chapter one

**Emily's Pov**

Two years ago...

"Dad, are you sure they won't try to kill you? Last time you hosted a welcome dinner, I almost ended up with a bullet in my head," I commented, observing the number of security guards accompanying the two men, carrying a considerable amount of weapons on their belts.

"Emily, dear, don't worry. The Mitchells are an extremely respected family in the city. They are the only ones capable of solving our problem and preventing us from being killed by the other creditors," my father replied anxiously.

My mother, with a reassuring smile, caressed my face. "Calm down, dear. Today you will meet your fiancé. This marriage agreement is the only thing that can save our family right now."

I took a deep breath, trying to control the nervousness bubbling within me. I had no choice but to interrupt college to get married. For a while, my family had been entangled in exorbitant debts with mobsters from the far east of the city. This was the only way to pay for my mother's surgery, as the bank refused to give us a financial loan. My father had tried to settle the debt for a long time, but the interest rates were exorbitant, and we had already moved twice due to the constant threats we received. Our family was at risk of death. Luck seemed to smile upon us when the Mitchells, a wealthy and influential family, known and respected throughout the city, agreed to propose a marriage arrangement. However, I realized that I was the grand prize in this transaction, the only daughter of the Parkers. Furthermore, to settle the debts, my parents would have to transfer all their properties to the Mitchells. The price for the protection offered by the powerful family was higher than I had initially imagined.

I closed my eyes, resigned. It was a marriage devoid of love, and I hoped to unite with the older brother of Paul Mitchell, a disgusting man on the verge of sixty; I would be his second wife, as the first one died under inexplicable circumstances that no one can explain. However, to my surprise, my heart raced when Paul Mitchell's youngest son entered my living room. I could feel my legs weaken in his presence, his defined muscles, blond hair, and light brown eyes. A cross tattoo adorned his neck, and his smile was charming.

"Emily, greet your fiancé!" my father instructed, pointing to the man who instantly captivated me.

"It's a pleasure to welcome you to our home..." I stammered nervously, unable to contain the tremors in my body.

"The pleasure is mine, Miss Parker." He kissed my hand, staring firmly into my eyes. A shiver ran through my body when he dared to embrace me for a warmer greeting. I longed for his touch, and surprisingly, I realized that falling in love at first sight was possible.

"So, you intend to give your daughter to us in exchange for debt payment?" Tyler's uncle, that disgusting and cruel man standing beside him, said, seriously, analyzing me from head to toe.

"Yes..." My father replied sadly. He had no choice but to sell me as collateral in this marriage contract. I wasn't hurt; I knew everything he had done was to save my mother's life while she was hospitalized.

The man placed a contract and a pen on the table for us to sign. I trembled as I wrote my name, and soon after, Tyler Mitchell carefully signed his. The man next to him smiled and said, "It's done. Officially welcome to the Mitchell family, dear!" He looked at me with malice. "Tomorrow morning, we'll come to pick you up. Take the opportunity to say goodbye to your parents!" He spoke seriously.

Tyler nodded from a distance, and I saw him get into the car for the last time. Despite the nervousness, I felt that I could be happy with that man, and something even left me numb. I never thought I could be interested in the man who would be my future husband. Was it possible to find love in a marriage based on interests and arranged between our parents? This question echoed constantly in my head as I watched him drive away.

"I'm sorry, dear, for forcing you to marry a man you don't love!" My mother said, coughing; she was still recovering from surgery and had contracted an infection, making the recovery more challenging.

"Don't worry about me, Mom! I would do anything for you; we're a family! And I'll be fine, I know how to take care of myself..." I replied, trying to reassure her so she could rest.

"The way that man looked at you, my daughter, be careful! Luckily, your father managed to arrange for you to marry the youngest son of the Mitchell family, who seems to be your age, not with that uncle of his, that disgusting old man who came here. I noticed how he looked at you with malice! I wish I could kick him out, but we have no choice!" She said angrily.

My mother's worried expression added an extra layer of weight to the already difficult situation as I tried to maintain composure in the face of the challenging circumstances surrounding us. My mother also married my father through a marriage contract between families; she wished her only daughter could have a different fate from hers, but unfortunately, circumstances were not in our favor.

"Don't worry, Mom, as I said, I'm stronger than you think. I can survive among the Mitchells!" I pretended to be confident not to worry her.