Rian Musk stood in his grandfather's office, his arms crossed and a scowl on his face.
"I don't understand why I have to marry her, Grandfather," Rian said, his voice firm. "I'm not interested in getting married, and certainly not to some woman I've never met."
His grandfather, Reginald Musk, looked up from the papers on his desk, a stern expression on his face.
"Rian, this is not a request," Reginald said, his voice firm. "This is a necessity. The Widgets are a powerful family, and marrying their daughter will secure our family's business interests."
Rian snorted. "Secure our business interests? You mean secure your own legacy, don't you, Grandfather?"
Reginald's face turned red with anger. "How dare you," he thundered. "I'm doing this for the good of our family."
Rian shook his head. "No, Grandfather, you're doing this for your own ego. You want to prove that you're still a power player in this city."
Reginald's eyes narrowed. "You'll do as you're told, Rian," he growled. "You'll marry that girl and you'll make sure our family's interests are protected."
Rian's face twisted in anger. "I'll never do it," he spat. "I'll never marry some woman I don't love."
Reginald's expression turned cold. "You'll do it, Rian," he said. "Or you'll be cut out of the family business. Your choice."
Rian's eyes widened in shock. His grandfather would actually disown him if he didn't comply?
He felt a wave of anger and resentment wash over him. He was trapped, just like Alex.
And as he stormed out of his grandfather's office, Rian knew that he had to find a way to get out of this marriage, no matter what it took.