Resisting The Wrong Brother

Anna Bellamy sat rigidly in the plush leather back seat of the sleek black limousine, fidgeting anxiously with the large diamond engagement ring on her left hand. Her exhausted gaze out the tinted window as the countryside rolled by in a blur, feeling trapped and despondent about the marriage her parents had arranged for her. The extravagant diamond ring felt like a shackle binding her to a man she barely knew. In just hours, she would be Vincent Long's wife. As the miles passed, Anna's mind drifted back to the heated argument with her father, Mr. Bellamy, about this arranged marriage while her mother pacified her. "How could you just trade me off like property!" Anna had shouted at her father, pacing the minimalistically designed living room of their estate. Her mother, Mrs. Veronica Bellamy sat stoically on the couch, her hands folded in her lap. "It's for the best, darling. The Longs are highly respected, and they are helping us–" "I don't care about their money!" Anna interrupted angrily. "I will not marry a man I barely know, just to serve your ambitions." Mr. Bellamy slammed his fist on his desk, making Anna jump. "You will do as you're told, girl! This family is depending on you." His eyes blazed with conviction. "But Dad..." Anna implored, her voice breaking. He pointed a damning finger at her. "My mind is made up. You will marry Vincent Long, or make us all suffer the consequences, and watch as I spend my old age in jail." Defeated, Anna had fled the room in tears, mumbling “I am only asking for time just to get to know Vincent more” as her father's ultimatum echoed in her mind. Days later, Mrs. Bellamy had come to Anna privately, her usually reserved manner replaced by desperation. She held Anna's hands tightly in her own. "Please, you must reconsider this union, Anna," she urged, eyes shining with barely contained tears. "Your Father's business has failed. Without Vincent's investment-" Her mother's voice dropped to a pained whisper. "He could go to prison if this marriage does not happen on time." Anna's roiling emotions stilled at this revelation. She searched her mother's crestfallen face. She wanted to ask her mother, why her? And not her elder sister, Isabel? She thought to herself that she was just an aspiring writer and why was she being traded off? On the other hand, how could she refuse and ruin them all? Slowly, Anna had nodded her assent, sealing her wretched fate. Anna was startled from her thoughts as the limousine eased to a stop at the bottom of steps leading up to a set of enormous double doors outside Vincent's imposing modern mansion. Before Anna could collect herself, the rear door swung open. "We've arrived, miss." the driver said as he offered a hand to help Anna out. She took a deep, shuddering breath. Too late now for second thoughts. With heavy footsteps, Anna moved to meet her destiny. Anna gasped audibly. She was intimidated by the vast display of wealth laid out before her. The mansion was all glass, steel, and sharp angles, sprawling over acres of meticulously manicured grounds. She said under her breath, "This looked more like a five-star resort than someone's home.’’ Anna nodded nervously and stepped out, smoothing the skirt of the simple yellow sundress she wore. She clutched her small purse tightly as she ascended the steps. The door towered over her. Just as she raised a hand to press the doorbell, the right door flung open from the inside. Vincent Long stood filling the doorway, towering over Anna's petite frame. She shrank back, immediately feeling out of place. "Anna," he greeted her coolly. "Welcome." Vincent Long. The CEO of the largest import empire in the whole of North America. By all accounts, he was intelligent, handsome, and unfathomably wealthy. Anna’s parents insisted she would learn to love him in time, that this union would save her family's company and secure her future. But Anna couldn't shake the sinking feeling in her gut that she was making a terrible mistake. Vincent's striking dark eyes remained detached. He extended a hand formally as if she were a business partner and not his soon-to-be wife. Anna placed her hand lightly in his. "Hello, Vincent," she replied softly. He bowed down, gave her knuckles a brief kiss, then dropped her hand. "Please, come in," he said, stepping aside and motioning for her to enter. Anna crossed the threshold into the large marble foyer. Her heels clicked loudly on the polished stone floor. She was startled when Vincent closed the doors firmly behind them. "Shall we?" He placed a hand formally on her lower back, closing the space between them. Anna could perceive his musky masculine scent as he guided her toward the dining room. The dining room was dominated by a long oak table elaborately set for two. The tasty aroma of the expertly plated food reminded Anna she hadn't eaten since breakfast. But as Vincent pulled out a chair for her, her anxiety stirred in her stomach. She sat, clutching her purse in her lap like a shield. Vincent took his seat at the head of the table. A server appeared and began placing dishes in front of them. Anna stared at her plate of expertly dished poached salmon and vegetables. She picked up her spoon but only managed a few bites of the salmon. Vincent ate neatly and efficiently, as he asked her “Hope your journey down here was not stressful?” His cool tone remained detached. Anna responded minimally, “No, it was actually–” “Today is such a great day for you to finally meet me” Vincent interrupted, maintaining a stern look at Anna. "Once the marriage is finalized, the final batch of payment will be paid into your family’s company account,” Vincent said casually, cutting his fish. "Also, some house staff adjustments will need to be made to accommodate you." Anna's throat tightened. She set her wine glass down with a clink. "Of course," she replied faintly. She folded her hands tightly in her lap. Vincent saw her as a business transaction. After what felt like an excruciatingly long dinner to Anna, Vincent dabbed his mouth with his napkin and stood abruptly. "Shall I show you to your room?" Anna rose unsteadily. "Yes, thank you." Vincent led her from the dining room and up a grand staircase with elaborately carved mahogany railings. Their footsteps echoed through the enormous space. He gave her a hurried tour down hallways lined with stark modern art. Anna noted all the rooms looked pristine but impersonal. It felt more like a luxury hotel than a home. There were no family photos, no clutter, or personal artifacts. Just sleek, minimalist décor in varying shades of white and gray. Finally, Vincent stopped before a set of double doors at the end of a long hallway. He pushed them open to reveal the master suite. Inside was a dazzling bedroom with vaulted ceilings, massive windows overlooking the grounds, and a plush king canopy bed. "My room is just down the hall should you need anything," he stated briskly. "The staff have the night off, so let me know if you require assistance." With that, he turned and left her alone without another word. The echo of the doors clicking shut behind him rang through the suite. Anna stood frozen for a moment, then sank to the edge of the massive bed. Tears escaped down her cheeks as she began to cry.