Marrying My Enemy

Valerie found her parents unusually quiet as she entered the dining room. They exchanged a look before turning to her, their expressions unreadable. “Mom, Dad,” she began, a crease forming on her forehead. “Is everything alright?” Concern laced her voice. “Actually, dear, we’re glad you’re here,” her father said, his tone serious. “We feel it’s the right time to tell you about our plan.” Valerie’s gaze flickered to her mother, then back to her father. “I sense something serious has happened. Are you both ill?” Worry was evident in her voice. “No, dear, it’s nothing like that,” her mother reassured her, gesturing to a chair. “Please, sit down and listen to us.” Valerie took a deep breath and pulled out the chair opposite her mother, sitting down. “Your mother and I have decided to tell you about the agreement with the Hamilton family.” “What agreement?” she asked immediately. Though she suspected it had to do with marrying the heir of the Hamilton Group, a topic she’d heard whispers of since primary school. It was always brought up at Hamilton family gatherings, especially when her grandfather and the elder Hamilton were still alive. But after their deaths, the subject had never been broached, and she hadn't attended any Hamilton family events with her parents. “Do you remember Alexander Hamilton, your childhood friend?” “Yes,” she replied. “What about him?” “Your grandfather and Alexander’s grandfather made an agreement. They decided that when you both reached the appropriate age, you would be married,” her father explained. Valerie took another deep breath. Even though she knew she would likely protest, and even though she felt certain she’d refuse, she tried her best to reason with them. “No, Dad, I can’t just agree to this marriage. Alexander and I haven’t been close since childhood. You know we’re like cats and dogs – we disagree about everything. This arranged marriage will be a disaster! I’m sure he disagrees too. Our feelings are mutual.” She spoke persuasively, hoping her parents would see her point. But her hopes were dashed by her father’s reply. “Alexander has returned from Germany, and he has agreed to marry you.” “What? That’s ridiculous! I know he hates me,” she exclaimed, remembering how she used to tease him when he was a chubby boy who always sat in the corner eating cake whenever she accompanied her parents to the Hamilton mansion. “My dear,” her mother said, “before you say no, could you please meet him first? Besides, we need the Hamilton Group to save our company.” “What? What happened to our company?” Valerie asked, surprised. “I’m sorry, dear. We didn’t want to stress you while you were studying, not until you finished. Our company has been facing bankruptcy since last year, and the Hamilton Group has been managing it since your father was hospitalized last year,” her mother explained. Valerie tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep after the conversation with her parents. The idea of marrying Alexander Hamilton was troubling enough, but the fact that he had agreed to the arrangement, knowing how she had bullied him as a child, was even worse. * * * “Why can’t you leave the table and play with us in the backyard?” Valerie had asked Alexander, her grandfather having sent her to fetch him. He was sitting alone at a table near the buffet, engrossed in a slice of cake. “You go ahead,” Alexander mumbled, taking another bite. I’m still enjoying my cake.” A smear of icing clung to the corner of his mouth. Valerie wrinkled her nose in disgust. Alexander Hamilton had blue eyes, chubby cheeks, and wore glasses. **** She shook her head, remembering how overweight he’d been as a child. She was certain that his love of sweets, especially cake, meant he’d grow up to be a fat man, a thought that filled her with dismay at the prospect of marrying him. Unable to sleep, Valerie got out of bed, checked the time, and quickly changed clothes. Grabbing her car keys, phone, and a small bag, she left her room. She was quietly sipping her drink at a bar when she overheard the man next to her talking on his phone. “Dude, believe me, I’m only doing this because of my grandfather’s request. Remember the promise I made him before he passed? I’ll do whatever he asks.” Before she could hear more, her best friend, Daphne, arrived. Valerie had texted her earlier, telling her she wanted to meet at the bar. “What’s wrong? You seem upset. It’s late, and I have work tomorrow,” Daphne said as she approached. “I’m sorry, I forgot about your work,” Valerie apologized sincerely. “It’s okay, but I can’t stay long. I need to finish my presentation for tomorrow and I have to get up early,” Daphne replied, ordering a drink. “Let’s move over there,” Daphne suggested, pointing to a corner table that had just been vacated. As soon as the bartender put down Daphne's drink. They collected their drinks and headed towards it. As Valerie turned, she bumped into someone. Xander was in a hurry to leave after paying for his drinks. He'd received a call from their butler; his mother had been rushed to the hospital. As he turned around, he accidentally bumped into someone, causing the woman's drink to spill all over him. "I'm so sorry," the woman said softly, apologizing. "No, I'm sorry. I was in a rush and didn't see you," he replied. "Your shirt is wet," she observed. "It's okay, don't worry about it. I'm sorry about your drink." He took out his wallet and a bill, handing it to the bartender. "Please give the lady a drink, to make up for the mess I caused," he said, glancing back at the woman and smirking before he left. Xander can't help but think about his mother's condition after talking to her doctor. The doctor told him his mother shouldn't be stressed because she has heart failure. He gripped the steering wheel tightly as he remembered what the Brown family had said about visiting them. They'd said their daughter wasn't ready to meet them, especially him, and he believed this was the cause of his mother's stress, which had led to her hospitalization.