My Politically Arranged Marriage

My Politically Arranged Marriage

last updateLast Updated : 2024-04-16
By:  Amelie BergenCompleted
Language: English
goodnovel18goodnovel
Not enough ratings
50Chapters
652views
Read
Add to library

Share:  

Report
Overview
Catalog
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP

When a new bill is put into place in America, it causes tensions with the United Kingdom. To rectify their mistake and ease the unrest between their people, the President proposes an arranged marriage between Caledon Brooker, the Vice President's son, and Eleanor Harris, the Prime Minister's daughter.But as time goes on and Cal and Lena spend more time together, their feelings begin to grow. With the whole world watching their every move, can they turn their relationship from professional to personal, or will it cost them everything?My Politically Arranged Marriage is written by Amelie Bergen, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

View More

Chapter 1

Chapter 1 : Think About Your Country

Cal’s POV

There are no ethics in politics, only obligations, as my father loved to remind me. We never did quite see eye to eye. He was determined to make me a younger version of himself, and I was determined to make sure that never happened.

“Are you insane?!” I shouted as I paced back and forth in my living room, still trying to process what he’d just said.

“Cal, please try to understand,” my father implored, trying to reason with me over the phone.

My heart pounded in my chest and I wondered how we got to this moment. I always knew my father was ruthless when it came to politics, but this was too far, even for him.

“Why don’t you come home for the weekend?” my father asked, still trying to play nice. “We can play a round of golf and I’ll explain everything.”

“No,” I answered coldly. A little colder than anticipated. “I have things to do.”

My father scoffed. “Things to do. Always things to do. Well, I have things to do, too. I’m sure a lot more important than your ‘things.’”

I grit my teeth. From the time I was nine years old, my father was determined to become the next President of the United States. He struck gold two years ago when he was asked to join the presidential campaign for Carl Mathers as his candidate for vice president. My father jumped at the opportunity and we’ve been riding this wave to the top ever since.

I stared out at the city as night fell. The sun was sitting just perfectly on the horizon, and the sky was lit a beautiful orange color. I looked at the tall buildings and bustling city below me while my father dragged on about my duty to America.

“This isn’t as bad as you think,” my father continued. “You get to marry a pretty girl and settle down. What’s so awful about that?”

“I don’t know anything about this woman!” I argued, making my way to the kitchen for a much deserved beer.

“That’s not my fault. If you paid attention to the news every once in a while, you’d know plenty about her.”

I shook my head as I scavenged every drawer in the kitchen for a bottle opener. I was furious. No. Furious didn’t begin to cover it. I was beyond my wits. My father had crossed a line.

“Look,” I began, trying to calm myself down. “I can’t just marry a stranger. I-it’s unethical.”

“And what would you know about ethics?” my father snapped. “Big talk from a kid who’s already had two DUI’s this year. How’s that going to look in the eyes of the ecological department, huh? Vice President’s wild son ruins philanthropy prospects.”

I bit back my words. He knew how much the ecological department actually meant to me and now, he’s using it to spite me.

“Are you seriously throwing that in my face?” I protested.

“Of course not,” my father mocked. “But they will if you don’t clean up your act.”

They. As in the media.

“You know I’m working on it,” I growled. “I’m really trying to build—”

“Oh, cut it out Cal!”my father boomed. “I’ve tried to be patient with you, but you’re making this impossible. I want you on the first flight back to Washington in the morning. We can discuss it more then. Good night.”

He hung up the phone before I could say more. I threw my phone against the wall. It shattered into what looked like a million pieces.

I paced the floor of the kitchen, trying my best to calm down. How could he possibly think this was his decision to make? He was out of his mind if he thought I was going to marry some random British woman.

I heard my computer ping from the other room. I walked down the hall to my private office and slid behind the desk. It was an email from my father’s assistant with a flight itinerary for tomorrow morning at seven. I growled.

I needed to cool off. I walked back down the hall to the living room. I reached for my coat on the hook and swiftly exited my apartment.

The cool evening air hit my skin just as soon as I took my first step outside. People scurried around me, eager to get to their destinations. I stood there for a minute, taking it all in. I nodded, grateful to be in the city that never slept.

I walked aimlessly for a while. I didn’t really have anywhere to go, and I couldn’t call anyone. The remains of my phone were still strewn across my kitchen floor. I stuffed my hands deep inside my jacket pockets as the air began to chill.

I decided to visit the electronics store on Fifth. I casually browsed the aisles for a while, studying each item. Then, I made my way over to the cellphones. They were locked behind a glass case. There was a button beside the case that read ‘press for assistance’.

I pressed it and waited for someone to find me. Shortly after, a kid came power-walking over to me. He quickly helped me get the phone I wanted and then passed me off the cashier at the front.

“Did you find everything okay?” she asked, pushing her curly hair out of her face.

“Yes. Thank you,” I replied in a friendly fashion.

“Great. Your total is nine hundred and thirty-three dollars.”

I nodded and pulled out my wallet. As much as I hated certain aspects of my life, it was nice never having to worry about money. I pulled out my black card and handed it to her. She made a face as if she’d never seen one before and quickly swiped it on the card reader.

She thanked me and handed me a bag with the box inside. I nodded and made my way back outside. It was dark now and the night time rush was beginning to slow. I headed in the direction of my condo, back to the life I had built for myself.

The next twelve hours seemed to fly by. By five the next morning, I was packing a bag. By six, I was being escorted by my driver to a private jet hanger just outside the city. By seven, we were in the air.

We landed in D.C. an hour later and by nine, I was sitting in my father’s office, face to face with the man who was single-handedly ruining my life.

Accompanying him were his two assistants, who were nothing more than glorified brown-nosers, and my mother, whom I loved with all my heart. We all sat on the large sofas in the corner of his office. My father and his entourage sat across from me, symbolizing that it was me against them. My mother sat beside me, smoothing out my suit and smiling at me with pride.

“Sit up straight,” she whispered.

I obeyed and fixed my posture as my father looked at me with utter disdain.

My father then nodded at one of his assistants and they nodded back.

“Max will explain the situation,” my father said with a look of boredom on his face. Did signing my life away really bore him?

“Right,” Max began, nervously fixing his glasses that had slipped to the tip of his nose.

He pulled a remote from his pocket and clicked a button on it. A projector screen came whirring down from the ceiling. We all turned our attention to the screen as the pixels slowly brightened into focus.

“Two months ago, congress passed a bill,” Max started. “A bill that prohibited a monarchy from ever forming on American soil.”

“Christ, is that what this is all about?” I guessed, shaking my head. No one responded to my outburst.

“While the bill was passed in response to an uprising in southern states who were seeking to break off and form their own government, some of the language in the bill implied that monarchical leadership was fatuous and outdated in nature,” Max continued. “The law has created a rift in our ties to the British monarchy.”

“So, let me get this straight,” I said, cutting back in. “You want me to marry a stranger so you can make amends?”

The room fell silent. My father refused to break eye contact with me, and I held my stare just as long as he did. My mother shifted beside me, clearly uncomfortable.

“Continue,” my father noted, looking over to Max.

Max pressed a button on the remote. The screen displayed a picture of the British Prime Minister, Arthur Harris. In the photo, his wife stood beside him, and their three children circled them. They looked like a loving family.

“The Prime Minister has agreed to work out an arrangement,” Max went on. “One of us, and one of them.”

“What does that mean?” I asked, leaning forward.

“It means my son marries a British woman of high class and shows the people we are united and not divided,” my father croaked.

“How?” I asked, still not satisfied.

“You’d be marrying Lady Eleanor Harris,” Max blurted out.

My eyes grew wide. Eleanor Harris was the Prime Minister’s oldest daughter. I had seen her once before at a benefit I attended last fall. We didn’t get the opportunity to chat, but I would never forget her eyes. Piercing and blue, like they held all the burdens of her ancestors.

“Eleanor Harris?” I repeated slowly. “As in the Prime Minister’s daughter?”

“Yes,” my father replied. “That’s the deal. One of us for one of them.”

“She’s beautiful.” My mother smiled, clearly trying to encourage me. “Don’t you think so?”

“Max click to the next picture,” my father demanded.

Max quickly obeyed and clicked to the next slide. It was just a picture of Eleanor—an up close shot, displaying just how stunning she really was.

“Isn’t she a looker, son?” my father asked, eagerly. “Imagine settling down with a high class woman like that. She’s perfect for you.”

“Her smile’s nice.” I shrugged, imagining what she’d be like in person.

“There you go!” My father smiled, happy that I was coming around. “She’s a catch. I’m sure she’s got a line of suitors, but you’re at the top of the list!”

I admired her photo. She really was stunning. I’d be lucky to find anyone as close to perfection as her. She was a ten out of ten on the scale of attraction and I couldn’t argue that she was definitely my type. I pictured her wearing a wedding dress in my mind’s eye and panic set in again.

“This is insane!” I exclaimed, covering my eyes as I realized what I was considering. “I can’t marry a stranger. We’ve never even met before!”

“Son, think about your country,” my father added. “This isn’t about love, it’s about protecting your fellow man.”

“How?” I argued. “How does this protect anyone?”

“Cal.” My father had switched to his political voice. “The fact is, the American people are scared.”

“Scared of what?” I let my eyes roll in protest.

“Of a war,” he said plainly.

“War?” I answered, this time meeting him with a serious tone in return. “With Britain?”

“Yes.” he replied. “That bill has a lot of people second guessing our alliance. To put it plainly, we need to prove our loyalty hasn’t wavered. I’m afraid we don’t have a choice.”

“Cal, please listen to your father,” my mother pleaded.

I looked over to find her eyes welled up with tears. It was the first time I’d really looked at her since we’d sat down. I hadn’t noticed how much her face had aged since the last time I visited. The lines by her eyes had deepended and her blonde hair was graying in some places. It scared me to think that she was growing older. I felt guilty for not coming to see her more, or doing more to help her.

If I did this—agreed to this madness—it’d be for her. Not for my father or my country. For my mother.

“Alright,” I sighed, turning my attention back to my father. “How would this work?”

Expand
Next Chapter
Download

Latest chapter

To Readers

Welcome to GoodNovel world of fiction. If you like this novel, or you are an idealist hoping to explore a perfect world, and also want to become an original novel author online to increase income, you can join our family to read or create various types of books, such as romance novel, epic reading, werewolf novel, fantasy novel, history novel and so on. If you are a reader, high quality novels can be selected here. If you are an author, you can obtain more inspiration from others to create more brilliant works, what's more, your works on our platform will catch more attention and win more admiration from readers.

Comments

No Comments
50 Chapters
Chapter 1 : Think About Your Country
Cal’s POVThere are no ethics in politics, only obligations, as my father loved to remind me. We never did quite see eye to eye. He was determined to make me a younger version of himself, and I was determined to make sure that never happened. “Are you insane?!” I shouted as I paced back and forth in my living room, still trying to process what he’d just said. “Cal, please try to understand,” my father implored, trying to reason with me over the phone.My heart pounded in my chest and I wondered how we got to this moment. I always knew my father was ruthless when it came to politics, but this was too far, even for him. “Why don’t you come home for the weekend?” my father asked, still trying to play nice. “We can play a round of golf and I’ll explain everything.”“No,” I answered coldly. A little colder than anticipated. “I have things to do.”My father scoffed. “Things to do. Always things to do. Well, I have things to do, too. I’m sure a lot more important than your ‘things.’
last updateLast Updated : 2024-04-03
Read more
Chapter 2 : Do I Get A Choice?
Lena’s POVMy phone lit up in the holster on the treadmill. It was a message from Charles. I quickly pressed stop on the machine and hopped off, eager to get an update from him. Charles: I just got a notification. The package should be on your doorstep.No sooner had I read his message, was I running to beat Frederick to the front door. Frederick was our butler. While he was the best butler my family had ever hired, he came with one fatal flaw—he was nosy as all get out. Charles begged me to keep his secret until he was ready. I was sworn to secrecy, and I wasn’t about to let Frederick get the best of me. I reached the front door just in the nick of time. I swung open the door to find a small brown box sitting on the brick walkup. I swiped it, relieved that I had gotten to it in time.“Someone at the door, Lady Eleanor?” I heard Frederick ask, walking up behind me. “I’m afraid not,” I replied, covering the shipping label with my hand. “Just a package.”“Is that for Master
last updateLast Updated : 2024-04-03
Read more
Chapter 3 : I Wish I Could Help
Cal’s POVI parked on third street to avoid the paparazzi. The public didn’t know about the divorce between her and my father yet, and I didn’t want to risk it. I walked two blocks down until I reached Cornwall Village, the complex my mother’s condo was in. I hid the bouquet of yellow roses I bought behind my back while I waited for her to come to the door. When she opened it, her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “Caledon!” my mother exclaimed, wrapping both arms around my neck. “I didn’t know you were stopping by today.”“I thought we could have lunch,” I said, presenting the bouquet to her. My mother touched a hand to her chest like the roses were just the boost she needed today. She pressed the bouquet to her nose and breathed in. “These are just perfect,” she noted with a smile, waving for me to come inside. I stepped in and closed the door behind me. I looked around at her tiny condo. I tried my best not to let on that I was disappointed, but it was eating me up insi
last updateLast Updated : 2024-04-03
Read more
Chapter 4 : Daddy Issues
Lena’s POV“Hey Joe,” I greeted and waved, walking into Glenwood Express, the convenience store by Sydney’s house.I was on my way to her flat so I could spill the news about my blind engagement. Sydney was my best friend. We shared a few classes together at university and had been close ever since. Whenever I needed to unwind, I’d take a cab across town to Bridgeburn and visit with her. There were less paparazzi where she lived and I knew I’d be safe from tapped phones and bugged radios. I’d been to the convenience store by Syd’s place so many times, I became friends with all the workers. Joe waved back without looking and I smiled as I drifted over to the candy aisle. I browsed a few snack sections casually before settling on a big bag of potato crisps and a couple of candy bars. I carried my goodies over to the counter as Joe lazily stood from his stool in a corner behind the register. He cleared his throat and grunted while he scanned all the items. Joe was your typical mar
last updateLast Updated : 2024-04-03
Read more
Chapter 5 : The Meeting
Lena’s POVMy father and mother came with me to meet him. We had landed in D.C. the night before the meeting and stayed in a private suite at a nearby hotel. I was a complete wreck on the morning of. I sweat through two outfits before finally settling on an all-black dress that wouldn’t show moisture.“You look so beautiful,” my mother noted, admiring me in the elevator mirror as we rode it down to the lobby of the hotel. “Caledon Booker better count his blessings. I think he’s just landed the jackpot.”“Now, Charlotte,” my father chided her. “Let’s not go putting fanciful ideas in the girl’s head.”“Oh, what’s a little confidence going to do?” she replied, brushing off his comment. “I’ve got two of the prettiest daughters in London, and I want them to know it.”My mother pressed her forehead against mine as the elevator dinged open. We all stepped out and headed for the car that was just outside waiting for us. My father held the door for us as we climbed into the backseat. “
last updateLast Updated : 2024-04-03
Read more
Chapter 6 : A United Front
Media POV“This just in, Caledon Booker, son to Vice President Edward Booker, is reportedly in a new relationship with Eleanor Harris. Eleanor is the eldest daughter to Arthur Harris, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom,” Samantha Waters said to the camera at the Channel Five news station. “We’ll be right back with more details about the couple’s secret love life after the break.”“And we’re off,” Matt Withers, the news director, called from off screen. “We’ve got ninety seconds, people. Look alive.”A team of makeup and hair stylists came rushing to Samantha’s side to powder and primp her during the commercial break. They smoothed out her crimson red hair and reapplied her lipstick while Samantha tried her best not to move. She read through her notes of the breaking story while they blotted away at her face. “What a pig,” Samantha scowled, rolling her eyes as she read.“Let me guess, you slept with him,” Jake Mitchell, Samantha’s co-anchor chimed in, swiveling his chair tow
last updateLast Updated : 2024-04-03
Read more
Chapter 7 : Twenty Questions
Lena’s POVAfter the exhausting press event, both of our parents—to our surprise—agreed that I should return to Cal’s place with him so we could get to know one another better. Despite Cal’s calm demeanor, the whole thing still made me queasy when I thought about it too long, and the feeling only intensified when he opened the door to his condo.Cal’s place was nice. I didn’t expect it to be so clean. He struck me as the kind of man that wouldn’t care about such things. Not that he’d be dirty; just preoccupied with other things. “Make yourself at home,” Cal said, clearly and visibly as uncomfortable as I was. “I’ll go prepare your room for you.”“Room?” I asked, a little surprised. “You don’t mind sleeping separately?”I didn’t really know what I was expecting, but I assumed we’d sleep in the same bed for the illusion of it all. “If it’s alright with you, I’d like to get to know you a little more,” Cal replied, turning toward me. “Of course,” I agreed, smiling to myself as he
last updateLast Updated : 2024-04-03
Read more
Chapter 8 : Awkward
Cal’s POVI woke up to a naked Lena in my arms and a crook in my neck. I winced as I moved, realizing we were still on the couch. Then my mind flooded with regret. What had I done? I tried to slide my arm from under her body so I could sneak away. To my dismay, she awoke when I touched her. “Morning,” I said, trying to be nice. “Oh, god, my head,” she groaned, sitting up. She covered her breasts with one hand.“I know,” I nodded, rising from the couch. “I haven’t drank that much in a while.”“I don’t think I’ve ever drank that much,” Lena admitted, hardly making eye contact with me. It was clear she was feeling the same way I did. Her body language was stiff and reserved as she looked at me again. We needed to make this right. “Look, about last night—” I began, sliding a leg into my pants. “You don’t have to say anything,” Lena interjected, reaching for her blouse. “We were both drunk. It’s fine. It was a mistake, and won’t happen again.”I nodded. “Okay,” I answered.I
last updateLast Updated : 2024-04-03
Read more
Chapter 9 : Breaking News
Lena’s POV“Shoulders back,” my mother chastised as we waited behind the curtain of the stage in the conference room.The three of us, including Cal, were waiting behind the stage for our cue. Cal’s father felt it was important now that we had made our relationship public and two weeks had passed since, that we should have another press event—this time in a more intimate, personal setting—to talk about how this will impact our political relationships going forward.And my father agreed, so no one else was going to disrupt that, no matter how much the idea of another public appearance—another reminder of this chosen lifestyle—made me want to vomit. “Mother, please,” I whispered, swatting her hand away as she went to fix my hair. “Lena, I’m only trying to help,” she fussed. “Would you two stop bickering?” my father cursed under his breath. “We’re going to be called on any minute. Mind your tones.” Just then, a young gentleman dressed in a tailored blue suit popped his head out
last updateLast Updated : 2024-04-03
Read more
Chapter 10 : The Announcement
Media POV Jake and Samantha were already deep into the morning broadcast when the news came in. Jake covered his mouth as he read the message on his phone. “What are you gasping at?” Samantha asked. She pulled out a compact mirror from behind the anchor desk and applied a new coat of lipstick. “The memo that just came in,” Jake said, still somewhat surprised. “Apparently, Eleanor Harris and Caledon Booker are engaged.”“What? Let me see that,” Samantha demanded, snatching Jake’s phone from his hands. “Oh. My. God.”“Hey! Give me it back,” Jake exclaimed, grabbing his phone. After the first press event, Jake had a feeling ‘America’s sweethearts’ as the media had dubbed them, weren’t telling the entire story. But he didn’t think this was it. Just then, the sound of a door slamming echoed through the newsroom.“Sam, Jake, did you see the memo?” Matt asked almost instantly and earnestly.  “Just got it,” Jake replied, holding up his phone. “They’re engag
last updateLast Updated : 2024-04-03
Read more
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status