The Bellamy Bargain

Arlette Rothwell had always known that her family was powerful. The Rothwell name opened doors. It made people stand when her father entered a room, made businessmen want to work with them and made people smile even when they had no reason to. She had grown up surrounded by wealth. But she had also grown up knowing that everything came with a price. She just never expected that one day, the price would be her marriage. Arlette sat quietly in her father’s study, her eyes fixed on the papers scattered across his desk. She didn’t need to ask what they were. She already knew. The Rothwell Empire was in trouble. Her father had spent years building the company into one of the biggest empires in Manhattan, but now everything was slowly falling apart. Investments had failed. Debts had piled up. Properties were being threatened. And their reputation was beginning to suffer. Her father, Alaric Rothwell, looked tired. That alone scared her. She had never seen him look like this. “How bad is it?” she finally asked. Alaric didn’t answer immediately. “Father.” He sighed. “Very bad.” Arlette swallowed. “Are we going to lose everything?” He looked at her. “I don’t know.” That answer scared her more than anything else. “What about the foundation?” Her father’s expression changed. “The foundation is not part of the company.” “I know that.” Arlette sat up straighter. “But it’s still connected to us. If the family loses everything, what happens to Mother’s foundation?” Alaric looked away. Arlette already knew the answer. She couldn’t lose it. The Evelyn Rothwell Foundation was the only thing she had left that truly belonged to her mother. Evelyn Rothwell had built it with love. Arlette had grown up going there with her. She remembered her mother sitting with the children, laughing with them and helping them whenever she could. After her mother’s death, Arlette had taken over the foundation. It wasn’t just an NGO to her. It was her mother’s legacy. Her last connection to her. “I won’t let them take it,” she said quietly. Alaric looked at her. “Arlette…” “What?” “There is someone who can help us.” She frowned. “Who?” “The Bellamys.” Arlette immediately knew where this was going. Her father had been friends with Allistair Bellamy for years. The Bellamy family was powerful enough to help them. But nothing in their world came for free. “What did he ask for?” Her father remained silent. Arlette’s stomach tightened. “What did he ask for?” “You.” She stared at him. “What?” “Allistair wants you to marry Idris.” For a moment, Arlette couldn’t speak. Then she laughed. It wasn’t because anything was funny. She simply didn’t know what else to do. “You can’t be serious.” “I am.” “You want me to marry Idris to save the company?” “He wants you to marry Idris.” “That’s the same thing.” Alaric stood. “Arlette, listen to me.” “No.” She stood too. “I’ve known Idris for years. He’s my friend.” “He loves you.” “I know.” “Then this isn’t impossible.” “It is.” Her father stared at her. “I don’t love him.” The words came out quietly. But they were the truth. She cared about Idris. She trusted him. He was one of the people she could always count on. But she had never looked at him and felt the kind of love he had for her. She couldn’t pretend otherwise. Her father walked around the desk. “I know what I’m asking you to do.” “No, you don’t.” “I do.” “You are asking me to marry someone I don’t love.” “I am asking you to save your family.” Arlette looked at him. That hurt. Because she knew he was right. If she refused, her family could lose everything. And if that happened, the foundation could be at risk too. She closed her eyes. Her mother’s face came to her mind. She remembered the foundation. The children. Everything her mother had built. When she opened her eyes again, her decision had been made. “I’ll do it.” Alaric froze. “Arlette…” “I said I’ll marry him.” The wedding came sooner than she expected. Everything happened so quickly. The invitations. The dresses. The flowers. The preparations. The press. Everyone seemed excited. Everyone except Arlette. The entire city knew about the wedding. The Rothwell heiress was marrying the Bellamy heir. It was the perfect match. Two powerful families becoming one. People called it a love story. Arlette knew the truth. It wasn’t a love story. It was a deal. She stood in front of the mirror on her wedding day, staring at herself. Her wedding dress was beautiful. Everything about it was perfect. Her hair was styled perfectly, her makeup was perfect and the diamond earrings she wore had belonged to her mother. She touched one of them. “Are you okay?” Arlette turned. Her father stood at the door. She gave him a small smile. “I’m fine.” He walked closer. “You don’t have to do this.” She looked at him through the mirror. “We both know I do.” Alaric looked down. “I’m sorry.” Arlette turned around. “Don’t be.” She took his hand. “I’m doing this for us.” Her father hugged her. For a moment, Arlette allowed herself to forget everything. Then the music started. It was time. Idris was waiting for her at the altar. The moment he saw her, his entire expression changed. He smiled. A real smile. Arlette could see how happy he was. And somehow, that made her feel worse. She walked toward him with her father’s arm around hers. When she reached the altar, Alaric handed her over. Idris took her hand. “You’re beautiful.” Arlette smiled. “Thank you.” He looked at her like he couldn’t believe this was real. She wished she could feel the same way. The ceremony began. The words were spoken. The vows were exchanged. And finally, they were pronounced husband and wife. Everyone stood and applauded. Idris leaned closer and whispered. “You’re my wife.” Arlette looked at him. “Yes.” He smiled. And for a moment, she wondered if she had just made the biggest mistake of her life. The reception was beautiful. There were hundreds of guests. People congratulated them. Cameras followed them everywhere. Arlette smiled. She danced with Idris. She spoke to guests. She laughed when she was supposed to. She played the part perfectly. By the end of the night, she was exhausted. When they finally returned to their new home, the house was quiet. The noise from the wedding was gone. The cameras were gone. The guests were gone. It was just the two of them. Arlette removed her earrings and placed them carefully on the table. Idris stood near the door. Neither of them spoke. Then Arlette turned toward him. “We need to talk.” Idris nodded. “I know.” She took a breath. “I don’t want to lie to you.” “You don’t have to.” “This marriage…” She paused. “It’s a marriage of convenience.” Idris looked at her. “I know.” Arlette frowned. “You know?” He nodded. “I know why you agreed.” She looked away. “I care about you, Idris. I really do.” “I know.” “But I don’t love you.” The words hurt him. She could see it immediately. His expression changed. But he didn’t get angry. He simply looked at her. “I know.” Arlette swallowed. “I don’t want you to expect something from me that I can’t give you.” “I won’t.” “I don’t want you waiting for something that may never happen.” Idris was quiet for a few seconds. Then he walked closer. “Arlette.” She looked at him. “I have loved you for years.” Her heart tightened. “I know.” “I knew before we got married that you didn’t feel the same way.” “Then why did you agree?” “Because I wanted the chance.” She looked at him. “The chance?” “To make you love me.” Arlette didn’t know what to say. Idris gave her a small smile. “I’m not going to force you.” She looked down. “You deserve someone who loves you.” “I know.” “And someone who you love back.” “I know.” “So why are you doing this?” “Because I believe you can love me one day.” Arlette shook her head. “Idris…” “I’ll wait.” She looked at him. “You shouldn’t.” “I will.” “What if I never love you?” He was silent for a moment. Then he answered honestly. “Then I’ll accept it.” Arlette felt tears forming in her eyes. She quickly looked away. “I don’t want to hurt you.” “I know.” “I don’t want you to waste your life waiting for me.” “You don’t have to worry about that.” He reached for her hand. She hesitated before allowing him to hold it. “I’m not asking you to love me tonight,” he said. He smiled softly. “I’m only asking you to give me a chance.” Arlette looked at their joined hands. A part of her wished she could give him what he wanted. She wished she could look at Idris and feel the same thing he felt when he looked at her. But she couldn’t force her heart. “I can give you a chance,” she whispered. Idris smiled. “That’s enough.” Arlette looked at him. “Just don’t expect too much.” “I won’t.” “And don’t think this marriage changes how I feel.” “I know.” He squeezed her hand gently. “I’ll wait.” Arlette stared at him for a moment. She didn’t know if she was making the right decision. But she knew one thing. She had just become Mrs Bellamy. And whatever happened next, her life would never be the same again.