Chapter 1
The airport hummed with the gentle chatter of travelers, the occasional announcement echoing through the speakers, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from the café. Riley Garrett rushed out of the bathroom, her long, blonde hair bouncing behind her. She checked her watch for what felt like the hundredth time, worried she'd miss her driver.
As she hastened through the crowded terminal, her eyes fixed on the exit, she collided with a tall, imposing figure. Scalding hot coffee splattered everywhere, including the stranger's tailored suit.
"Oh no, I'm so sorry!" Riley exclaimed, mortified.
The stranger's piercing blue eyes narrowed, his chiseled features twisted in annoyance. "You should watch where you're going," he said curtly, his deep voice dripping with disdain.
Riley's cheeks flushed, but she refused to back down. "You could've watched where you were going too, you know. It's not all my fault."
The stranger's gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the air thick with tension.
"Whatever," Riley muttered, turning to leave.
"Excuse me," the stranger called after her, his voice firm but controlled. "If I ever see you again, I'll make sure you regret your actions."
Riley spun around, her eyes flashing, but the stranger had already turned away, disappearing into the crowd.
Meanwhile, Atlas Norton watched Riley disappear into the crowd, his eyes lingering on the spot where she'd vanished. A scowl etched on his face, he muttered under his breath.
Later that day, Atlas sat in his office, discussing business with his best friend, Hunter Lund.
"I'm telling you, Atlas, you need to take a break," Hunter said, his voice laced with concern. "You've been working non-stop for months."
Atlas raised an eyebrow. "Someone has to keep Norton Industries afloat."
Just then, the door opened, and Jaxon Dale, Atlas's personal assistant, walked in.
"Atlas, I have some news," Jaxon said, his expression neutral. "Grace Lang has returned to the city."
Atlas's eyes narrowed. "What does she want?"
Jaxon hesitated before speaking. "She's requested that you pick her up from the airport. Charlotte Norton's instructions."
Atlas's jaw clenched. He had no desire to reconnect with his ex-girlfriend, especially after the way things ended between them.
"Jaxon, you pick her up instead," Atlas instructed, his voice firm.
Jaxon nodded and turned to leave.
"Jaxon?" Atlas called out.
"Yes, sir?"
"Make sure Grace understands that I'm not interested in rekindling anything."
Jaxon's expression remained neutral. "I'll make sure to pass on the message, sir."
As Jaxon left, Hunter spoke up.
"You know, Atlas, you can't avoid Grace forever."
Atlas's eyes flashed with annoyance. "I'm not avoiding her, Hunter. I just don't want to deal with her drama."
Hunter raised an eyebrow. "Drama?"
Atlas's expression turned grim. "You don't know the half of it, Hunter."
Riley, meanwhile, had arrived at her new apartment, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. She had just moved to the city, eager to start fresh after a painful past.
As she settled in, her best friend, Hazel Stewart, helped her unpack.
"Riley, I'm so glad you're back," Hazel said, her eyes shining with tears. "I've missed you so much."
Riley smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart. "I've missed you too, Hazel."
As they chatted and laughed, Riley began to feel a sense of belonging, like she was finally home.
But little did she know, her life was about to take a dramatic turn.
Her phone vibrated causing her conversation with Hazel to pause.
The long lasting bright light indicated an incoming call. The name Ethan was clear.
She was hesitant to answer but eventually did. His loving voice was so good that you would think he actually loved her. But Riley was no fool.
The same man who threw her out of the mansion five years ago couldn't possibly love her all of a sudden.
"Riley. My dear. Don't you miss your family? You didn't even come to the mansion when you returned."
Riley remained silent.
Ethan became clear on the fact that Riley understood his motive. He clearly wanted something.
"You are free to come over for dinner, aren't you?"
At first, Riley was uncomfortable with going back to the house which would bring back several hurtful memories. But on second thought, she wanted to know what exactly he wanted.
Though, she knew it was not going to please her.
"I'll be there."
Ethan's joy new no bounds when he heard this.
That evening, Riley arrived at the Garrett mansion, feeling a mix of nerves and apprehension.
She walked slowly to the front door made of sandal wood. Hurtful memories swerving in her head like the wind.
As Riley stepped into the Garrett mansion, memories of her mother's death flooded her mind. She remembered the day Evelyn Garrett fell from the stairs, the weight of her father's blame settled heavy in her chest. And The next day, the shameless man brought in his other family. They looked down on her every single day she became an outsider.
The dim yellow lights in the hallway cast an eerie glow, transporting Riley back to the night she was banished from her home. The memories came rushing back. The sound of her father's angry voice, the feel of the cold night air as she stood alone outside. Riley's mind recoiled at the memory of Zoey's desperate attempt to take her own life. The pain and guilt still lingered, a raw wound that Riley thought had long since healed.
As she entered the grand dining room, her eyes scanned the table, taking in the familiar faces. Her father, Ethan, beamed with pride, while her sister, Zoey, chatted with Isaac Farrell, Riley's ex-boyfriend.
Riley's heart skipped a beat as she took in the scene. Memories of that fateful night, five years ago, came flooding back. Valentine's Day, her and Isaac's one-year anniversary, and she'd caught him cheating on her with Zoey. The crying moans which escaped Zoey's lips and the heavy grunts from Isaac disgusted her.
The pain and betrayal still lingered, but Riley pushed the emotions aside, determined not to let it ruin her evening.
"Who are you?" Zoey Garrett was not able to recognize her younger sister. Confusion written all over her face.
Riley smirked, shaking her head negatively. Did she really not remember her?
Five years ago, Zoey always said that her appearance was unforgettable. All because she was fat and was easily bullied by others including her.
"Riley Garrett."
They were all stunned. This couldn't be Riley. Riley Garrett is an ugly fat girl. How can this be Riley?
The shock was palpable. Zoey tried to hide the shock on her face.
"Ha ha ha! You're either ridiculously confident or utterly delusional. Which one is it?" Isaac Farrell's tone was filled with intense mockery.
"Riley! My dear child! Come to your father." Ethan Garrett's voice was loud. It made the other two turn around in shock.
This is really Riley. How is this possible? She was impeccable without flaws. Her fair skin was so shiny and her curves were well defined. The long wavy blonde hair on her head sparkled like gemstones. It made her look like a doll. This Riley Garrett was slim and tall. She didn't look like someone from the countryside at all.
Zoey's eyes narrowed, her face twisting in a scowl as jealousy flared within her. She could feel her blood getting hotter. Meanwhile, Isaac Farrell's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Riley's transformed appearance. This beautiful doll-like woman standing in front of him was indeed his girlfriend, Riley. Suddenly, he started to feel a gush of regret.
Riley walked up to Ethan who had his arms wide open for a hug which she only reciprocated out of courtesy.
"It is good that you came. Let us have dinner then we can discuss." Ethan couldn't wait to drop the bombshell.
As they sat down to eat, Ethan cleared his throat, commanding everyone's attention. "Riley, sweetheart, I have some news to share," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "You're going to be married."
Riley's jaw dropped. "What?!"
Ethan smiled. "Oliver Norton, the senior of the Norton family, has proposed an arrangement. Atlas will marry into our family, and you're the chosen one." Oliver Norton had approached him two days ago with this marriage proposal. Ethan was shocked to see the senior Norton in his own office. He had agreed to support GGC financially if his youngest daughter, Riley Garrett married his grandson. Ethan would never miss this opportunity. He quickly sent for the daughter he had abandoned for five years.
Riley's breath caught in her throat, her stomach twisting into a knot as his words slammed into her ears. "You can't be serious."
Yes, she did know Oliver Norton. She had once saved his life when she still lived in the countryside. Could it be that he was asking her hand because of this?
But Ethan's expression was dead serious. "I'm afraid it's already been arranged, Riley. You'll be meeting Atlas tomorrow to discuss the details."
Riley's world was spinning out of control. She was being forced into a marriage with a stranger, all to further her family's interests.
When Ethan called her to come back to Northdesh, he had said that their family company was going bankrupt. She now understood that Ethan was using her to save himself.
"I will not be getting married to a stranger, Ethan Garrett!"
Ethan Garrett's wife, Ruby Garrett had been keeping silent this whole time. But Riley's outburst only tempted her to speak. "Do you want your family to suffer then?! Think about your mother! She also worked hard to build GGC!"
Her words hit Riley Garrett like thunder.
But Riley could not stand these people for another second. She stormed out of the Garretts' mansion.