Bethrothed to My WORST Enemy, or is it My Former Lover?

[MIA] "Miss Mia, your dad wants you in his study," says Mrs. Jenkins. "Alright," I said. Dad always called for me when he had something important to say. Else he'd wait for dinner. I quickly took off my apron and washed my hands. I was painting a picture of a dad teaching his daughter to ride a bicycle. I always wanted to learn but of course I never did. "Why can't I ride one?" I'd ask. "Because you’re a Lancaster," my dad always said. I never understood it then but now I do. I had a lot of responsibilities ever since I was little. Seating in gatherings, I didn't understand the concepts and meeting business partners, I knew nothing about. ___ As I entered the well-lit office, the smell of old dusty books and leather filled the air. The atmosphere was tense. Dad, who was peering over some documents through his delicate looking spectacles, looked at me. "Sit down, Mia," he said firm but controlled. I thought to myself, "Am I in trouble." "Did I do something wrong?" But I couldn't think of anything but I knew it wasn't going to be a pleasant communication. As I took a seat, I felt myself tensing up a bit. Dad was never the type to show fatherly love. He was strict and all about business. "I have arranged for you to marry Harrison Delacroix of The Delacroix Enterprise," he said. "What!?" I asked shocked as my eyes widened. "You can't be serious. How can I marry someone I don't even know." "Oh, don't be silly. We went on several vacations together when you were younger and you went to the same schools too," said Dad. "That was a long time ago, Dad. We've changed," I said. "It's important." "Dad, I don't understand why I have to marry him," I said, my voice rising in desperation. "It's a business arrangement, Mia. It's good for the family," Dad replied, his tone firm. "But I don't love him. I don't even like him," I protested. "Love is overrated, Mia. What's important is the alliance between our families. It will secure our future and our place in the industry," Dad said. I sighed, feeling trapped. I felt a surge of anger and frustration through my body. Dad leaned forward, his voice stern, "The decision is made. You'll marry Harrison Delacroix and that's final." I stood up, my eyes flashing with anger. "You're not listening to me, Dad. I'm not a pawn in your game of business." Dad's expression turned cold. "You'll do what you're told, Mia. You're a Lancaster. You have responsibilities to the business and this family. The marriage will be good for you and for us." I knew not to take things any further when my dad had made up his mind but the thought of seeing Harrison again felt awful. "No, Dad. It's only good for you. All you care about is the business. What about me? The very least you could as my Dad is to let me decide on whom to marry." I felt a lump form in her throat as I turned and walked away. I wasn't about to let my dad see me cry. Back in my room, I immediately called my best friend, Chloe. "Please, come get me. I need you," I said as I felt my eyes welling up with tears. ___ CHLOE's POV I could tell Mia was at the verge of tears and the only time when Mia ever requested for me to come get her regardless of what I was doing meant she really need me or was in trouble. "Alright, on my way," I said. I had a lot of work to sign off of that day but Mia was more important. I immediately left to go get Mia. Our families were close. We had been friends since childhood and knew everything about each other. We had no secrets between us. I went straight for her bedroom the moment I got to their mansion. Everyone knew me of course. That was basically my second home. "Hi, Uncle," I said, as I saw Mia's dad in the hallway. He wore his usual expression, hard to read and a somewhat scary aura. The moment I opened Mia's room door, Mia burst out into tears. "Oh my God, Mia. What's going on?" I asked. "My dad wants me to get married," she says. "What?" I ask looking a bit puzzled. "To who?" "Harrison," Mia said with her voice just above a whisper. "Who?" I asked. "Harrison, The Harrison?" "Yes, The Harrison," Mia replied. "He's doing it just for the business and nothing else. He's so selfish and will always be." "Are you okay?" I asked. Mia burst into tears. "I would rather die than marry Harrison," said Mia. Harrison was the one who broke Mia's heart six years ago and she hadn't being able to move on. I knew she was hurting but all my efforts to get her to look elsewhere at the time failed. She only always cared for Harrison. Now that she was getting better. Harrison is right back into her life. It's as if he was just standing there waiting for an opening. ___ HARRISON's POV "What do you mean?" I asked. "You're getting married to Mia Lancaster," Dad said. "It will be announced next week at the engagement party." "Well, don't I have a say in this? I mean it's my wedding." "No, you don't. Just do as I say, else the risk of losing your inheritance is high." "Your Grandmother is adamant. You'll get married to Mia or lose your inheritance to Ryan." My grandmother, the Chairwoman of The Delacroix Enterprise wanted an heir. And I was first in line. She made it clear that I would lose my rights if I didn’t get married before 30. And Ryan, my half cousin turned 30 a week ago and he was such a playboy he could get a wife this second if he wanted to. Ladies always threw themselves at him like he was a precious jewel. I knew I had to get married to Mia. After dinner, I made my way to my bedroom. "Why Mia?" "Of all the ladies out there, why did he have to choose Mia." Harrison's reason for not wanting to get married to Mia was the same as hers. They had a thing back in high school and it didn't go well at all. They still have feelings for each other but will never admit it.