Chapter Four

"Raphael Stevenson's son?

Trying to be sure, Raphael Stevenson's son? The same Raphael Stevenson who was my boss?"

He nodded his head without saying a word.

"And what's his son's name?" I asked, struggling to understand the unexpected news.

Looking pale, my dad replied, "His name is Joshua Stevenson."

Hearing his name made my heart sink even further.

"Dad, wait a minute!" "So, you're saying that I, Harper Cole, have to marry Joshua."

"Yes, Harp."

The idea of spending my life with him felt like a terrible punishment.

Josh was the last person I would want to marry. He treats me inadequately, making me doubt my abilities at work.

Feeling crushed, I cried out, "He doesn't like me! He always tries to control my emotions and makes me feel like I'm not good enough!"

With pleading eyes, I asked my dad, "Is there something else that can be done?"

"I'm afraid no."

Angry and upset, I stormed out of the living room and went to my bedroom.

The thought was heavy on me. I grabbed my pillow and cried uncontrollably. It felt like a weight was pressed down on my chest, making it hard to draw breath.

"The thought of being forced into a marriage, especially with someone I barely knew, seems painful. The idea of spending my life with a stranger felt unbelievable to accept.

Frequently, I would hear my dad knocking on my door, pleading for me to open up, expressing his guilt and desperately wishing there was another solution.

My mom and Eva would also beg me to come out, to talk, and to share my feelings.

The following day, I was emotionally drained. Without uttering a word to anyone, I went downstairs. In the kitchen, I served myself some food, and my mom and Ava watched me in silence.

My father had left for his business trips as usual.

My mom hugged me tightly from behind, tears flowing down her face. Seeing her cry, I felt weak, and I knew I had to comfort her.

I turned around and hugged her without saying a word.

I opened up and shared my fears and frustrations with my mom, and she listened.

'But, Mum, you can't stand by and watch this happen to me. You know how I've always talked about my happily ever after in marriage.'

'I'm not in support either.'

'Really!' My face lit up.

'Yes, whatever your decision, I'll support you.'

After our long conversation, my mom and I came up with a plan."

"I readied myself for work. I had made up my mind not to give in to my father's demand because I couldn't imagine being trapped in a marriage I didn't choose.

As I settled into my work routine, my phone buzzed, giving a sign of an incoming call.

I took in a deep breath to calm my nerves and picked up the call.

'Hi, Dad.'

'How are you, my baby girl?'

My tone was a little weary. I replied, 'Just okay... I'm at work.'

With guilt obvious in his voice, he said, 'I just want to hear your voice.'

Rolling my eyes, I responded, 'I'm fine.'

I know my father loves me and wants what is best for me, but this arranged marriage is suffocating. There is no chance of finding true love on my terms.

I ended the call and stared at the phone, shaking my head at the numerous thoughts running through it.

How can I face Josh with the constant reminder of the arranged marriage looming over us?

I made sure I cut off all one-on-one meetings with Josh. I know that taking such a step could have repercussions, but I don't care.

He was still himself, going about his job like there was no care in the world.

I had a feeling that Josh was still oblivious to the arranged marriage. The thought of my marriage with Josh is heavy on my heart.

I knew that I had to make a difficult decision to leave town before he found out the truth.

I can't bear to see his expression on his face, realizing that my decision to avoid him has a connection with our predetermined future.

Amelia is a great friend everyone should have. She respects my boundaries, and she has been going to the meetings in my place.

She is willing to step in, and that alone brings relief and a bit of sanity to my well-being. I was grateful for her understanding and the way she acknowledged my need for space.

To my surprise, Josh didn't question or protest Amelia's presence at the meetings.

He is surprisingly understanding as well."

"I continued with my task at work. I sent Josh an email about an urgent matter that required his immediate attention.

Waiting for a response seemed like an eternity. I glanced anxiously at my computer screen, tapping my feet impatiently.

Is he ignoring my message? Did he think the matter was unimportant? Or possibly he was too preoccupied with other pressing matters to give my email the attention it deserved. The minutes stretched on, as doubt and worry started to creep in.

I repeatedly refreshed my inbox, hoping to find any form of a new message from Josh. But there was none.

Amelia is out on assignments outside the building. I couldn't wait any longer. I made my way toward his office. Even though I hadn't been in his office for a long time, I refused to let it avert my purpose.

As I neared his office, my heart beat with the thought of his reaction when he saw me. I know it is a moment that requires strength and conviction.

I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. As usual, I entered his office without knocking.

I was surprised at the scene before my eyes. I froze in my tracks, not knowing what to do.

As I stood there, the silence was heavy in the room, suffocating me.

What did I just walk into?"