BOUND BY VOWS, TORN BY SECRETS

Chapter 2: The Reluctant Bride

"I will not go into an arranged marriage."

My father didn't even say a word when my voice reverberated off the gleaming walls of his opulent office. With his fingers behind his enormous desk, he observed me with the kind of unyielding passion that had driven me throughout my entire existence. Even though his silence bothered me, I persisted.

With an oddly calm tone, he finally remarked, "Brendan, you have no choice."

I shook my head and laughed sharply. "That is absurd. I have a choice, of course. You can't just tell me who I should marry like it's the eighteenth century; this is my life and my future.”

After letting out a long breath and rubbing his temple, he walked back to me. “I wish things were distinct but they aren't.”

“We have no other choice. The numbers are in front of you. The company, Williams Enterprises, is about to go bankrupt. We don't have enough to pay off our excessive debt. Although Eric Walter is prepared to save us, he won't do it without assurance. You are that assurance.”

To control my breathing, I crossed my arms across my chest tightly. My father asked for my entire existence, but he made it seem so easy, like a normal business deal. My liberty. My joy.

I yelled, "Find another investor." "There must be another person."

“I've made an effort. Nobody wants to put money into a failing business. The only one willing to step in is Eric Walter, and he has set this price.”

With my heels clicking on the gleaming wood, I paced the room. “Furthermore, why must he wed me? He can have any lady he desires because he is a billionaire.”

My dad let out a sigh. “It has nothing to do with romance. It has to do with legacy. Eric seeks stability and a partnership that will strengthen his standing in society and business. Getting married to you does that.”

With blazing eyes, I turned abruptly. “I'm a pawn, then? A tool to be traded for monetary stability?"

"Don't be dramatic, Brenda."

I sneered. "Shocking? For financial gain, you're pressuring me into a marriage.”

Then he stood, growing impatient. "I'm making sure we survive. You will lose everything if you don't do this, including your house, your reputation, and the business your grandfather started with only his hands. Then, what are you going to do? Watch how pride causes everything to fall apart?"

My throat constricted. I detested his ability to make things seem so logical and inevitable. However, how could I consent to this? To be bound by a man like Eric Walter, a ruthless, calculating billionaire who probably thought of marriage as only a legal requirement?

My father also mentioned that Eric is anticipating a response tonight. "I recommend you examine the options carefully before making a choice you'll later regret."

Our animated conversation was cut short by a loud banging on the door.

A small woman with keen eyes, my father's helper, entered.

"Mr. Walter is here, sir. He is in the lounge, waiting.

I gasped. He was present.

"Perfect timing," my father said, turning to face me. “You can tell him on your own.”

My fists were clenched at my sides. Although I didn't want to confront Eric Walter, I would appear weak if I gave in now. My heart thumping with each stride toward my supposed future, I raised my chin and stormed out of the office.

The city lights created long shadows throughout the dimly lighted lounge. With a drink of whiskey in his hand, Eric Walter stood by the window, appearing to be the vicious businessman that he was said to be. He turned as soon as he heard me come in, his sharp blue eyes silently evaluating me.

With a deep, rich baritone, he said, "Brenda," with ease. "I'm glad to see you once more."

I disregarded the courteous remarks. "Is it accurate?” I stepped up and demanded. "Are you genuinely requesting that I wed you in return for your assistance?"

Before placing his cup on the slick glass table, he took a slow sip. "Your dad didn't waste time sugarcoating it, I see."

"I need you to tell me."

After examining me for a while, Eric nodded. “Indeed. You need a savior, and I need a wife. The agreement benefits both parties.”

My stomach turned over. "Getting married isn't a business transaction."

He stepped closer and replied, "For people like us, it is." "You and I were raised in a society where reputation and power are crucial. Our kind of marriage is based on strategy rather than affection.”

With a dry throat, I swallowed hard. “What if I say no?"

Eric's eyes grew a little darker. "Then everything is lost for your family."

I felt a chill go down my back. The worst part was that he was only stating a fact and not threatening me.

My hands were balled into fists as I turned aside and stared out the window. Was this all I had to do? To bind me to a man I hardly knew, who viewed me as only a business associate?

Eric's voice grew a little softer. "Brendan, I'm not a crazy man. I will not compel you to do anything. However, if you consent, I swear to look after you. By my side, you'll have safety, power, and a place.”

I turned back to him and looked for any warmth or sincere emotion on his face. None existed.

"How much time?” Quietly, I inquired.

He scowled. “For what length of time?"

“What is the expected duration of this marriage? A year? Two? Until the game of house wears you out?"

There was something illegible flickering in his eyes. "For as long as necessary."

I let out a trembling breath. "That isn't a response."

"That's the best I can provide."

I laughed resentfully. "How about love? Do you think it's real?"

Eric made no hesitation. "Love is a luxury." “One that neither of us can currently afford.”

His words weighed heavily and oppressively on my chest. I ought to have been offended and furious. In actuality, though, he was correct. My family wouldn't be saved by love. My father would lose what he had worked so hard to achieve. Furthermore, it wouldn't prevent me from joining him in his decline.

With my emotions and head at odds, I closed my eyes.

Finally, I turned to face Eric and uttered the words that would determine my destiny.

"I'll give it some thought."

A tiny, knowing smile curved his lips. "All right. But don't take too long.” With my heart thumping in my ears, I turned and walked out of the lounge. Outside, my father waited with an inscrutable face.

"Is everything all right?” He inquired.

Without responding, I passed right by him and made my way to the elevator. I needed room and air to keep the walls from closing in on me.

But I already knew in my heart.

Despite my best efforts, I was at a loss for options.

And there would be no going back once I said yes.