Chapter 2: Heart's Desire

“I won't back out on my promise.” Amelia's voice echoed inside her parents office.

Her parents looked at her, surprise evident on their faces. Amelia had always been strong-willed, but they hadn't expected her to stand her ground on this matter.

“Darling, you don't have to do this.” Her mother said, her voice filled with concern. “Perhaps, we can find another way to settle the debts.”

Amelia shook her head, her gaze steady. “No, I made a promise and I intend to keep it. Besides, this isn't just about the debts. It's about our family's honor and reputation.”

The news spread quickly, sending shockwaves through the community. The Laurier family had been a pillar of the community for generations, their business providing jobs and stability for countless families. The thought of it collapsing was unthinkable.

Amelia watched as her father paced the room, a look of worry etched on his face. “We need to find a solution,”he said, his voice filled with determination. “We can't let this business, our legacy, just disappear.”

She nodded, her mind racing with ideas. “What about a merger?” She suggested. “Or finding an investor? There must be someone who sees the potential in our business.”

Her father paused, considering her words. “That's not a bad idea, Amelia. It's a long shot, but it might be our only shot.”

In the days that followed, they worked tirelessly to save their business. They reached out to potential investors, explored merger possibilities, and even considered restructuring the business.

The road ahead was uncertain and fraught with challenges, but Amelia were determined. The Laurier business was more than just a company, it was a part of their identity, their legacy. And she would do everything in her power to save it.

There was a moment of silence, then her parents nodded. “Alright, Amelia. We trust you to make the right decision.”

As her mother's arms wrapped around her in a comforting embrace, the shrill ring of the phone cut through the silence. They pulled apart, their moment of connection interrupted.

“I'll get it,” her father said, moving towards the desk where the phone was located. He picked up the receiver, his voice a low murmur as he spoke to the caller.

Amelia watched him, her heart pounding in her chest. She had a feeling that the call was related to her decision, a premonition that was confirmed when her father turned to her, his face serious.

Her father tapped her shoulder slightly, “it's for you,” he said, holding out the phone. “It's Raize.”

She took a deep breath, steadying herself before she took the phone. “Yes?”

As she listened to Raize's voice on the other end, she felt a mix of emotions. Fear, anticipation, but most of all, determination.

Amelia sat with her friends in their favorite café, the topic of her impending marriage inevitably came up. She took a sip of her coffee, gathering her thoughts before she spoke.

“I know it's unconventional,” she began, her voice a lil bit shaky. “But this marriage isn't just about me, or him. It's about our families, our employees, our community.”

Her friends exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern. “But Amelia,” one of them said, her voice filled with worry, “marriage is a big commitment. Are you sure you're ready for this?”

Amelia nodded, a determined look in her eyes. “I know it's a big step. And under different circumstances, I would have preferred to marry for love. But right now, this is what's needed. And I'm ready to do what it takes to save our business.”

Her friends were silent for a moment, then one by one, they nodded. 'We're here for you, Amelia,” one of them said, reaching out to squeeze her hand. “Whatever you need, we've got your back.'

However, Amelia knows in the first place that Raize doesn't love her. His focus solely on securing the future of their company. He saw the marriage as a necessary step, a strategic move in the complex game of business.

Amelia watched him from across the room, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions. She understood his priorities, even respected them. But she couldn't help but wish for more. A marriage based on mutual respect and shared goals was a solid foundation, but without love, it felt incomplete.

At instance, Raize sat in the living room with his family, the air filled with a mix of anticipation. His mother was fussing over the wedding preparations, while his father was deep in thought, likely considering the business implications of the marriage.

“Raize, are you sure about this?' his elder brother finally asked, breaking the silence. “This isn’t just a business merger, it’s a marriage.”

Raize nodded, his gaze steady. “ I know what I'm getting into. Amelia and I are clear about our intentions. This is a strategic decision, for the sake of both our families and businesses.'

His sister looked at him, concern etched on her face. “But what about love, Raize? Isn’t that important in a marriage?”

Raize sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Of course it is. But love can grow with time.”

The room fell silent, his words hanging in the air.

…

“ Grandma, I'm scared.” Amelia visited her grandmother on mother 's side.

Amelia confessed to her grandmother who is Mrs. Sanchez, her voice barely above a whisper. She sat next to her grandmother, on the old wooden porch, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

Mrs. Sanchez turned to look at her, her eyes filled with understanding. “ I know, my dear,” she said, her voice soft. “ To be in a marriage like what you have right now is scary. But I'll promise that it may result in a favorable way. It's also a part of our life.”

Amelia nodded, her gaze fixed on the horizon. 'But what if I make a mistake? What if this marriage ruins everything?'

Mrs. Sanchez reached out, taking Amelia's hands in her own. “Then you learn from it, my dear. Mistakes aren't the end of the world. They're opportunities to learn, to grow.”

Amelia looked at her grandmother, her eyes filled with uncertainty. “But what if…”

“No more 'what ifs',” her grandmother interrupted with her voice firm. “You're stronger than you think, Amelia. You're capable of handling whatever comes your way. And remember, you're not alone. You have your family, your friends, and you have me.”

Amelia nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “Thank you, grandma.”

Mrs. Sanchez, Amelia's grandmother, had also been in an arranged marriage. “I know exactly how you feel, Amelia.” She said, her voice soft. “I was in your shoes once. Scared, uncertain, feeling like my life was being decided for me.”

Amelia looked at her, her eyes filled with questions. I don't know about this, grandma. “By whom? By grandpa? And how did you manage? How did you make it work?”

Mrs. Sanchez smiled, a faraway look in her eyes. “I decided to take control of my destiny, Amelia. Yes, the marriage was arranged. But how it turned out, that was up to me and my husband. We chose to respect each other, to communicate openly, to work together as a team.”

She reached out, taking Amelia's hands in hers. “And most importantly, we chose to give each other the chance to fall in love. And we did, Amelia. In our own time, in our own way.”

Amelia felt a sense of relief wash over her. Mrs. Sanchez's words gave her hope, a glimmer of light in the midst of her uncertainty. Maybe, just maybe, she could make this work. And perhaps, like her grandmother, she could even find love in this arranged marriage.

But, Raize is different. He's completely mad at her and perhaps, she hadn't a chance to make him fall in love with her.

She couldn't predict the future, couldn't control how Raize felt.