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The Unwanted Engagement

Nathan had faced some of the most powerful business tycoons in the world, sat in meetings where fortunes were made or lost, and negotiated contracts that would intimidate most men.

But standing here, staring at Layla as their parents watched from a distance, he felt completely out of his depth.

“This is ridiculous,” he muttered again, his hands tightening into fists.

Layla exhaled, crossing her arms. “Agreed. But that doesn’t change the fact that they’re serious about this.”

Nathan’s gaze flickered back to their parents, who were doing a terrible job of pretending they weren’t watching. His mother was whispering something to Vivienne Morioh, both women looking pleased. His father, ever composed, stood with Joseph Morioh, both exuding the kind of quiet authority that said they were calling the shots.

Nathan turned back to Layla. “Do you know exactly what they’re planning?”

She gave him a wry smile. “I could take a wild guess. Something along the lines of: ‘Nathan and Layla, you are perfect for each other. Our families have been friends for years, and this is what’s best for everyone.’”

Nathan scoffed. “So you’ve rehearsed this already?”

Layla smirked. “I’ve been raised by people who think strategic alliances are more important than personal happiness. This isn’t my first time dodging an arrangement.”

Nathan arched an eyebrow. “And how many have you dodged?”

Layla’s smirk faltered for a second before she looked away. “Less than I’d like.”

Nathan didn’t have time to ask what that meant because, before he could respond, Joseph Cladwell and Charles Lancaster approached.

“Everything going well?” Joseph asked with a knowing smile.

Layla’s posture straightened instantly, the mask of the perfect daughter slipping into place. “Of course, Father.”

Nathan, however, wasn’t as quick to play along. His father’s firm hand on his shoulder was enough of a warning—he expected cooperation.

“Nathan,” Charles said smoothly. “Joseph and I thought this would be a good time to make an important announcement.”

Nathan’s stomach tightened. “What announcement?”

Joseph clapped a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “The Lancaster and Cladwell families have always had a strong bond, built on trust, loyalty, and shared values. And now, we’re excited to take that partnership one step further.”

Nathan already knew where this was going, but nothing could have prepared him for the moment Joseph said—

“We’re pleased to announce the engagement of our children, Nathan Lancaster and Layla Morioh.”

The words hung in the air like a bombshell.

There was a moment of stunned silence before the guests—who had clearly been primed for this—erupted into applause. Cameras flashed, reporters leaned in excitedly, and murmurs of approval filled the room.

Nathan barely heard any of it.

His jaw clenched, his entire body going rigid as he turned to his father. “You can’t be serious.”

His father’s sharp gaze met his. “I am.”

Layla, standing beside him, kept her expression eerily neutral, though Nathan could see the slight tremor in her hands.

Vivienne Morioh reached for Layla’s hand, squeezing it warmly. “Oh, darling, this is such a wonderful match. You and Nathan will make the perfect couple.”

Nathan turned to Layla, expecting to see shock or defiance. Instead, she took a steady breath, then smiled—a flawless, well-rehearsed smile meant for public appearances.

She stepped closer to Nathan, threading her arm through his as if this was the happiest moment of her life.

If he didn’t know better, he’d almost believe it.

“Smile, fiancé,” she whispered under her breath. “The cameras are watching.”

Nathan inhaled sharply, feeling trapped.

Then, forcing every ounce of control he had into his expression, he smiled.

For the cameras.

For their parents.

For the world.

And just like that, Nathan Lancaster found himself engaged—to a woman he barely knew, in a marriage he never agreed to.