The Orphan's Goddess

What Should I Do?

-Lucy’s POV-

The moment mom and dad divorced I decided to take part in our family business “The Delight Café.” We currently have 7 cafes around Brisbane. We do catering services, hold events, and pastries as well. It has been a year now and I have been on my toes, making myself in a busy frenzy just to forget the person whom I have been longing for, Mr. Wise Man. I was running through the inventory report when there was a knock on my door. “Hey there angel!” it was Nick. Nick has been by my side and supporting me all the way. He is a total gentleman and has actually confessed his feelings for me. However, even though he is sweet, he is good looking, he could be every girl’s dream I just couldn’t erase Mr. Wise Man in my mind and my heart. “Hey!” I responded with a smile. “Couldn’t get a day off? Common Lucy it’s Saturday! Have some fun! I know a good place to relax, my treat!” I rolled my eyes and said “It has always been your treat. I have a deadline to catch up maybe next time?” He shrugged his shoulders “I truly hope that there is a next time. You are always in front of those stacked files and never really go out. When will you ever leave this place?” the question was left unanswered when my mother came to the scene. “Oh she will get out of this place, alright. Hello there, honey! How have you been?” I stood up to greet my mother with a hug. “Oh mom, I missed you!” My mom responded with a tight hug. “I missed you too, honey.” She faced me with stern look on her face. “What is that for? Is there something wrong?” I asked curiously. “Well, I am so proud you what you have achieved when you finally decided to manage our family business.” She started on a serious note “Your dad and I talked about this last night and we think that this is the right time to do what we previously have planned for you.” What plan? This is making me really nervous. “Your father and I have decided to introduce you to somebody special. He is the nephew of a dear friend. We wish that you two get to know each in other and marry.” Her words trailed off and there were sweat beads coming out from my forehead. My mind was going wild upon hearing what my mother has just said. “W-whaat?! Mom, are you out of your mind?! You can’t just introduce me to some stranger and ask me to marry him! It doesn’t go that way! I cannot marry a man I do not love! This is insane!” I was walking back and forth as if it will help me calm a little. Nick on the other hand was dumbfounded. “Mrs. Summers you don’t have to search for a man for Lucy. She can decide that on her own.” I raised my hand to Nick “See! Nick’s right I can decide that on my own!” Mother placed both of her hands on my shoulders and said straight to my face. “Honey, it has been planned 9 months ago. Your father and I already have signed a contract with our friend and we can't just take that.” I think I was going to be out of my wits. “A contract?! Why sign?! What is the reason for signing?!” My mother shrugged her shoulders and told me the truth. “This friend of mine has the biggest share of our company. It is much bigger that what we actually hold. You, yourself might say that he is already the owner of our company, but he promised me that we will still be the owner if I marry you off to his nephew. We have worked so hard for our company, especially you. We built it from scratch until we were able to gain this much. I am so sorry, honey. I-I only did this for us.” Mom is right. We built it from scratch, with blood and sweat until we were able to open 7 branches. However, to marry a stranger? Will I go this far for the company? What should I do?