chapter 2

Emily's POV;

"There's no way I'm getting married to someone I've never even met," I exclaimed, feeling a mixture of anger and frustration.

My mom had just suggested that I marry Ethan Smith. I couldn't believe it. It felt like a cruel joke. My mom's request came as a complete shock. Not only was I still grieving the end of my relationship with Williams, but now I was being asked to marry someone I had never met.

"You should be excited about this offer. It's Ethan Smith we're talking about." My mom's voice was already increasing in anger.

"I know it's Ethan Smith, the well-known billionaire every girl's dream, but not mine," I stated firmly. I could feel the pitch of my voice rising, too. "Mom, I don't think this is right for me. Olivia is older and would be a better match for Ethan."

Olivia was my step-sister, and our relationship was strained, as she always seemed to keep her distance from me. Despite our parents being married, she acted as if they were not, which made me feel like an outsider in my family. She had expensive tastes and loved living a luxurious lifestyle. I couldn't help but wonder why she wasn't offered the so-called opportunity that I was. It left me feeling confused and unsure about my family dynamics.

"She's more interested in fancy things than in building relationships. I'm surprised that you would offer this to me instead.

"Olivia is engaged."

But I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. I had a nagging suspicion that she was lying to me.

"You've had so many relationships that didn't work out. This could be a great opportunity for you, Emily."

Her words hit me hard because I knew she was right.

"Just give me three days. If I don't get engaged during that time, I'll marry Ethan Smith." I couldn't believe I'd blurted out those words. I wasn't sure if it was a good idea, but I wanted to prove to my mom that I could be engaged, too.

My mom seemed pleased by the idea, but I couldn't understand why.

I couldn't figure out why she thought I couldn't be engaged, probably because I had been in many failed relationships. I wasn't unattractive. I was certain that I was at least average-looking. So what was it about me that made me unworthy of being engaged?

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I couldn't bear the thought of letting Williams go so easily. I had to talk to him and convince him we were meant to be together. I knew it might make me seem foolish, but I didn't care. The thought of him with someone else was unbearable, especially with Sophia.

I went straight to Williams's house, determined to talk things through with him. As I arrived at Williams' house, I met with an unexpected outburst,

"Emily, leave!" His abrupt command caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but plead with him to explain what I had done wrong.

My eyes were brimming with tears, and my voice was shaking as I begged him to reconsider. "Please tell me what I did wrong. I love you, Williams. Please don't do this to me," I pleaded, my voice cracking.

"Just tell me what I did wrong. Was I not good enough?" I implored, hoping he would give me a chance to make things right.

"I found someone better," his voice cold. "I wouldn't want her to meet you here. Please just leave, Emily."

"Sophia?" I uttered, in disbelief.

"Yes, Sophia," he replied without hesitation.

My heart was breaking as I struggled to hold back the tears. I felt like I was sinking, my whole world falling apart around me.

As I walked out of Ethan's house, the weight of the world seemed to be on my shoulders. My mind was racing with thoughts, and I couldn't escape the feeling that my mother had been right all along. Doubts clouded my mind as I questioned whether I could truly be loved.

The sense of shame and sorrow that I felt was overwhelming and suffocating. With each step, I tried to shake off those feelings, but they clung to me like a heavy cloak.

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"It's already been three days," my mom stated as she barged into my room, interrupting my quiet reflection.

I looked up to see her standing at the door, her hands on her hips. "Is there anyone yet?" her eyes scanning the room.

I shook my head, feeling a pang of disappointment. "No," I whispered, trying to mask my disappointment.

"So, are you sticking to your promise?"

I swallowed hard. "Yes," though my insides were screaming in protest. I couldn't believe that I had agreed to marry someone I had never met, but I had made a promise, and I had to follow through. Even if it meant marrying Ethan Smith, a man I hardly knew. There was a part of me that hoped that maybe I wouldn't regret my decision, but deep down, I knew that I was making a mistake. Still, I had to keep my word.

A date has already been arranged for you and Ethan," her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Wait, what?" my face contorted in confusion and surprise. "But that was so fast! I'm not ready to meet him yet."

"Don't worry, you'll be fine," she reassured me with a dismissive flick of her wrist. "He's a lovely young man, and you'll be perfect for each other."

Her words were dismissive, as if she didn't believe my concerns were worth her time. I felt a surge of anger, but I forced myself to remain calm. I couldn't shake the suspicion that my mother was being dishonest with me.

She was pushing me into this marriage for reasons other than love, and I had a feeling that my stepfather's company was somehow involved. I couldn't help but wonder if there was something more going on behind the scenes, something I was missing.

And I couldn't help but feel uneasy about the fact that Olivia wasn't the one being pushed into this marriage. I had a nagging feeling that something was amiss. I tried to push the thought away, hoping that it was just my imagination.