The Unexpected Union

I stared at my parents, my mind reeling in shock. The opulent dining room, once filled with warmth and laughter, now felt suffocating. The crystal chandelier above the table cast an eerie glow, illuminating the desperation etched on my parents' faces.

"An arranged marriage?" I repeated, my voice trembling. "You can't be serious."

My mother's eyes pleaded for understanding, her hands clasped together in a desperate prayer. "Lisa, we have no choice. Father's scandal has left us financially ruined. Richard Sparks' offer is our only salvation."

The memory of my father's downfall flashed before me – the news headlines, the whispered conversations, the shame. Our family's reputation lay in tatters. The once-respected business magnate now faced financial ruin and social ostracism.

"But Damian Sparks?" I protested, a shiver running down my spine. "I know him."

My father's expression turned grim, his jaw clenched. "That's precisely why this will work. Richard wants to merge our families, and Damian is willing to cooperate."

Memories of Damian's brutal rejection of Sophie flooded my mind. His callous disregard for her feelings still haunted me. The image of Sophie, broken and battered, in the hospital bed, refused to fade.

"How can you expect me to marry him?" I demanded, outrage simmering. "After what he did to... someone I care about?"

My mother's voice softened, her eyes brimming with tears. "We're not asking you to love him, Lisa. We're asking you to secure our family's future."

I glared at my parents, feeling trapped. "What about my happiness?"

My father's response was firm, his voice devoid of empathy. "Your happiness is exactly what we're trying to protect, Lisa. This marriage will ensure our family's stability."

I slumped back in my chair, defeated. My future was being decided without my consent.

"I don't understand," I said, shaking my head. "Why Damian Sparks? Of all people."

My mother's eyes pleaded for understanding. "Lisa, we have no choice. Your father's scandal has left us financially ruined. Richard Sparks' offer is our only hope."

"But at what cost?" I demanded. "My happiness? My freedom?"

Father's expression turned grim. "We're not asking you to love him, Lisa. We're asking you to secure our family's future."

"That's just it," I protested. "You are asking me to love him, to spend the rest of my life with him. And what about trust? How can I trust someone like that?"

My mother's voice softened. "We know his past, but he's changed. Richard assures us he's a good man."

"A good man?" I repeated, incredulous. "You know what he did to... someone I care about. How can you forget that?"

My father's face reddened. "That was a long time ago, Lisa. People change."

"Have you met him?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"Yes," my mother replied. "Richard introduced us. Damian seems charming and genuine."

Charming? Genuine? I doubted it.

"What about his business dealings?" I pressed on. "Are they legitimate?"

My father hesitated before answering. "Richard's influence will help our family recover. That's all that matters."

"That's not all that matters," I countered. "What about integrity? Ethics?"

My mother stood up, her voice firm. "Enough, Lisa. We've made our decision. You'll meet Damian tomorrow and see for yourself."

I felt a surge of frustration. "You're not listening to me!"

"We are listening," my father said, his voice softer. "But sometimes, difficult decisions must be made. This is one of them."

The conversation was over, but my doubts lingered.

"When do I meet him?" I asked reluctantly, resignation creeping into my voice.

"Tomorrow," my mother replied. "Richard Sparks is hosting a dinner party. You'll meet Damian then."

My stomach twisted into knots. Tomorrow, I would face the man who had shattered... someone I cared about.

As I rose from my seat, the room spun around me. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of uncertainty.

"I need some time alone," I murmured, fleeing to my room.

The door closed behind me, and I collapsed onto my bed, tears streaming down my face.

How could they do this to me? Why did our family's salvation have to come at the cost of my happiness?

As I lay there, memories of Damian's past actions haunted me. His charm and good looks couldn't hide the cruelty beneath.

Could I really marry someone like that? The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

I finally drifted off to sleep, my mind racing with doubts and fears

******************

The next morning, I woke up feeling anxious. Today was the day I would meet Damian Sparks again.

I tossed and turned, unable to shake off the feeling of unease.

My mind raced with thoughts of Damian and the impending dinner party.

As I got dressed, my mother knocked on my door.

"Lisa, are you ready?"

"I guess," I replied, trying to sound calm.

My mother entered, carrying a stunning silver gown.

"I thought this would be perfect for tonight."

I raised an eyebrow. "You're really going all out, aren't you?"

My mother smiled. "We want to make a good impression, dear."

I took the gown, feeling like a pawn in their game.

"Get ready," she said. "We'll leave soon."

Downstairs, my father waited, looking somber.

"Lisa, I know this isn't easy, but—"

"I know, Father," I interrupted. "You've made that clear."

The drive to Richard Sparks' estate was silent, the tension palpable.

As we arrived, I caught a glimpse of the grand mansion.

The Sparks' wealth was intimidating.

Mr. Richard greeted us warmly, his smile charming.

"Welcome, welcome! I'm so glad you could make it."

Damian stood beside him, his eyes locked onto mine.

My heart skipped a beat.

"Lisa, this is Damian," Richard said, as if I didn't already know.

Damian's smile was disarming, but I saw the hint of arrogance beneath.

"Nice to meet you, Lisa," he said, his voice low and smooth.

I forced a smile. "Likewise."

The dinner party was a blur of polite conversation and forced laughter.

I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was trapped.

As the evening wore on, Damian's charm began to grate on me.

How could my parents expect me to marry someone so fake?

I didn't hide my displeasure for him, but he didn't seem to get it.

As we pulled up to our estate, my parents exchanged a knowing glance.

"I think it's time for you two to get to know each other better," my mother said, smiling.

My father nodded. "Yes, why don't you take a walk around the gardens, Lisa? Damian can show you around."

Damian's eyes locked onto mine, a hint of amusement dancing in them.

"Sounds perfect," he said, standing up.

I reluctantly followed him out into the cool evening air.

The gardens were dimly lit, the only sound the soft rustling of leaves.

We walked in silence for a few minutes before I spoke up.

"Damian, I need to tell you something."

He turned to me, his expression curious.