Narrator's POV
"Dad, you can't just dump something like this on me. This isn't a decision I can make overnight," Kieran said to his father.
"I'm pretty sure I made it clear to you twelve years ago about this arrangement," his father replied, crossing his legs as he leaned back on the couch in Kieran's office.
"I didn't think it was this crucial, okay? And besides, marrying someone I've only met twice in my life isn't exactly exciting," he retorted.
"Which is why we said you two should go on dates occasionally," his dad replied, clearly prepared for every counter.
"I was in a relationship, Dad! How did you expect me to take her seriously then? And besides, I heard she has a boyfriend."
"Had," his father corrected.
"What?"
"They broke up."
"She's agreeing to this?!"
"Of course. She's got a wise head on her shoulders, boy. She knows what's best for her enterprise. Man, this merger is going to be one for the century. The union of the two biggest conglomerates! Think about the influence, son. All our rivals will be right under our feet," he bragged.
"Is that all you care about? Dad, I'm about to spend the rest of my life with a woman I barely know. I can only imagine how she's feeling after that breakup," Kieran said accusingly.
His father stood and walked over, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Kieran, you're both young. There's always room in the heart to fall in love again. Give it two or three years—you'll come around. Trust me."
"Spoken like a man with experience," Kieran said, nearly rolling his eyes.
"Still not over Debby?" his dad asked, now half-sitting on the edge of the desk, facing the transparent wall behind Kieran.
"I don't want to talk about her."
His dad was the only one who knew about Debby.
"Look son, if you want to overcome a problem, you have to face it first. Okay?"
"Thanks, Dad. Really helpful," Kieran said sarcastically.
"Anytime," his father replied in the same tone, giving a short laugh.
"I'm off now. Got some meetings to attend," he said and walked out of the room with his hands in his pockets.
Kieran watched his dad's retreating figure and felt bad for him. His father, who was head over heels for his mother, and his mother who treated him like a stranger. Kieran knew their marriage was arranged—just like his was about to be. But he still couldn't understand how his mother could show no care for a man who adored her.
He let out a deep sigh and buried himself in work—his only escape from the harsh reality of his life.
---
Scene Break
Mrs. Rowan's POV
"Meadow, for how long are you going to be like this? Your wedding is in two months and you're yet to meet your fiancé. The public knows about it now, and there are rumors it's a forced marriage. This isn't good for us. So sober up and get yourself together!"
Mrs. Rowan banged the door shut as she walked out of Meadow's room.
Meadow lay on her bed, facing the door, totally ignoring her mum. She sighed heavily once the room went quiet.
---
Meadow's POV
She was right. I had to get my act together and face my future. But I still couldn't bring myself to move on from Caleb. His face appeared every time I closed my eyes. I kept thinking about what he said two weeks ago. In a way, he was right.
I always knew I was meant to marry Mr. Sullivan. But I still went ahead and dated Caleb. At first, I didn't want to. But I was young, and Caleb was the kind of person you just couldn't say no to. He was genuine, sweet, and damn attractive. I threw caution to the wind and started dating him.
In the beginning, I wasn't totally committed. I saw the relationship as temporary, something that wouldn't lead to marriage. I assumed he thought the same. But three years passed and I slowly forgot about our doomed fate. I was already deeply in love.
But what had to be done had to be done. I wouldn't blame him if he hated me now. I had to put my family first—just like I originally planned.
She got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. After staring at her reflection for a few seconds, she washed her face and dialed a number.
"Hello… I'd like to book an appointment with Mr. Sullivan, please."
---
Scene Break
"Gimme a break, Lisa. That's the fifth review this morning," Kieran said to his secretary, slouching in his chair.
"Great work comes with great responsibility, sir," she replied elegantly.
"You sound just like my dad," he said, narrowing his eyes.
She smiled in return. He closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose, resting his elbow on the desk.
"Do I have any meetings scheduled today?"
"Unfortunately, none, sir," she said.
"'Unfortunately'?! You really hate me that much, don't you?" he asked, opening his eyes.
She smiled again.
"Loosen up a bit, girl. There's no need to be so formal. It's just the two of us."
"You know what happens when I drop the professionalism, don't you, Kieran?" she replied with a sly smile.
"Probably throw me out the window for calling you by your name," he said, smiling.
"How was the coffee, sir?" she asked suddenly, with a mischievous look.
"Don't do that—you're scaring me," he said, feigning fear, making both of them chuckle.
As she turned to leave, she said,
"Oh, Kieran, there's a reunion this Saturday. Your schedule's clear. Wanna come with?"
"Nah. Wouldn't want your big-ass boyfriend on my tail. Maybe next time. Thanks though."
"Stay strong, okay?" she said before walking out.
He smiled, feeling lucky to still have Lisa in his life.
They met in their freshman year during a joint assignment. They clicked instantly over their love for business studies. Over time, they got close—so close people thought they were dating. Kieran had hidden his true identity all through college. When he finally told her after graduation, she threw a fit and stopped talking to him. Eventually, she forgave him. Despite majoring in Business Administration, she agreed to become his secretary after a year of begging. Lisa now had a boyfriend—a weightlifter—and was happily in a relationship.
Kieran turned his attention back to his computer screen, but Lisa called again. Without looking up, he answered the phone.
"What is it this time, Lisa?"
"Your girlfriend is here to see you, sir."
"Send her in," he replied absentmindedly, not fully processing what she said.
Then the door opened.
"Hey babe," a familiar voice said.
In an instant, he recognized the voice.