The Stanford estate stood grand and imposing against the dusky sky, its marble columns and manicured gardens a testament to the wealth and the influence of the family that resided within. But behind the estate's opulent façade lay a cold and distant household, one that I struggled to be a part of.
I sat quietly in my favorite spot in the garden, a secluded bench surrounded by blooming roses. It was one of the few places I felt at peace, away from the prying eyes and whispered judgements that seemed to follow me everywhere in the estate. I often found solace here, among the flowers my late mother had once tended with such care.
My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. I looked up to see my father, Mr. Magnus Stanford, the current CEO of the Stanford enterprise, our family business that had been passed down for generations. His expression was stern, as always, his eyes filled with a determination that rarely softened even for his own daughter.
"Kathryn," he said curtly, "I need to speak with you"
I rose from the bench, smoothing my dress nervously. "Yes Father?"
"We have a matter of great importance to discuss," he began, not waiting for me to respond. "As you know, our family has always valued honor and reputation above all else. There is a promise I made to your grandfather, a promise that was made even when you were born, one that I must now fulfill."
My heart sank. I had heard whispers of this promise but had never imagined it would involve me.
"What kind of promise?" I asked, my voice barely made a whisper.
"My father's eyes hardened. "You are to marry Richard Ambrose, the CEO of the AmbroseGems. The arrangement was made before you were born"
The words hit me like a blow. I stared at my father in disbelief. "But…why me? Silvia is the eldest. She should fulfill this promise."
The look on my father's face grew even colder. "Silvia has persuaded me that it would be in the family's interest for you to marry Richard. There are rumors surrounding him, unsavory ones that might tarnish her reputation, and the entire family name. Silvia has always been astute in these matters and she has been recognized by the public as a member of this family and I would not want any scandal to ruin the image of our company"
I felt a surge of anger and betrayal, but I struggled to keep my composure. Silvia, my step sister, had been the favored one, able to bend our father to her will with a charm that I could never match. And now to save herself, Silvia was pushing me into a marriage I had no desire for.
"Father, this isn't fair," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "Why should I have to suffer for Silvia's sake? I have never been prepared for such responsibility."
My father sighed, a rare sign of his impatience. "Life is rarely fair Kathryn" he replied coldly. "You will do as you are told. Our family's honor depends on it. Richard Ambrose is a suitable match, despite the rumors."
I felt a tear slip down my cheek, but I quickly brushed it away. "Father, please," I pleaded softly, "I don't know Richard. How can I marry someone I know nothing about? At least give me time to understand what is expected of me."
My father's gaze softened for a moment, but it was quickly replaced by his usual sternness. "You will have time to get to know him after the marriage. It is not up for discussion. The arrangements have already been made."
I knew there was no point in arguing further. My father was unyielding and I was powerless to change his mind. With a heavy heart I nodded. "Yes Father."
As he walked away, I felt a wave of despair wash over me. I made my way back to the house, my mind racing with thoughts of the future I had never asked for.
Inside, I found Silvia lounging in the drawing room, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.
"Ah Katie," she said sweetly "I see Father has told you the news"
I took a deep breath trying to steady my emotions.
"You did this" I accused softly. "You convinced him to force me into this marriage"
Silvia's smile widened. "Oh Katie, don't be so dramatic. It's for the best. Besides, Richard Ambrose is rarely a monster you'll see."
I turned away, unable to stand the sight of Silvia's smug expression any longer. She retreated to her room.
I took a long walk down the hallway that led to my room, as I climbed the stairs, I only thought about the new life which I was going to have and I was terrified. I entered my room and shut the door behind me.
Alone in the darkness, I didn't hold back anymore, I let the tears fall, my heart breaking under the weight of my father's demands and my stepsister's betrayal. But even as I wept, I felt a spark of determination ignite within me. I would find a way to endure this, to survive whatever the future held. I owed that much to myself –and to the memory of my mother, who had always believed in my strength. With a heavy sigh, I lay on my bed clutching the necklace my mother had given me as a child. It was enough to remind me that I was not entirely alone.
Richard's POV
The hum of the plane's engines was a familiar, almost comforting sound as I leaned back in my seat, my eyes closed. After a grueling three-week business trip, I was ready to tackle whatever awaited me back In New York. My thoughts were interrupted by James, my secretary, who approached me with a tablet in hand.
"Mr. Ambrose, you need to see this," James said, his voice tinged with urgency.
I opened my eyes and took the tablet, glancing at the screen. An article was rapidly spreading online, painting me as a notorious Casanova. My jaw tightened as I scanned the sensational headlines and the fabricated details of my supposed romantic escapades.
"This is outrageous," I muttered, my anger simmering just below the surface. "Where did this come from?"
James hesitated before responding, "It appears to have originated from the family whose marriage proposal you recently rejected, just before you left for the business trip"
My eyes narrowed. I had turned down their proposal because it was clear they were more interested in my wealth than in any genuine connection. This was their petty revenge.
"File a lawsuit against them," I instructed coldly. "Make sure they pay for their slander. I won't let it go unpunished."
James nodded, quickly making notes on his tablet. "Understood, sir. I'll get the legal team on it immediately."
As I handed the tablet back, James continued, "There's another matter we need to address. The date for your wedding has been fixed, you are to marry Silvia Stanford in less than a month."
My expression darkened. The arrangement with the Stanford family was something I had agreed to only out of respect for my grandfather's dying wish. I had no interest in Silvia, and the thought of being tied to someone for the sake of an old promise grated me.
"Fine," I said tersely, my frustration evident. "I'll go through with this only because it was what my grandfather wanted. Make sure all the arrangements are in place."
James nodded, sensing my displeasure but wisely choosing not to comment on it. "Of course, Mr. Ambrose. Everything will be taken care of."
I turned to look out the window, the sprawling landscape far below a blur of green and brow. A knot of resentment tightened in my chest. My life was being dictated by obligations and the whims of others, leaving little rooms for my own desires.
I clenched my fists, silently vowing to maintain control over my own destiny. If I had to go through with this marriage, I would ensure that it was on my terms. The Stanford's might think they could manipulate me, but they are about to find out just how tough Richard Ambrose can be.
The plane began its descent, the cityscape of New York coming into view. I straightened in my seat, preparing myself for the challenges ahead. The article, the lawsuit, the impending marriage-I would ace them all head-on, just as I had always done with every obstacle in my path.
As the plane touched down, my resolve hardened. I would protect my reputation, fulfill my grandfather's wish, and ensure that no one, not even the Stanford's, would ever control my fate.