Bound By Fortune.

The Deal. Emma, I have something important to talk to you about." Her father's serious tone made Emma Sinclair stop what she was doing. She hadn't heard him sound so urgent since her mother passed away. She put down her paintbrush and cleaned her hands before heading to the study. "Dad, is something bothering you?" she inquired while resting against the doorway. The study, which used to be her mother's cherished place, now seemed chilly and strange, just like the man sitting behind the desk. Charles Sinclair appeared more tired than normal, with fatigue evident in the circles under his eyes. "Please, come in and take a seat, Emma," he motioned towards the chair across from him. Emma felt anxious at her father's unusual formality. She sat down, her heart racing as she crossed her arms. "You're worrying me. What's happening?" Her father paused, his gaze falling to the papers scattered on his desk. "You're aware of the challenges the business has been facing. Since...well, it hasn't been smooth sailing." "I understand, but you mentioned having a solution. Something that could turn things around," Emma said, leaning in, seeking some comfort. “This is the idea,” he murmured, his voice hushed. “I’ve set up a marriage for you, Emma.” Emma blinked, convinced she had misinterpreted. “A marriage? What do you mean?” “In order to ensure the merger,” he went on, not looking at her. “With Alexander Reid. He has accepted the conditions, and it’s the only way to rescue the company.” Emma felt disoriented. “This can’t be real! You've organized a marriage for me to salvage your business? Dad, we’re not living in the 19th century!” “It's very important," he stressed, finally making eye contact with her. "If we don't take action, we will lose all our possessions." Your mother's legacy, our home—everything." Emma shook her head incredulously. "I'm not concerned about the company or the wealth! You want me to marry someone I don't even know for a business arrangement?" "Alexander isn't a stranger. He's... well, he's influential, rich. He can provide for you." "I can take care of myself!" Emma's voice grew louder. She was overwhelmed with conflicting emotions. “I refuse to be exploited for your business schemes!” Charles released a deep breath, as if carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. “I understand this may not align with your desires,” He added, "At times, we need to make compromises for the greater good.” Emma jumped up from her seat. causing her chair to make a loud screeching sound against the floor. "She shouted, "This isn't a negotiation, it's a promise to always be there!" She Left the room before her father could get the chance to reply her, slamming the door behind her. Emma felt like she was stuck and stressed by a world she always tried to stay away from. Later that night, Emma was seated in her loft, gazing at the incomplete painting on the easel in front of her feeling lost in her thoughts. Her phone started ringing, and typically she would have paid no attention to it, but she noticed the name on the screen: Alexander Reid. She took a deep breath before saying, "Hello?" "Miss Sinclair," a composed voice said. "It's Alexander. I'm assuming your father has discussed our agreement with you." "Our agreement?" Emma replied with a hint of disbelief. "You mean the arrangement where I'm being traded to rescue your business?" There was a moment of silence. "I realize this has come as a surprise and might not be what you wanted, but it benefits both of us." "Benefits us both?" she repeated, her frustration growing. "And how exactly does this benefit me?" "You ensure your family's future," Alexander answered calmly. "And, of course, you can continue to pursue your passion for art. My resources will be available to you.” "I don't care about money," Emma responded angrily. She felt frustrated and powerless. “This is not simply a business for me; it is my entire life”. "I know," he said, sounding slightly more gentle. "But I promise, we can find a way to make this situation better." Emma was feeling very angry. She expressed, "You don't understand, do you? I'm not something that can be exchanged like property. I have the freedom to make my own decisions." "What will you decide?" Alexander's voice now sounded challenging. "Will you allow your father's business to fail? Will you let your mother's memory fade away?" At the mention of her mother, she suddenly stopped breathing. The man had touched upon a sensitive topic. She quietly expressed that the situation was unjust. Life is often difficult but we learn to adjust and persevere." He whispered. Emma struggled to accept the reality of his words,Feeling a sudden dislike for having to deal with the current situation. "I don't want this," she murmured, a lump forming in her throat. Unexpectedly, Alexander acknowledged, "I don't either. But it must be done." A tense silence lingered, and within his tone, Emma detected a hint of remorse, or something similar. In a small voice, she spoke up after a while, "Let's meet tomorrow to talk about this in person." "Agreed," he agreed. "My driver will collect you at 10 a.m." As Emma hung up, her hands shook with nerves. She was not just disturbed by the seriousness of the situation, but also by the man who was involved. She was surprised by how Alexander Reid was not the way she imagined; he appeared distant and reserved, yet had an interesting complexity that caught her attention. The next day, Emma was standing outside Alexander's modern office building in Manhattan, feeling a bit uncomfortable in her simple dress. The impressive glass building showed Alexander's power and importance. A professional receptionist led her to a private elevator, increasing Emma's anxiety. Was she truly prepared for this important meeting? When she arrived, Alexander greeted her in a powerful suit and carefully observed her as she got out of the car. He gave a nod to acknowledge Miss Sinclair and thanked her for coming. She replied, "I had no other option, right?" She was trying to appear determined despite feeling anxious. Alexander's lips subtly moved, suggesting he was about to smile. He then suggested that they should talk in his office. His office was just as cold and impersonal as she had expected. The room had contemporary furniture, minimal decorations, and a big window overlooking the city. He signaled for her to sit down as he took a seat at his spacious desk. He started by saying, "I have read the contract," in a very serious tone. “ The contract clearly states our responsibilities”. “This marriage is for strategic reasons only, not for love. We will lead separate lives but portray unity in public”, said Alexander. Emma gazed at him, attempting to understand the truth of his words. She asked, "Do you truly believe this plan will be successful?" "Of course," he said immediately. "We both achieve our objectives." "What is it that you're looking for, Mr. Reid?" Emma inquired, sounding doubtful. "He stated that he wants the merger to be successful and wants to avoid any complications that may arise from emotional involvement." Emma felt sick to her stomach. He saw it as just a business deal, nothing sentimental. However, before she could say anything, he leaned in closer, staring directly into her eyes. . He whispered, “Emma, what do you desire?” She was surprised by the question as no one had ever asked her that before, not even her father. After a moment of hesitation. She answered, "I want to live life the way I choose and have freedom." "Go ahead and accept it," Alexander said, catching her off guard once more. "This agreement will allow you to have the freedom you desire. You will be provided with all the necessary resources - financial stability, autonomy, and the chance to carry on with your work without any disturbance." Emma shook her head, feeling frustrated. She asked, "Don't love and happiness matter to you at all?" He coolly stated that he cannot afford love as it is a luxury. He believes that happiness is temporary and what is most important is the ability to survive. Emma examined him closely, truly taking in his appearance, and she noticed for the first time that there was more to him than just his composed demeanor. Underneath the surface, she observed pain that was buried deep within him, along with another emotion - possibly fear - even though he would never acknowledge it. "Love is too expensive for me," he replied calmly. "And happiness? It doesn't last long. Survival is what truly matters." Emma gazed at him, observing him closely for the first time, and saw beneath his composed behavior. She noticed pain buried deep within him, and perhaps a hint of fear, though he would never acknowledge it. "Maybe you're mistaken," she said gently, standing up. "Perhaps love is the most important thing after all." As Alexandra left the room, her emotions were unclear, but he continued to look in the direction where she had stood. Emma sat in her loft that evening, thinking about what happened during the day. She was aware of what she should do, but her instincts were pushing her to run away. She felt trapped until her phone rang. It was her father, but the number displayed was unfamiliar. Her heart raced as she picked up the call. “"Dad?" "Emma," her father's voice sounded weak and tense. "I have something to tell you that I haven't mentioned before." "What is it?" she inquired, feeling increasingly scared. Before he could reply, the call abruptly ended. Fear overwhelmed her. What secrets was her father keeping? And how far-reaching was this mysterious situation? She was filled with anxiety, unsure of what was coming next.