Complicated Bliss

Chapter 1

"Marry him? Father, you really do not need to interfere in my affairs! Why must you force this upon me? Love should be the most important factor in marriage, not just some commercial transaction for profit." Mabel's voice trembled as she tried to contain her growing frustration.

Her father's eyes then narrowed, his patience obviously wearing thin. "Mabel, I never expected you to jump for joy over this, but you must understand what's at stake here. Williams has agreed to cancel the entire debt once the loan is repaid. It's five billion dollars, Mabel. You really think we can just turn a blind eye to that?" His voice tensed as he practically made himself keep calm.

Mabel stepped backward, shaking her head. "Dad, I know you mean well, but to marry someone I don't even know? It's like you're selling me off, and for what? So your company could be saved?"

Her father’s jaw went taut, and the tendons in his neck stood out as he struggled against his temper. "What in the world are you talking about? Have you lost your mind?" He tried as desperately hard as he could, but the anger inside began to bubble into his rising voice.

"I'm not going to marry him, Dad," Mabel said in a defiantly laced tone, which she seldom used with him.

"But why, Mabel? Why?" His voice cracked, and in his eyes, for a flashing moment, pain flickered.

Mabel wavered as her heart contorted in her chest. "Because… I don't even know him," she said so softly, it was barely above a whisper. She knew it sounded like a weak reason, but it was hers, at least.

Her father sighed heavily, running a hand over his face. "I know you don't know him yet, but you will in time. Williams is a good man. I've known him for years, you'll see that."

"No, Dad. I'm sorry, but I just can't do this. It's my future, my life. How could I marry someone who I don't even know if we'd be happy together?" Her throat was constrained as she swallowed hard to keep her voice steady.

He leant forward on the leather couch, the sound of the squeaky cushions added to the tension. "Happiness? Mabel, you're not thinking clearly. Not every marriage is a love match, and love can grow. It happened to your mother and me. Our marriage was arranged, but we found love later. I've loved her every day since." His voice had softened, and for a second, emotion clouded his eyes.

"But there is no guarantee that I will ever be happy with him," Mabel whispered, staring at the floor, trying to make sense of it all.

Her father chuckled, a low, mirthless sound that set her on edge. "Williams is one of the wealthiest men in Georgia. He can offer you anything, Mabel. Anything at all you could possibly want; money, security, a future. With him, you'll never want anything. Isn't that enough?" He jingled the empty glass in his hand, gesturing to the maid for more wine.

A lump had formed in Mabel's throat as she took in the worn features of her father, etched with age and responsibility. He genuinely felt he was acting out of love in doing this, but he didn't understand. He never would.

She shook her head, saying, "It's not about the money, Papa. It is my happiness, freedom of choice."

"Enough!" His voice thundered through the room, stopping her.

Mabel blinked and felt startled by the intensity of his eyes. The room had suddenly turned cold, and she felt that from now on, caution would be needed.

"Dad, please, I have to go; I have stuff to do," she said, standing and trying to leave before things got out of hand.

"No," he said sternly, motioning her in a sitting manner. "We are not finished yet."

She sagged back against the couch, her heart racing. This wasn't going to turn out well.

"You're my firstborn, Mabel, my only daughter. You think I want anything less than the best for you?" His voice cracked a little, and she could feel the weight of the world bearing down on him.

"This is a family-oriented company, Leadership Gold Mine, that has been with us since time immemorial; this is not really about money matters, it's about family legacy. Now, it's in danger. I've kept it standing all my life; now, I need your help."

Mabel's chest tightened because now she realized that he wasn't asking a favor but actually asking her to sacrifice her future and happiness for something unwanted.

"Papa, I want to marry a man who loves me for myself, not because of a business deal. This is my life, my future. Does that count as nothing in your eyes?" Her voice was low but clear and steady as rock.

Her father sighed deeply this time. "Mabel, till now, whatever decisions were to be made, you always had your way, but this time, it is not just you; it is a matter of the survival of our family."

Hot tears pricked at the backs of Mabel's eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She couldn't break now. "Could you at least give me some time to think about this? Please?"

His expression softened a bit, and he nodded. "I will give you a week, no more and no less. I'll send you his number forthwith. In a few weeks, you'll meet with Williams and get back to me right away." He took his glass of wine in his hand and reached for his phone.

Oh God, what is to be done? The idea of being forced to marry a man she didn't love was too much for Mabel to handle, but she was also too much of a scared-cat to resist her father's demands.

How would I deal with this, my heart and future in jeopardy?" she said, her voice trembling with fear and overwhelm.