MY IDEAL MARRIAGE

Mr. Xander walked into Bella's office without knocking. Bella looked up from the presentation on her desk, and her face immediately brightened. At least the first good thing has happened to me today. Before she could greet him, he dropped a thick file onto her desk. “I need you to marry him.” Bella stared at him. For a moment, she wondered if she had heard him correctly. “What?” “The merger with Zaroth Seasons Limited.” Bella glanced at the file before looking back at her father. “I thought the merger wasn't profitable. According to the financial reports, we're losing more than we’re gaining.” Mr. Xander chuckled. “And who told you those reports were real?” Bella’s brows drew together. “I don’t understand.” “The losses are nothing more than a distraction. While everyone believes we're struggling, we're quietly introducing our latest technology into the market. By the time they realize what's happening, it'll be too late.” He leaned casually against the edge of her desk. “Besides, Ethan Zaroth is now the acting CEO of Zaroth Seasons Limited.” Bella’s expression changed. “Ethan Zaroth?” “The country's most eligible bachelor,” her father said. Bella almost scoffed. Eligible bachelor? Not in her eyes. Ethan Zaroth had a reputation for being ruthless, cold, and untouchable. He was also known for his fierce attachment to his mother. According to everything Bella had heard, he rarely made an important decision without consulting her. Why would her father want her to marry a man like that? A mummy’s boy. The thought alone irritated her. I hope this is just another one of Mother’s schemes. Bella had spent her entire life enduring Franka's insults and quiet cruelty. Her father had always been the only person she believed truly cared about her. So why was he suddenly pushing her toward marriage? And why Ethan? What was the catch? Could this be another one of Franka's schemes? Bella studied her father's face, searching for an explanation he wasn’t giving her. “Why me?” Her father said nothing for a moment. Then he smiled.“Because you’re my daughter.” That answer did nothing to ease her suspicion. Bella forced a smile. “I’ll think about it.” “Don’t take too long.” He turned and walked toward the door. Bella watched him leave, her eyes settling on the file he had left behind. She still couldn't believe he had asked her to marry Ethan Zaroth. Marriage. The word alone made her uncomfortable. To Bella, marriage had never represented love. It represented obligation, compromise, and the loss of freedom. And she had no intention of giving up her freedom for a man she barely knew. Especially not a man everyone called a ruthless mummy’s boy. *** By the time Bella left the office, it was already past seven in the evening. Most of the employees had gone home, but she had remained behind, surrounded by reports and presentation slides. Next week's board meeting would determine the company's future, and Bella wasn't willing to let a single mistake jeopardize everything. She reached for another report. Sarah, as always, hadn't contributed a single page. Bella sighed. Somehow, Sarah always managed to avoid responsibility while still receiving praise for work she hadn't done. Bella pushed the thought aside and continued working. Her phone vibrated, she glanced at the screen. Dad. She answered immediately. “Hello, Dad.” “Where the hell are you?” Franka’s sharp voice came through the speaker before Bella could hear her father’s response. “It's time for dinner.” Bella frowned. “I'm finishing some work at the office.” “You’re always working. Do you intend to live in that office?” Before Bella could respond, Sarah's excited voice interrupted them. “Dad! It's my twentieth birthday. Can't I celebrate with my friends?” “You can,” John replied. Sarah's excitement was obvious even through the phone. “But Bella is going with you.” Her excitement disappeared instantly. “Dad! That's not fair. Everyone already has plans.” “I said Bella is going.” The call ended. Bella stared at her phone in disbelief. She pinched the bridge of her nose. Of course. She had barely stepped into the mansion before she hurried upstairs, took a quick shower, and collapsed onto her bed. She had just closed her eyes when a knock sounded at the door. “Bella,” Sarah called from outside. “Mom wants you downstairs.” Bella groaned. “Of course she does.” She got out of bed, slipped into a simple dress, and made her way downstairs. Franka was waiting in the living room with her arms folded across her chest. “You're accompanying Sarah to her birthday celebration.” Bella frowned. “Why? She wanted to go with her friends.” “Because you’re her older sister,” John said firmly as he descended the stairs. Bella turned toward him. The same father who had never allowe Luxury cars lined the entrance, their polished bodies reflecting the lights above the doorway. Music pulsed through the walls, loud enough to be felt from the street. Bella stepped out of the car and stopped. “This isn't just a nightclub.” Sarah grinned. “Relax, Sis. It’s only for one night.” Bella gave her a skeptical look. She wasn't convinced. Still, she followed Sarah and Beatrice toward the entrance, completely unaware that before the night was over, her life would change forever. As they approached the doors, Sarah pulled an ID card from her purse. One of the bouncers glanced at it before immediately stepping aside. “Welcome, Miss.” Bella’s brows lifted. They were escorted straight to the VIP secd her to stay out past five o’clock was now allowing Sarah to spend her birthday night partying. The unfairness of it wasn’t lost on her. Still, she knew better than to argue. “Fine,” Bella said quietly. “I’ll go.” “Yay!” Sarah squealed before running upstairs to get dressed. Bella watched her disappear before returning to her room. She slipped into a simple black gown, grabbed her purse, and headed back downstairs. A few minutes later, the family driver arrived. The sisters climbed into the back seat, and the car pulled away from the mansion. They had barely driven for a few minutes when Sarah turned toward Bella. “Sis, can we please pick up my friend Beatrice?” Bella sighed. Beatrice had been Sarah’s best friend for as long as she could remember. Those two were a pain in the neck. They both worked at the company, but neither of them seemed particularly interested in doing any actual work. Somehow, they still managed to keep their jobs. Bella shook her head. “Fine.” The driver changed direction. An hour later, the car pulled up in front of one of the city’s most exclusive nightclubs, 69 Avenue. Bella stared through the window. Her frown deepened. This was no ordinary nightclub. How does Sarah even know about a place like this? The club was known for attracting some of the city’s most influential people. Without a membership card, getting through the doors was nearly impossible, let alone reserving a VIP table.tion. The moment Bella stepped inside, she was stunned. The club was enormous. From their table, she could see almost everything. The dance floor stretched across the lower level, crowded with people moving beneath flashing lights, while private lounges occupied the upper floors. The air smelled of smoke and expensive perfume. Within moments, drinks were placed on their table. “Don't worry, Sis,” Sarah said, handing Bella a glass. “It’s just grape juice. No alcohol.” Bella eyed the drink suspiciously. Then she shrugged and accepted it. “Thanks.” She took a small sip. The sweet, fruity taste lingered on her tongue. It wasn't bad. Actually, it was refreshing. Bella looked around. This was her first time inside a nightclub. For twenty three years, her life had revolved around work and home. If she wasn't helping her father with the company, she was buried beneath reports, presentations, and financial documents. She had never experienced flashing lights, deafening music, or crowds of people dancing without a care in the world. For the first time that night, a genuine smile touched her lips. Maybe this wasn’t so bad after all. Across the dance floor, Sarah was laughing with Beatrice and several other friends. When she noticed Bella watching them, she waved enthusiastically. Bella shook her head. “I’ll pass.” Sarah rolled her eyes before turning back to her friends. Bella took another sip of her drink. A few minutes later, something changed. An uneasy sensation settled in her stomach. Her heartbeat suddenly quickened. The room seemed warmer than it had been moments before. Bella pressed a hand against her temple. Why is everything spinning? She blinked and looked around. The lights seemed brighter. The music sounded farther away. Sarah noticed her expression and immediately walked over. “You okay?” Bella forced a smile. “I’m fine.” “Are you sure?” “Yeah.” Bella tried to stand. Her knees buckled. Sarah caught her before she could fall. “I think I need the restroom.” “I’ll take you.” Sarah slipped an arm around Bella’s waist and helped her through the crowded hallway. Bella's head felt heavy. Every step seemed to take more effort than the last. The moment they entered the ladies’ room, Bella hurried toward the sink and leaned against it. She turned on the tap and splashed cold water over her face. For a moment, she simply stood there, breathing heavily. Then she slowly lifted her head. The woman staring back at her in the mirror looked strangely unfamiliar. Bella blinked, her reflection blurred. She rubbed her eyes and looked again. One Bella became two, then three. Her stomach twisted. She gripped the edge of the sink.