THE VOWS WE NEVER WANTED

The weight of accomplishment whispered compliments, and flashing cameras overwhelmed Aria Lancaster as she stood in the opulent ballroom. One of the best days of her life was going to occur tonight. She just received the Designer of the Year Award from Fashion Elite, confirming her status as one of the industry's most rapidly emerging designers. She had dedicated years of unrelenting effort to her goal, which was now gleaming in the event hall's crystal chandeliers and dazzling lighting. However, underneath the glittering dress and the meticulously manicured grin, there was an odd emptiness in her chest. "Come on, Aria!" The voice of a reporter cut through the cacophony. She swiveled slightly, her chin up in a composed attitude as the cameras flashed once again. "This year, Miss Lancaster, your designs have dominated the business! What does it feel like to get such a prominent honor at such a young age? Aria grinned, but it fell short of her eyes. It's a privilege. Fashion, in my opinion, is more than simply clothes; it's a statement and an identity. It's so incredible to see my work acknowledged on this scale. The reporter smiled. You are being referred to as the "Future of High Fashion" by many. What will Aria Lancaster do next? A recognizable voice interrupted her before she could respond. She has hardly had time to rejoice over the win tonight. Give the lady some space to breathe. With a cheeky grin, Aria turned to find Camilla Hayes, her closest friend and the director of public relations for her fashion line, standing next to her. Aria reprimanded in a quiet voice, "Camilla," but her buddy only winked. The reporter chuckled. "Definitely. Have fun tonight, Miss Lancaster. Once again, congratulations. Aria let out a quiet breath as the cameras shifted to another location. She was given a champagne flute by Camilla. "Your face will freeze if you continue to smile like that." Aria gripped the glass tightly as she took a drink. "I ought to be content, shouldn't I?" After thoroughly observing her, Camilla retorted, "You are happy." "But you're bothered by something." Aria paused before responding. "I simply assumed that it would feel different." The pleasure of winning and the satisfaction of knowing she had achieved it on her own were the moments she had dreamed of many times. Nevertheless, she had an unshakeable sense of restlessness and a sense that something terrible was going to happen. When Aria eventually got into her vehicle, she was exhausted after the gala that lasted into the wee hours of the morning. She closed her eyes for a time and slid into the soft leather cushion. Paul, her driver, looked at her in the rearview mirror. "Miss Lancaster, home?" She paused. "No. The estate of my father. Paul nodded curtly and turned the vehicle toward the imposing home that had once been the pride of the Lancaster family. A familiar weight fell on Aria's chest as the mansion came into view; she hadn't been there in weeks. The majestic, exquisite, and timeless appearance of the home remained unchanged. However, she was aware of the reality. Everything was collapsing behind the gleaming doors. With her heels clicking on the marble floor, she exited and entered. She realized there was a problem as soon as she walked into her father's study. Jonathan Lancaster sat at his desk, his once-sharp eyes now clouded with concern. The mahogany table was littered with papers, contracts, and figures she didn't recognize. Matthew Carter, their family's financial adviser, was standing next to him. The tension in the room was palpable. Aria felt her heart race faster. "What's happening?" Jonathan's face was creased with fatigue as he glanced up. "Aria. You're present. She crossed her arms. "I didn't want to be, but I felt compelled to check-in. And I was correct, based on your facial expressions. Matthew shifted uneasily and cleared his throat. "Aria, there is a major problem with your father's business." The words felt like a smack. She looked across to Jonathan. "You assured me that everything was in order." Her father rubbed his temples and moaned. "I wanted to correct it before you discovered it." Aria felt her heart race in her ears. "What should I fix?" After hesitating, Matthew slipped a paper in her direction. The company Lancaster Enterprises is in danger of going bankrupt. The debts are... excessive. As Aria looked at the statistics, her breath caught. Millions. The family's wealth is gone. "How did this occur?" She hardly raised her voice beyond a whisper. Jonathan refused to look her in the eye. "Wrong investments. A bad transaction. And a long-standing family debt. Aria's fingers gripped the page more tightly. "Debt in the family?" At last, Jonathan glanced up, his face grim. "The Blackwoods." Aria felt a chill go down her back. The Blackwoods posed a threat. Strong. Untouchable. Furthermore, no one feared to cross Kieran Blackwood, their heir. Aria felt a knot in her gut. "How are the Blackwoods related to our family?" Jonathan let out a breath. "My father and Kieran's father were business colleagues decades ago. A financial agreement was made, but my father deceived them. Millions were lost. Never did the Blackwoods forget. Aria's mind whirled. "And they want retribution now?" Jonathan averted his gaze. "They want money. Additionally, I don't have it. The room was silent. For years, her father had insisted that their legacy could not be altered. That the Lancaster name would endure no matter what occurred. Everything was falling apart now. Aria took a deep breath. "What is their solution, then?" Jonathan paused. Then he murmured, in a voice so low she could hardly hear it: "Kieran Blackwood offered." Aria felt her gut tighten. "A proposal?" When her father finally glanced up at her, a look that verged on guilt filled his eyes. "He'll pay off the debt." A pause. "But only after you wed him." She exhaled the air. She could only look for a minute. Then she let forth a harsh, incredulous chuckle. "You're not serious." Jonathan's face remained unchanged. "Aria..." "No," she yelled, stepping back. "Not. You can't just sell me to a cold-blooded millionaire! Her dad turned his head away. She recognized then that he had already made up his mind. She had never had the option. Aria's hands trembled as she processed the truth. Her ideal existence. Her accomplishment was acquired through hard work. It didn't matter. Because she wouldn't be Aria Lancaster tomorrow. Kieran Blackwood would have her.