Long before Bobby Knight and Sophia Lancaster were born, their families were already bound by fate.
It began decades ago when Richard Knight and Henry Lancaster were nothing more than ambitious young men in New York, eager to carve out their place among the city's elite.
Richard had inherited Knight Industries, a respected but modest financial firm that specialized in investment banking and corporate acquisitions. Henry had built Lancaster Developments from the ground up, turning his small real estate business into a rising empire.
Their paths first crossed at an exclusive business gala, where both men found themselves competing for the same investor. What should have been a rivalry turned into an unexpected alliance when Richard and Henry, recognizing their shared vision, It was right then they decided to work together instead of against each other.
It was the start of something legendary.
Knight Industries provided the capital and financial backing, while Lancaster Industries secured high-value properties and development projects. Together, they transformed Manhattan building some of the biggest and most luxurious commercial and residential properties in the city.
But their partnership wasn't just about business. Their families grew close as well. Their wives, Evelyn Knight and Elena Lancaster, became fast friends, and it wasn't long before holidays, family vacations, and private dinners were spent together.
And then came their children.
Bobby and Sophia.
From the moment they were born, it was as if the universe had already decided their fate.
****
The sun was starting to set over the Knight estate, casting golden light across the backyard where two young figures raced through the well kept grass.
Bobby Knight was seven years old and full of energy as he ran ahead he glanced back with a mischievous grin.
"You're too slow, Soph!"
"I am not!" Sophia Lancaster huffed, determined to catch up. Her honey-blonde hair tied in a ponytail bounced around with each hurried step, her small hands reaching for him. "You cheated!"
Bobby laughed, dodging her grasp. "That's not cheating. I'm just faster than you."
Sophia groaned she was starting to feel tired, but with her last burst of energy, she jumped forward, grabbing his shirt just before he could reach the garden's edge.
"Got you!" she yelled triumphantly as they both fell into the soft grass, rolling in a tangled heap of laughter.
Bobby lay on his back, as Sophia hovered over him, her smug expression victorious while both of them were out of breath.
"Now say it," she demanded.
Bobby groaned. "Fine, fine. You win. Happy?"
Sophia grinned. "Very."
"All right, you two." Evelyn said with a warm smile."Time to come inside"
They both looked over to see Evelyn Knight, Bobby's mother, standing next to Elena Lancaster, Sophia's mother.
"But we're still playing!" Bobby protested.
Elena raised her brow. "And now, it's time to come in and let the adults talk."
Sophia and Bobby exchanged a reluctant glance before slowly getting up.
"Cookies make it worth it," Sophia muttered, making Bobby snicker as they walked inside.
The Knight family's dining room was grand yet welcoming, the long table set with silverware and glasses. It was a scene of elegance one that had played out countless times as the Knights and Lancasters gathered together, discussing business, and the future.
Already seated at the table were Richard Knight and Henry Lancaster, the patriarchs of their respective families, both men powerful in presence and influence.
"We've spent years building this empire," Richard said, swirling his wine glass. "But legacies don't sustain themselves."
Henry nodded. "We have to think ahead. About our children."
Sophia frowned slightly, poking at her mashed potatoes. She didn't like the way they were talking—like she and Bobby were part of their game.
"I assume you've considered our previous discussions?" Richard continued.
Evelyn, sitting beside her husband, smiled. "Sophia and Bobby have known each other since birth. It only makes sense to keep our families connected."
Henry leaned back in his chair. "We don't have to make them do anything. But with time, they'll see what's best for them."
Bobby, seated beside Sophia, paused mid-bite. "Wait, what are you guys talking about?"
Sophia turned to him, already guessing the answer.
Elena said smoothly. "You two."
Bobby blinked. "You mean, like—"
Richard smirked. "Marriage, son."
Bobby nearly choked on his food.
Sophia froze, looking at her parents.
"You guys are already deciding that?" she asked, a mix of surprise and irritation.
Evelyn chuckled. "It's not decided, sweetheart. It's just… practical."
Bobby grinned and nudged Sophia. "Guess you're stuck with me, huh?"
Sophia groaned, shoving his shoulder. "No way. I don't want to marry you!"
Bobby mockingly gasped. "Why not? I'm amazing."
"You're annoying," she shot back.
"Annoying but rich," Bobby teased.
Sophia rolled her eyes as their parents chuckled.
Henry set his glass down, voice calm but firm. "It's not something to decide now. But one day, you'll understand why it makes sense."
Sophia wasn't so sure.
****
Later that evening, Sophia and Bobby sat outside on the backyard swing, the warm glow of lanterns flickering around them.
Sophia kicked at the ground lightly. "Why do parents always have to plan everything for us?"
Bobby shrugged. "They just think they know what's best."
"But what if we don't want the same things?"
Bobby tilted his head, thinking. "Then we do what we want."
Sophia studied him. "Would you really go against them?"
Bobby hesitated. "I don't know maybe."
Sophia sighed. "I just don't want to feel like I don't have a choice."
Bobby nudged her. "Well, maybe you'll fall in love with me anyway, and then it won't matter."
Sophia snorted. "Yeah, right."
Bobby grinned. "We'll see."
Sophia pouted, crossing her arms. "And what if I marry someone else?"
Bobby's smirk disappeared instantly.
This idea of hers didn't sit well with him at all.
"Then I guess I'd just have to steal you back," he said quietly, but there was something serious in the way he said it
Sophia rolled her eyes, but for some reason, her heart was beating a little faster.
She refused to think about it.