One

TWENTY YEARS AGO

Charles Barrett and Michael Prescott sat across from each other in the drawing room of the Barrett family estate, the room was decorated with dark wooden panels. Charles leaned back in his chair, a glass of whisky in his hand, while Michael gazed thoughtfully at an old painting that hung on the wall. Both men sat across from each other in the drawing room, their expressions filled with anticipation.

"This has been the best idea we've come up with so far," Michael said with a big smile spread across his face as he broke the silence. 

"So it's settled, we've come to a decision." Charles began, his voice holding the same excitement as Michael's. "This alliance between our families will guarantee our family's union for generations to come."

Michael nodded thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on a particular painting on the wall. "The marriage would be between our firstborns, your son Mason, and my unborn daughter." He replied, his voice holding hope.

Charles took a sip of his whiskey and leaned forward, his expression serious "Don't you think it's about time I met your wife?" Charles asked, a curious look in his eyes. "We've been friends for a long time and you’ve never introduced me to her."

Michael let out a soft sigh, his gaze falling to the floor. "Don't make me seem like a bad guy, Charles; you know the circumstances surrounding our marriage. You are the only one who knows she's pregnant with my child." He replied with a hint of regret in his voice.

"I understand, it's just that I don't even know what she looks like. But I'm sure once she gives birth, everything will fall in place." Charles assured him, offering a reassuring smile. 

Michael nodded, his mind still occupied with thoughts of his wife. "You're the only one I trust to keep my family safe, in case something happens to me." He said softly, his voice filled with a vulnerability that he rarely showed.

Charles reached out and clasped Michael’s shoulder firmly. "I give you my word, Michael. I will make sure our families are united." He vowed, his voice steady.

And so, the alliance between the Barrett and Prescott families was sealed.

PRESENT DAY 

The Barrett family’s mansion was as quiet as a graveyard today, Mason was finally returning from France after so many years. But the circumstances surrounding his return were what caused the whole house to be on edge. 

Mason emerged from a sleek black car, the car gleaming in the afternoon sun. As the door opened, Mason stepped out, his tall frame exuding an air of confidence and authority. He adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit, his expression unreadable as his polished leather shoes clicked against the driveway. He paused for a moment, taking in the familiar surroundings before heading inside. 

He made his way to his father's home office, his heart pounding from anger. Mason's father, Charles Barrett awaited him as he quietly gazed down at the documents in front of him. The room was lined with bookshelves and a large window offering a view of the estate. 

Charles looked up as Mason stormed in, his son’s anger evident in every step. "Why would you do this Dad?" Mason demanded, not bothering to hide the bitterness in his voice. 

"Welcome back son," Charles greeted his son with a nod, ignoring the hostility in his tone.

"Don't," Mason snapped, his voice laced with frustration. "Don't, don't act like you're happy to see me because you and I know that it was you who sent me away in the first place,"

Charles sighed, setting down his pen and leaning back in his chair. "I sent you to France for you to focus and get your life back on track. You were a mess, and I did you a favor." Charles replied, his tone measured and controlled. "You should be thankful you have people who care about you."

Mason's jaw tightened as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. "The only thing you care about is yourself," he retorted, his voice low and full of resentment. "I admit my life was a mess, but did you ever stop to think that you were the cause?"

Charles's expression hardened, but he said nothing as Mason continued. "Mom, your wife, died, and not even three months after that, you remarried. You made me end my relationship with Darcy, and when I refused, you threatened her and sent me to France so I could handle the business over there."

"I remarried because I didn't have a choice," Charles replied, his voice firm. "I made some mistakes after your mom died, but I did what I thought was best for you. As for Darcy, I didn't threaten her; I simply asked her to name her price, and she did. She was only after your wealth, Mason."

Mason shook his head in disbelief. "Then why did you change the deal we had before I went to France?" He asked, his frustration mounting. 

"I didn't change the deal, Mason. You just didn't read the whole thing before you signed," Charles replied calmly. 

Mason clenched his fists, struggling to contain his anger. "Whatever alliance you formed with your friend,  has nothing to do with me," he said, his voice shaking with fury. "You can't go around gambling with my life. I don't even know who this girl is, so how do you expect the marriage to work out?"

Charles leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "Then get to know her," he said, his tone cold and unyielding. "It's not that difficult. Your mother and I knew nothing about each other when we got married. If you refuse to marry her,  then you can kiss your position as CEO goodbye."

Mason's eyes widened in shock. "You can't be serious, Dad," he said, his voice filled with disbelief. "Last time I checked, you don't have any other sons, and Julie knows nothing about the business,"

Charles smirked, knowing he had struck a nerve. "Justin is more than capable of running the company, and I'm sure he'll do an excellent job," he replied, his tone dripping with satisfaction. 

Mason's mind raced, anger coursing through him like wildfire. Justin had always been a rival, someone he had never been able to fully trust. The thought of losing the company to him was unbearable. 

"In the contract, it wasn't stated that I had to marry the person you’ve chosen, so it means I'm free to marry whoever I chose," Mason said, pulling out the contract and showing it to his father. 

Charles raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Very well then," he said, a sly smile playing on his lips. "You have 48 hours to bring the girl you want to marry, and if you fail to do so, then you have no choice but to marry Blair Prescott."

Mason's lips curled into a smirk of his own. "Deal," he said, his voice filled with determination. "By the way, Father, I already have a fiance back in France, so that won't be a problem."

Charles’s smile dropped instantly, the color draining from his face. He couldn’t let his son break the promise he made to his friend Michael. But before he could respond, Mason turned and walked out, leaving his father in stunned silence.

~~~~

Meanwhile, in the Prescott family mansion, Blair and her mother, Lenora, were in high spirits. They had just received news of Mason’s return, and both women were eagerly anticipating the marriage that had been arranged so many years ago. Blair stood in front of the mirror, admiring her reflection. Her shoulder-length hair cascaded down her back, and her honey-brown eyes sparkled with excitement. She couldn’t wait to marry Mason and finally secure her place in the Barrett family.

Lenora watched her daughter with a proud smile, but there was a calculating glint in her eyes. "Remember, darling, you must be on your best behavior when we get to the Barrett's tomorrow." She said, her tone firm.

Blair nodded eagerly, already picturing herself walking down the aisle. "Don’t worry, Mom, I'll make sure to impress them." She replied, her voice filled with determination.

Raven came home from work, exhausted. She made her way to her room to have a nice bath before going to bed. She was passing by her mom's room when she heard Blair and her mom discussing. At first, she wanted to ignore them, but then she heard her name, and so she stopped and listened closely. 

"Why didn't I think of that sooner?" Lenora was saying, her voice filled with disdain. "I can't stand her presence in this house any longer. I want her out of our lives for good." Raven’s heart sank as she realized they were talking about her. 

Blair huffed, crossing her arms. "I know, that's why I told you to send her away in the first place. But you, being the kind-hearted person you are, you just gave her time." She said, her tone laced with sarcasm.

Lenora let out a bitter laugh. "I just didn’t want people to think I'm a bad mom," she replied, her voice softening slightly. "Mr. Clinton came to me with an amazing offer. He asked to marry her, and I'm beginning to think that's a good idea." 

Raven's blood ran cold at the mention of Mr Clinton. He was an old man with 3 wives, and everyone in New York knew of his thirst for young girls. The thought of marrying him was unbearable. 

Blair rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Mom, you can't do that. He's too good for her," she said, her hatred for Raven evident in every word. Although Raven didn't like how her sister said it, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing that Blair was opposed to the idea. 

Lenora narrowed her eyes as she considered Blair’s words. "The man looks like he's probably gonna die any moment. So she deserves that at least." She muttered, not even a little bit compassionate. 

Blair shook her head, a frown marring her face. "Mom you don't understand," she said, her tone impatient. "He's been on my case for a while now; I have him wrapped around my fingers. He does everything I ask because he thinks I'm pretty. But think about what would happen if he married Raven."

Raven's stomach churned as she tried to process what Blair was saying; she realized what she meant was that he was her sugar daddy. Raven was grossed out when she tried to picture her sister in bed with him. She knew Blair was a slut but this was too low, even for her.

Lenora looked at her daughter, confusion written on her face. "I don't understand, baby. What would happen?" She asked genuinely curious.

Blair let out an exasperated sigh. "She's pretty, Mom, we can't keep denying that fact. If he marries her, she'll manipulate him into giving her all his wealth, and I'll just be forgotten," she explained, her voice rising with frustration. "If she should marry anyone, it has to be someone of a much lower status."

Raven's heart pounded in her chest as she absorbed the shocking admission from her sister.

Lenora’s expression softened as she reached out to touch Blair’s arm. "That's not a problem, darling," she said soothingly. "You'll have the Barrett family's wealth, so you have nothing to worry about."

Blair’s eyes lit up at the mention of the Barretts. "Oh, Mother, I can't wait to become a part of that family," she gushed, her mind already racing with thoughts of the luxurious life that awaited her. 

Lenora smiled at her daughter. "You will, darling. We'll be visiting them tomorrow," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "As for Raven, I'll finalize her marriage with Mr. Clinton so she can be out of our lives for good."

Raven quietly slipped away, her mind racing with thoughts of escape. She couldn’t let her mother force her into a marriage with Mr Clinton. Her mother had made it clear that she was nothing more than a burden, someone, to be discarded as soon as it was convenient.

~~~~

Back at the Barrett mansion, Mason sat in the garden reminiscing on his time in France and his fiance, Candice. The night was cool, and the stars twinkled above, but he barely noticed them. 

Candice was everything he had ever wanted in a partner. Beautiful, intelligent, and fiercely independent. They've been dating for six months, but Mason never revealed his identity to her; he proposed to her a week before he returned to New York, and he was planning to reveal his identity to her a day before their wedding. Candice is a famous model in France. To her, Mason was just a random journalist, but she dated him despite his status being lower than hers. He had kept his true identity a secret, wanting to ensure that she loved him for who he was, not for his wealth or status. 

After much thought, Mason decided to call her and ask her to come to New York. He pulled out his phone, his fingers hovering over Candice’s contact. After a moment of hesitation,  he pressed the call button. He didn't have much time, the phone rang three times before Candice picked up.