CHAPTER 1
Diana Johnson is the only daughter of the wealthy Johnson's family. They live in luxury owning grand estates and attending high society events, the Johnson's are known for their impeccable taste and extravagant lifestyle.
However, a single mistake took their whole fortune down, Diana’s father Mark Johnson had made a series of poor business decisions,and the family's empire is on the brink of collapse.
Mark Johnson paced around the sitting room, his footsteps shaking as he murmured to himself. “What sort of financial mistake have I just made?” he repeated, his voice laced with desperation.
His wife Rachel Johnson, Diana's mother entered the sitting room, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Mark, What's going on?” she asked. I just received a call that our joint bank account has been frozen.
Mark stopped pacing and looked at Rachel, his eyes wide with fear. “I…I don't know what to say,” he stammered.
Rachel's tears spilled over, and she took a step closer to her husband. “What did you do, Mark?”
Mark Johnson's face turned pale, as he looked at Rachel with a mixture of fear and desperation. “Do you remember the Greenfield paper company?” He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Rachel's expression changed from concern to confusion. “ The paper company you partnered with for the new project?” She asked.
Mark nodded, his eyes wide with panic. “Yes, that one. I've been trying to reach the CEO, but they're nowhere to be found. It seems they were involved in some shady dealings… embezzlement to be exact.”
Rachel's eyes widened in horror. “Oh no, Mark. Tell me you didn't…” she trailed off, her voice cracking with emotion.
Mark's face crumbled, and he buried his face in his hands. “I didn't know, Rachel. I swear I didn't know. I thought they were legit. But now it's all falling apart.”
Rachel's tears spilled over and she sat down beside her husband, her voice filled with disappointment and concern. What have you done , Mark?”
“I thought it was a good investment, and I went all in, but it turned out to be a trap.”
Rachel rested her hands on his shoulders,her voice firm but shaking with emotions. “ We need to figure out how to get out of this mess.”
“ And make sure Diana doesn't hear of this.”
Just as they were talking, there came a news splash on the television.
“ Good morning, and welcome to our breaking news segment. One of the city's most prominent families, the Johnsons, are allegedly involved with a paper company which is the major suspect in an alleged embezzlement. According to sources, Johnson's business empire is on the brink of collapse with all bank accounts frozen. Stay connected as we bring more information related to this.” The news anchor went on with other news of the day.
Mark looked up to his wife, his eyes filled with regrets and fear. “ I don't know if we can get out of this mess,” he whispered.
“I think it's too late, and besides Diana must have heard of the news already.”
Rachel took his hands, her grip tight. “We will face this together, Mark. We'll find a way out.”
But as they sat there, holding hands and facing the uncertainty of their future, it was clear that their troubles were only just beginning. The consequences of Mark's financial mistake became their fear.
“There's only one person I can think of to help us out of this messy situation.” Mark said.
“ And who could that be?” Rachel asked him.
“Ben Gibson!” Mark said without hesitation.
Ben Gibson is a billionaire and Mark's old friend from college and he has always wanted Diana, Mark's daughter as his daughter in-law. Ben Gibson has a son named Julian Gibson who is also a multi billionaire in the hospitality Industry, owning 6 different 5 star hotels in the city.
Rachel's eyes widened in surprise. “Ben Gibson?” You mean your millionaire friend?” She asked, her voice laced with skepticism.
Mark nodded fervently. “ The one and only, he's our only hope right now, Rachel. We need to set up a meeting with him immediately, there's no time to waste.
Within hours, Mark and Rachel were seated in Ben Gibson's luxurious office.
Ben, a man of imposing presence, listened intently as Mark explained their situation.
When Mark finished speaking, Ben leaned back on his chair, a calculating glint in his eyes. “ I can help you, Mark. We've been friends for a very long time,but I'm afraid it won't come cheap.”
Mark hesitated, sensing where the conversation was headed. “ What do you want in return? Ben.”
Ben's smile was smooth as silk. “ I'm sure you know my son, Julian Gibson junior. He's a brilliant businessman, but he's been…particular about his relationships. I'd like you to consider an arrangement between our families. Give me your daughter's hand in marriage for my son, and I'll make sure your company's troubles disappear.
Rachel's gasp was audible, her eyes flashing with alarm. “ You can't be serious, Ben. Diana will never agree to such an arrangement.”
Ben's expression remained unyielding.
“ I'm afraid that's not an option. Julian needs a suitable partner,and your family would benefit greatly from marrying into our family. It's a win-win situation.”
Mark looked at Rachel with a silent understanding passing through them. They knew they were in no position to refuse Ben's offer, not if they wanted to save their company.
“ What exactly are you proposing?” Mark asked, his voice measured.
Ben leaned forward, his eyes glinting with triumph. “ A marriage between Diana and Julian. It's a perfect solution. Our families will be deeply connected, and your company's future will be secured.
The air in the room seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken implications. Mark and Rachel exchanged a weighted glance, the fate of their family hanging precariously on the balance.
Desperate to save their business, Diana's parents arranged for her to marry the billionaire Julian Gibson. But first they have to let Diana know of the situation on ground.