The Billionaire Desires

CHAPTER FOUR

"Dad, wait a minute!" I cried out, my voice filled with disbelief and confusion. "So, you're saying that I, Harper Cole, have to marry Raphael Stevenson's son? The same Raphael Stevenson who was my boss? And what's his son's name?" I asked, struggling to understand the unexpected news.

Looking pale, my dad replied, "His name is Joshua Stevenson."

Hearing his name made my heart sink even further. Josh was the last person I would want to marry. He always treats me poorly, making me doubt myself and my abilities at work. The idea of spending my life with him felt like a terrible punishment.

Feeling crushed, I couldn't help but cry out, "He doesn't like me! He always tries to control my emotions and makes me feel like I'm not good enough!" The words rushed out, revealing the depth of my anger and pain.

Angry and upset, I stormed out of the living room and quickly went to my bedroom.

The heaviness of the situation weighs heavily on me, and I couldn't help but cry uncontrollably. It felt like a weight pressed down on my chest, making it hard to breathe and catch my breath.

The thought of being forced into a marriage, especially with someone I barely knew, seems unbearable. The idea of spending my life with a stranger felt impossible to accept.

Frequently, I would hear my dad knocking on my door, pleading for me to open up. He expressed his guilt and desperately wished there was another solution.

My mom and Eva would also beg me to come out, to talk, and to share my feelings.

The following day, as evening approached, I felt emotionally drained. Without uttering a single word to anyone, I went downstairs. In the kitchen, I served myself some food, and my mom and Ava watched me in silence.

My father had left for his business trips as usual.

My mom hugged me tightly from behind, tears streaming down her face. Seeing her cry, I felt weak, and I knew I had to comfort her even without saying a word.

I opened up and shared my fears and frustrations with my mom, and she listened to me carefully, giving her full attention.

After our long conversation, my mom and I came up with a plan. She advised me to act like everything was fine and to go along with it for now.

I prepared myself for work. I had made up my mind not to give in to my father's demands because I couldn't imagine being trapped in a marriage I didn't choose.

As I settled into my work routine, my phone buzzed, signaling an incoming call. With a sense of nervousness, I answered, instantly recognizing my father's voice at the other end.

"Hi Dad, I hope you're doing well," I greeted him.

"How are you, my baby girl?" he asked with concern.

"Just okay... I'm at work," I replied, my tone a little weary.

"I just wanted to hear your voice," he said, his tone filled with guilt.

Rolling my eyes, I responded, "I'm fine."

I knew my father loved me and wanted what was best for me, but this arranged marriage was suffocating my dreams and the chance of finding true love on my terms.

As I ended the call, I stared at the phone, shaking my head at the numerous thoughts running through it.

The weight of the arranged marriage suffocates me, leaving me feeling trapped and unable to face Josh without the constant reminder of our impending union.

I had to cut off all one-on-one meetings with Josh. I know that taking such a step could have repercussions, and the impact of my absence began to show in Josh's countenance both professionally and personally.

In general meetings and daily interactions, Josh's countenance revealed a subtle sadness. It was as if a spark was missing.

I had a sinking feeling that Josh was still oblivious to the arranged marriage that loomed over us, and the weight of that knowledge weighed heavily on my heart. I knew that I had to make a difficult decision to leave town before he discovered the truth.

I couldn't bear the idea of him learning that our connection had been manipulated, that our interactions had been tainted by the looming expectation of a predetermined future.

Amelia respects my boundaries, and she has been going to meetings in my place.

Her support and willingness to step in brought a sense of relief. I was grateful for her understanding and the way she acknowledged my need for space.

To my surprise, Josh seemed surprisingly understanding as well. He didn't question or protest Amelia's presence at the meetings.

Glancing anxiously at my computer screen, there was an urgent matter that required Josh's immediate attention. I had sent him an email, and waiting for a response seemed like an eternity.

As the minutes stretched on, doubt and worry began to creep in. Was he ignoring my message? Did he deem the matter unimportant? Or perhaps he was too preoccupied with other pressing matters to give my email the attention it deserved.

I found myself refreshing my inbox repeatedly, hoping to find a glimmer of hope in the form of a new message from Josh.

I couldn't wait any longer. With determined steps, I walked toward the office. The weight of the situation pressed on me, but I refused to let it deter my purpose.

As I neared his office, my heart beat with a mix of nerves and determination. I know it is a moment that requires strength and conviction.

As I entered Josh's office, I froze in my tracks, at the sight before me. The scene that unfolds before my eyes leaves me filled with a mixture of disbelief.

Time seemed to stand still as I grappled with the sight before me, struggling to process the depths of my emotions that consumed my thoughts.

As I stood there, the silence hung heavy in the room, suffocating me.