Jasmine's pov
I had always believed that my life was mapped out, guided by faith and careful planning. But as I sat in my father's study, staring at the stern faces of my parents, I realized my map was about to be redrawn. I should've known something was off the moment my mother insisted on meeting in my father's study. She never called me in there unless it was something serious. As I stepped inside, the air was heavy with tension. My father sat behind his massive oak desk, his expression unreadable, while my mother perched on the edge of a leather armchair, her gaze sharp and focused.
"Jasmine," my mother began, smoothing her silk blouse. "We've made an important decision regarding your future."
I sat down slowly, my lawyer instincts kicking in. "What kind of decision?"
"You're getting married," she said, as though it were a mere scheduling update.
My breath caught in my throat. "Excuse me?"
"To Adrian Marco," my father interjected, his tone matter-of-fact.
My heart stilled, and I blinked at her, unsure if I'd heard correctly. Adrian Marco—the CEO of Marc Corp, the man whose ruthless reputation preceded him in every social circle. I had never met him, but I'd read the stories: the genius entrepreneur with a cold demeanor and a heart walled off by success. The tabloids called him "The Ice King." And now, apparently, I was meant to be his queen.
"This is a joke, right?" I managed, my voice trembling.
"It's not," my mother said firmly. "This marriage will be good for you—and for our families. Adrian needs someone like you to balance him, and this union will strengthen both businesses."
"I'm not a chess piece you can move around for strategic alliances," I snapped, anger bubbling beneath my calm exterior.
"This isn't about control," my father said, his tone softening. "It's about securing your future. Adrian is successful, intelligent, and capable. With you by his side, he'll have the stability he needs."
"And what about what I need?" I asked, my voice breaking. "What about love? A real partnership?"
My mother sighed, her expression softening for the first time. "Love can grow, Jasmine. It doesn't always start with fireworks."
I stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the polished floor. "I need time to think."
As I walked out of the study, my chest tightened. My life had always been governed by structure and faith, but this—this felt like a betrayal. Marriage wasn't supposed to be a business transaction.
---
The rest of the day passed in a haze. I tried focusing on work, pouring over case files in my home office, but my mind kept circling back to Adrian Marc. I barely knew the man. What I did know didn't inspire confidence.
By evening, I found myself sitting on the edge of my bed, Bible in hand. I opened it to a familiar passage, Proverbs 3:5-6:
*Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.*
I closed my eyes, letting the words wash over me. Maybe this was one of those moments where I had to trust, even if I couldn't see the bigger picture.
My phone buzzed, breaking the silence. It was my mother.
"Have you thought about it?" she asked, skipping any pretense of small talk.
"I'm still processing," I said honestly.
"Well, don't take too long. Adrian's family expects an answer soon."
Her words felt like a weight pressing down on my chest. "I'll let you know."
I hung up, staring at the ceiling. Could I really do this? Marry a man I didn't know, all for the sake of duty?
---
The next morning, I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the fabric of my tailored blazer. Today, I had a big case to present, and I couldn't afford to let my personal life distract me.
But as I walked into the courtroom, my mind kept drifting. What would it be like to share my life with Adrian Marc? Could I ever find happiness in a marriage built on obligation?. By the end of the day, I had my answer.
I couldn't say no—not because I wanted this marriage, but because I knew my parents expected it of me. They had given me everything: an elite education, unwavering support, and a life of privilege. Saying no felt like biting the hand that had fed me.
That evening, I called my mother.
"I'll do it," I said, my voice steady despite the storm inside me.
"Good," she replied. "We'll arrange a meeting with Adrian soon."
As I hung up the phone, I felt a strange mix of resolve and dread. This wasn't the path I would have chosen, but it was the path I was on now.
I could only pray that God had a plan for me in all of this.