A Marriage Of Convenience

I pace back and forth in my office, my heels clicking on the polished floor. My mind is racing, thoughts swirling like a vortex. Reginald Blackwood's proposal echoes in my head, refusing to let go. Marriage of convenience to his son, Ethan. The words taste bitter, leaving a sourness in my mouth.

My eyes scan the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. The sleek desk, the ergonomic chair, the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline. It's a space I've occupied for years, yet today it feels suffocating.

I stop pacing and stare out the window, my gaze lost in the concrete jungle below. 

My thoughts drift to the unknown: Ethan Blackwood. What is he like? Is he cold and calculating like his father? Or is there more to him?

I resume pacing, my footsteps quickening. What are my options? Refuse Reginald's proposal and risk bankruptcy? Or accept and sacrifice my freedom to a stranger?

My hands clench into fists. Why must it come to this? Why must I choose between my family's legacy and my own happiness?

The room seems to shrink, the air thickening with tension. I feel trapped, a pawn in Reginald's game of corporate chess.

Fear and uncertainty grip me. What does the future hold? Will I find a way to escape this arrangement, or will I be forever bound to the Blackwood family's ambitions?

My pacing slows, and I come to a halt in front of my desk. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. But my mind refuses to quiet, consumed by the weight of Reginald's proposal and the unknown that lies ahead.

The door to my office swings open, and Rachel walks in, concern etched on her face. Her bright blue eyes scan me, taking in my frazzled state.

"Alessia, what's wrong?" she asks, her voice gentle and soothing.

I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. But Rachel's kind expression puts me at ease. I take a deep breath and let it all spill out.

"Reginald Blackwood proposed a marriage of convenience between me and his son, Ethan," I say, the words still feeling surreal.

Rachel's eyes widen in shock. She sets her purse down on the couch and rushes to my side.

"Oh, Alessia," she whispers, enveloping me in a warm hug. "I'm so sorry."

I lean into her embrace, feeling a lump form in my throat.

"What am I going to do, Rachel?" I ask, my voice cracking.

Rachel pulls back, her expression thoughtful.

"Let's think this through," she says, guiding me to the couch. "What did Reginald say exactly?"

I sink into the cushions, recounting the conversation. Rachel listens intently, her brow furrowed. I take a deep breath, collecting my thoughts as I recount the meeting.

"Yesterday, we had an emergency board meeting," I begin, my voice measured. "Reginald Blackwood was there, representing Blackwood Industries."

Rachel nods, her eyes attentive.

"Reginald presented a proposal for a merger between Thompson Enterprises and Blackwood Industries," I continue. "He showed us the numbers, the projections. It was... impressive."

Rachel's expression turns thoughtful.

"But then, he dropped the bombshell," I say, my voice trembling slightly. "He proposed that I marry his son, Ethan, as a condition of the merger."

Rachel's eyes widen in shock.

"The board was hesitant at first," I recall. "They pushed back, questioning the necessity of a marriage. But Reginald was adamant, saying it was essential for securing the deal."

Rachel's expression turns sympathetic.

"Some board members expressed concerns about the ethics of arranging a marriage for business purposes," I continue. "But Reginald assured them it was a mutually beneficial arrangement, that Ethan was willing to cooperate."

Rachel nods, her eyes locked on mine.

"Eventually, the board came around to the idea," I admit, my voice laced with resignation. "They saw the potential benefits of the merger and were willing to overlook their reservations about the marriage."

"And what about Ethan?" she asks, her voice soft.

I shake my head.

"I've never met him," I admit. "I don't know what he's like."

Rachel's expression turns determined.

"We'll figure this out, Alessia. Together."

Her words offer a glimmer of hope, but the weight of Reginald's proposal still hangs heavy over me.

Just then, my mother, Catherine Thompson, knocks on the door, her presence a reminder of the family legacy at stake.

Just then, my mother, Catherine Thompson, knocks on the door, her presence a reminder of the family legacy at stake.

"Come in," I call out.

My mother, Catherine, walks in, her expression concerned. She glances at Rachel, and I sense a hint of disapproval.

"Rachel, dear, would you mind giving us a moment?" Mother asks, her tone polite but firm.

I nod, understanding the unspoken message. "Thanks for listening, Rachel. I'll talk to you later."

Rachel's eyes flicker with understanding, and she gathers her things. "Anytime, Alessia. We'll figure this out."

As Rachel exits, Mother's gaze follows her, then returns to me.

"Alessia, sit down," she says, her voice soft.

I take a seat, feeling a sense of trepidation.

"Reginald Blackwood called me," Mother begins, her voice laced with sadness. "He's arranged a meeting between you and Ethan, his son."

My heart sinks.

"What kind of meeting?" I ask, though I already sense the answer.

Mother's eyes fill with tears.

"A meeting to sign the wedding papers, Alessia. It's all been arranged."

I feel like I've been punched in the gut.

"When?" I manage to ask.

"Tomorrow," Mother replies, her voice barely above a whisper. "At Blackwood Manor."

I nod, numbness spreading through me.

Mother's expression is a mix of sorrow and resignation.

"I know this isn't what you wanted, Alessia," she says. "But it's crucial for Thompson Enterprises' survival."

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes.

"I know, Mother," I whisper.

Mother rises, her movements slow.

"I'll leave you to process this," she says. "But remember, Alessia, this is our reality now."

Without waiting for a response, she turns and walks out, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

The door closes behind her, and I'm enveloped in silence.

Tomorrow.

I'll meet Ethan Blackwood tomorrow.

And seal my fate.