composed, calculating, and in control. Emily Parker was the chosen heiress of the Parker Empire, which was more than just a company—it was the family's legacy and vitality.
"Emily, the merger must happen soon," he had said earlier in the day, and his words were still fresh in her memory. Announce your engagement to a suitable person. This is about protecting our legacy, not just about you.
Emily sighed and turned away. She understood completely what her grandfather wanted—a merger and an arranged marriage alliance to raise their social status. However, she could not bear the idea of being tied to someone for the purpose of a business transaction. She had learned that lesson all too well from her failed engagement to Liam. She was tired of downplaying the value of love and acting like the perfect heiress.
A stranger among many well-known faces caught her attention as she looked around the room: a man she did not know. Not only was he distinctive in that he lacked the flashy attire that typically accompanies wealth, but he also gave off an easygoing vibe. Despite appearing to be out of place, he seemed completely comfortable with it.
Emily approached him out of curiosity. "You do not seem like you belong here," she said, smiling kindly.
With unexpected intensity, the man turned to face her and locked eyes with her. "Neither do you," he shot back, his humor evident in his tone.
Emily raised an eyebrow, looking surprised. "I am Emily Parker," she uttered, the weight of the world bearing on her name. "This is my universe."
He nodded, his expression unaffected. "Ethan Walker," he introduced himself simply, without the usual titles or ceremony. No mention of status or affiliation with a company. Its simplicity was a welcome change.
"So, Ethan Walker—what brings you to this glamorous event?" Emily asked, taking a cue from his lack of interest in her name.
With a casual sip from his drink, he said, "Work." "My firm is involved in the community project your family's sponsoring."
Emily grew more fascinated. Ethan was here for something genuine, something that was not cloaked in pretense, in contrast to the other guests, who were either here to move up the social ladder or to enjoy their wealth. He was not attempting to win her favor or impress her. He was just who he was.
"I understand," she uttered, a faint smile dancing across her lips. "Work seems like a better excuse than most."
In return, Ethan gave her a genuine smile that was devoid of the pretense she had grown accustomed to. For a split second, they seemed to be the only two people in the room—two people who had the ability to see past the glitzy exterior that surrounded them.
However, the moment was short lived. Emily's phone vibrated in her purse, bringing her back to reality. Her grandfather had left her a message reading, "Time is running out." We must quickly make the announcement. Do not let us down.
The hollow sensation came back, encircling her chest more tightly. She glanced back at Ethan, who had moved on to talk to someone else at this point. His presence served as a momentary reminder that there was a world outside her own, one free from obligations and expectations. But she was always drawn back by her family's demands, no matter how much she wanted to run away.
Her grandfather's remarks continued to play in her head as she left the gala that night. He was more concerned with forging an alliance than he was with her happiness. It was all business to him, an empire to defend, a legacy to maintain. Emily wondered for the first time if she could continue to play the role that had been assigned to her.
Her phone vibrated again as she climbed into her car. This time, Liam, not her grandfather, sent the message, saying, "I am back in town. We should talk."
Emily felt a wave of emotions come over her as she kept staring at the screen: confusion, anger, and a deep sense of regret. Liam was the embodiment of everything she had been attempting to avoid: false love, calculated alliances, and hollow promises. She had made a great effort to put the failed engagement behind her and forget about him. But it all came flooding back when she saw his name on her phone.
"Ma'am?" Martin, her driver, called out to her, interrupting her thoughts. With a caring yet worried expression, he stood near the car door. "Is everything okay?"
Emily stuffed her phone back into her purse and forced a smile. "Yes, Martin. Everything is alright. Let us head home."
The drive back to the Parker estate was quiet. Outside the window, the city lights blurred as they passed, the skyline a testament to the power and wealth her family had accumulated. The Parker mansion loomed ahead—a grand, imposing structure just outside the city, its high walls shutting out the world. To most, it was a symbol of success. Tonight, to Emily, it felt like a gilded cage.
As she entered the house, she found her mother, Victoria Parker, sipping tea in the drawing room. Victoria's sharp eyes immediately fixed on her daughter.
"How was the gala, Emily?" she asked, her tone hovering between cordiality and accusation. "I didn't hear any announcements, and your grandfather will want an update."
Emily's patience was wearing thin. "Mother, it went well. I spoke to several potential partners. I'm working on it."
"Working on it?" her mother's voice sharpened with disbelief. "Emily, this is not a game. The merger must happen. Your grandfather is losing patience, and the board is expecting an official announcement. We cannot afford to lose face."
At last, the pressure that had been building all evening gave way. "Mother, are you really listening to yourself? This goes beyond a simple announcement or merger. This is my life. Are financial gains the only reason I should marry someone?
Victoria's face softened slightly. It is not ideal, Emily, and I know that. However, some compromises must be made. Using his own blood, tears, and labor, your grandfather established this empire, and he has designated you to continue it. In our world, things are done in this manner.
Emily wanted to scream in protest, saying she was tired of being a pawn in her family's games and that it was unjust. But she knew that would not work. Her mother had been raised under these guidelines her entire life and was unable to see beyond them.
Instead, Emily simply nodded. "Mother, I get it. I will take care of it.
Her mother smiled slightly in approval. "Good. And never forget that Liam remains an option. He is willing to apologize and comes from a respectable family. That is significant.
Unable to trust herself to talk, Emily forced a smile. As she ascended the stairs to her room, she felt the weight of her family's expectations.
She pulled out her phone when she had some time to herself and read Liam's message, which said, "I am back in town." We need to talk." Though she knew she could not ignore him, she still did not want to see him. That is, unless her family had an objection.
But as she thought about how to respond, she also thought about Ethan. His words, his presence, had sparked something in her. He saw past the expectations and the title of "heiress," and she had not felt that kind of sincerity in a long time.
Emily took a deep breath and typed her response to Liam: "I am busy right now." Maybe another time."
Though it was a tiny act of rebellion, it was hers.
Her phone vibrated again the next morning, while she was having breakfast with her parents. Her heart skipped a beat as she read the message, "If you think you can hide from me, you are wrong. I'll see you soon."
It was Liam again.