love unexpected

Chapter 2: Unwanted News

Mitchell Valentino sat at the long dining table in her family’s big house, with a half eaten meal before her. Sunlight poured in through the large windows, making everything look warm and bright. But the moment was nothing near brightness.

“You’ll be marrying Karl Malcom."

Her fork fell onto her plate with a loud clatter. Mitchell’s eyes shot to her father, Robert Valentino, who sat at the head of the table. He sipped his coffee as if he hadn’t just changed her life with one sentence.

“Excuse me?” she asked, trying to keep calm.

Robert didn’t look up. He kept flipping through the business section of the newspaper, acting like it was no big deal. “You heard me, Mitchell. The arrangement is made. You’ll marry Karl Malcom to secure the contract with the throne. The wedding is in three weeks.”

For a moment, she couldn’t believe what he said. Marry Karl Malcom? The Karl Malcom? The rich playboy who loved to show off? She hadn’t seen him in years, but everyone knew about his reputation. Mitchell clenched her fists under the table, feeling anger rise inside her.

“No,” she said loudly, feeling brave. “I’m not doing that.”

Finally, Robert looked up from his paper, his dark eyes narrowing at her. It made her feel like a rebellious child instead of a grown woman. “This isn’t a discussion, Mitchell. The marriage is decided. The throne’s decree is clear—the Malcom and Valentino families must unite to secure our standing. You will do what’s necessary for the family.”

“Necessary for the family?” Mitchell repeated in disbelief. “You mean necessary for your business deals.”

Her mother sat quietly next to Robert, shifting uncomfortably but saying nothing. Mitchell knew her mother had learned long ago to stay out of these matters—a woman who accepted her place in the Valentino family without question.

Mitchell stood up from her chair, pressing her palms flat against the smooth surface of the table. “I am not a pawn you can marry off for business deals, Dad. This is my life!”

Robert’s expression remained cold and firm. “You are a Valentino, Mitchell. That comes with responsibilities. We’ve given you everything—the life, the privileges, the security. Now it’s your turn to uphold your end.”

A wave of anger washed over Mitchell as she realized how much control her family had over her life. She had always known being a Valentino meant sacrifices, but this felt like too much.

“Marrying Karl Malcom is not a sacrifice I’m willing to make,” she said fiercely. “He’s—he’s—”

“A playboy?” Robert finished for her with an eyebrow raised. “Yes, we know about his reputation. But that doesn’t concern me. What matters is the alliance between our families. After a year, you can do as you please, but until then, you’ll play your part.”

Mitchell was stunned into silence by his words. A year? They expected her to spend an entire year married to Karl Malcom? Pretending to be his loving wife? The thought made her stomach turn. She could already imagine how the tabloids would portray it—her marriage turned into gossip with Karl at its center, enjoying all the attention.

With a racing heart she stared at her father. “And what if I refuse?” she challenged.

Robert’s eyes darkened as his expression hardened. “You won’t refuse. You know better than that. This marriage is not a suggestion—it’s an order. If by any chance you refuse, you will lose everything;all your privileges—the inheritance, protection,you’ll be on your own.”

Mitchell’s breath caught in her throat. This was a threat, plain and simple.And it was one she couldn’t afford to take lightly.she knew her father wasn't bluffing,he wasnt one to make empty threat.The idea of losing everything her home, her security, her identity was terrifying. She was helpless, and her father knew too.

Blinking back tears threatening to spill refusing to show weakness in front of her father. “You don’t care about me at all, do you? This is just about control. You’re willing to sacrifice my happiness for your deals.”

Robert didn’t waver; he remained firm and unyielding. “This isn’t about your happiness, Mitchell. It’s about our family’s future.”

With that final statement hanging in the air like a heavy weight, he stood up and folded his newspaper before placing it on the table. He walked out of the dining room without another word, leaving Mitchell standing there trembling with anger and frustration.

Her mother stayed seated with her eyes downcast, unwilling to meet Mitchell’s gaze.

Mitchell clenched her fists again as anger boiled inside her; she fought hard against screaming out loud in frustration. Her whole life had been dictated by others—what to do and who to be seen with—but this? Marrying Karl Malcom?

It was too much.

Storming out of the dining room angrily,she headed straight to her bedroom.

Why did it always have to be like this? Why did she have to be the obedient daughter who sacrificed everything for family expectations?

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand and pulled her from spiraling thoughts; it was a text from Lucy.

Lucy: Hey! How are you doing.

Mitchell sank onto her bed and felt shaky fingers type out a response.

Mitchell: I’m being forced to marry Karl Malcom! I don’t even know what to say.

The reply came quickly.

Lucy: What?? Karl Malcom? The guy always in tabloids? Ugh! That’s awful! What are you going to do?

Mitchell stared at the screen; anger simmered just below the surface like boiling water ready to spill over any moment now. What could she do? Her father had left no choice for her.

Mitchell: What I always do: play along! But I’m not going to make it easy for him!

As those words appeared on the screen, determination settled over her like armor against an enemy attack. Fine! If this was what her family demanded then so be it—but she wouldn’t be just another pawn in their game.

If Karl Malcom thought he could control her or dictate how things would go—he was in for a rude awakening!

She would fight every step of this journey ahead; there was no way anyone would take away who she truly was or what she desired out of life without putting up a fight first!

With renewed strength coursing through every part of herself despite lingering doubts swirling around inside—she resolved not only to face whatever challenges lay ahead but also seek understanding within herself before stepping into this new chapter with someone who might surprise even herself after all these years apart!

She wasn’t sure what lay ahead—but one thing was clear: this journey had only just begun!