Emma's POVIt had been nearly two months since my mother imposed that dreadful deadline, and with Eva's engagement just around the corner, I knew it was high time to introduce my so-called boyfriend to the family. But where on earth was I going to find one?"What's with the furrowed brow?" George, my best friend and business partner, asked as he noticed my evident distress. George was the only man I felt truly comfortable around."I have to attend Eva's engagement this week and then her wedding next month," I replied with a sigh."And that’s troubling you because...?" he inquired, eyes narrowing in curiosity."Because I need a boyfriend," I confessed, barely meeting his gaze."A boyfriend?!" George's exclamation was laced with disbelief."Yes, a boyfriend to introduce to my family. If I don’t, they’ll start arranging my marriage with the first eligible man they can find," I explained, frustration evident in my voice."Aww, poor you," George teased, though there was genuine sympathy in
Emma's POV "So she should serve you hot meals and be ready to please you in bed, like a slave?" I challenged, my patience wearing thin."A slave? No, of course not. But as a willing partner, to share in life’s pleasures," Peter clarified as if that made it any better."This is pointless. We’re not on the same page. Our views on marriage are completely different," I declared, deciding there and then to end the conversation."I didn’t say anything out of the ordinary. This is what every man expects from his wife," Peter defended, clearly taken aback."Well, then I have a problem with all such men. Women are not objects to be used for a man's convenience. We have our own identities and our dreams. Marriage should be a partnership, not a master-servant relationship. I’m sorry, Peter, but I’m not interested in your kind of marriage. Goodbye," I stated firmly, standing up to leave before he could say another word.Still fuming, I returned to the office, only to walk straight into what felt
Emma's POV George sighed in relief, "What a relief. Now both of you, follow me."We followed George to my office. Once inside, I demanded, "Now, explain why you dragged him here."Ryan, equally curious, added, "Yes, I’m eager to hear this as well."George began, "Emma, you mentioned needing a boyfriend to placate your family, so I thought—"Ryan cut him off, looking far too pleased with himself. "Boyfriend? I’m all in!"I shot back, "Well, I’m not. I don’t need him or anyone to pretend to be my boyfriend."Ryan, intrigued, asked, "Pretend?"George explained, "Emma’s family is pressuring her to settle down. Her younger sister is about to get married, and her mother has given her a deadline to show up with a boyfriend or fiancé—or else they'll choose one for her."Ryan leaned back, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama. "So, you want me to play the role of her boyfriend or fiancé?"George nodded. "If you're willing..."I interrupted, feeling cornered. "I’m not sure about this... It does
Emma's POV " The man you went to meet today, came back after meeting you and said that he was sure that you were... not into men. " Eva said. " WHAT??? " I was shocked to hear that. Oh no!! Shit!!! I could not even breathe... Eva didn't say anything and just continued to look at me. " WHAT? What are you saying? Why didn't you tell me? " I was shocked, and just then, Daniel came in. He looked at me with a weird expression. Then he placed his arm around Eva's waist as if he wanted to prove something to me. " I have been trying to contact you since then. Where the hell were you?? And when you picked up the call you yelled at me instead of listening to me. " Eva asked " I was busy, and later I left my phone in the car. " I lied. " Is it true? " She asked me." What? I really forgot the phone in the car. Have you never forgotten your phone in the car? I was very tired, so it escaped my mind but as..." I was explaining. " I am not asking that, because I am sure you are lyin
Emma's POV "Are you out of your mind? Eva, please make him understand, or tell him to leave. I was uncomfortable because I didn't even like him, and on top of that, he was telling me to be ready to try new things in bed and leave my work as he earns very well. I don't like such men. Why did mom want such a man to be her son-in-law ??" I retorted. " Are you sure?? " Eva asked." Of course I am... Why are you even asking?? He was fake." I replied. " Do you know grandma was so shocked? She instantly had the stroke. Mom also got unconscious. " Eva said" I think she is lying, Eva. " He said. " That is the exact reason why I refused to marry you. You think exactly like dad who thinks that... Let it be... I don't want that stupid discussion. I am not interested in those men who just want a beautiful wife as they want a beautiful body in their bed. It's high time that men should start treating their women as equals. Women are more than just a beautiful, warm, soft, and cuddly body in
Emma's POV Feeling trapped and frustrated, I came out of the room and came to stand by a big window in the corridor. What shall I do now? Shall I tell everyone the reason why I dared not to marry him?? No, Eva would be hurt, she would not listen to me. What if she really loved him? What if she thinks that I was jealous as they were together now? She looked insecure earlier. But I must tell her why I left him.Yes!! I must. Then it would be up to her if she believes me or not. Well, I wasn’t interested in being another man’s accessory. I was determined to build a career for myself, to stand on my own two feet without depending on my father, my husband, or anyone else.If I were ever to marry, it would be for love, not convenience. I wanted a life partner, not a ringmaster, cracking the whip while I dutifully followed his commands. A life partner, in my mind, meant someone who would share the journey with me, where we’d have equal say and equal rights in our shared life. I wasn’t
Emma's POV Her gaze was sultry as she continued caressing him all over with long and slender fingers, her voice ever so hypnotizing.“Darling, don't you feel guilty doing this with me when you're getting married to Emma the day after tomorrow?”“What's there to be guilty about? Is there a difference between doing it on the eve of my wedding or on normal days? Besides, she'll never know about us.”His voice was deep and strained.“But what if... I mean, what if she suddenly comes over and catches us red-handed? What do you think she'll do? Will she call off the wedding?”"She would not dare to. She is just like a lifeless puppet, her dad controls her. She won't dare to call off the wedding. Don't worry and don't spoil the live making by reminding me of her. " " Why are you even marrying her if your mood gets spoiled just by thinking of her? " " Because of her family connections, of course. She is the elder daughter of a Wales family. I want to get married to her because of her conne
Chapter 19When I reached my car, I collapsed into the driver’s seat, my whole body shaking with the force of my sobs. How could I have been so dumb and stayed engaged to him till now? How could I have let it get this far? All those months of pretending, of forcing myself to do something I wasn’t interested in, just to please my father, to live up to his expectations. And for what? To be humiliated, to have my heart shattered by a man who didn’t even care enough to be faithful?I drove aimlessly for hours, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Every time I thought I had cried myself out, another wave of tears would hit me, harder than the last. I felt like I was drowning, suffocating under the weight of my despair.Eventually, I found myself parked outside my home, the one place where I had always felt safe. But tonight, even that sanctuary felt tainted, the walls closing in on me as I sat there, staring at the house through tear-filled eyes.I didn’t want to go inside. I coul