Arranged Marriage: Part One

Chapter Five : The Condition

Sophia stared at her father, waiting for him to explain why he had called her into his study.

He leaned back in his chair and smiled proudly.

“For years, I’ve sacrificed sleep, comfort, and everything I had to build this business empire. Every success came with hard work and determination.”

He paused, his eyes fixed on his daughter.

“And today, I can proudly say that every sacrifice was worth it. You have made me proud, Sophia. Graduating with distinction from your master’s program is something every father dreams of.”

Sophia smiled warmly.

“Thank you, Dad.”

Although his words filled her with joy, she knew he wasn’t done. There was something else on his mind.

Her father took a deep breath before continuing.

“I’m getting older, Sophia. I don’t have the same strength I once had. It’s time for someone else to take over everything I’ve built.”

Sophia’s heart raced with excitement.

She had been waiting for this moment.

“I want to hand my entire business empire over to you.”

Her face lit up.

But before she could thank him, he added,

“On one condition.”

Her smile slowly disappeared.

“You must get married before I hand over the company.”

The room fell silent.

Sophia stared at him in disbelief.

Marriage?

Of all the conditions she had imagined, this was the last thing she expected.

For a long moment, she couldn’t speak.

When she finally found her voice, it was barely above a whisper.

“But… Dad…”

She shook her head in confusion.

“What does me having a husband have to do with running your company?”

Her father looked at her calmly.

“You’ll have all your answers,” he said, “only when you do what I’ve asked.”

His words echoed through the room.

Sophia sat speechless.

For the first time in years, she felt as though her future was no longer in her own hands.