An unwanted introduction

The Lockwood family mansion gleamed in the afternoon sun, its grand columns and meticulously manicured gardens a testament to their wealth and influence. The expansive driveway was lined with luxury cars, and inside, the polished marble floors reflected the opulence that Jake Lockwood had built over decades.

Grace stood at the top of the sweeping staircase, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Her father had insisted she dress formally for what he called a "family meeting." In reality, it was a setup—a carefully orchestrated charade to introduce her to Alex Williams, the man she was now apparently destined to marry.

The very thought made her stomach churn.

Her mother, Evelyn, had practically dragged her upstairs earlier, fussing over her appearance and forcing her into a fitted, cream-colored dress that clung to her curves and ended just above her knees. The neckline was modest, but the fabric did nothing to hide the confidence her mother hoped she would exude.

"You look stunning," Evelyn had said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "First impressions matter, darling."

"I'm not trying to impress anyone," Grace had muttered, but there was no arguing with her mother when she was in *that* mood.

Now, as she descended the staircase, her heart raced with a mix of anger and dread. She didn't want this meeting, didn't want this marriage, and certainly didn't want to be paraded around like some prize for Alex Williams.

Her heels clicked against the marble floor as she entered the drawing room. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the floral aroma of her mother's expensive perfume. Her father sat on one of the leather armchairs, looking every bit the powerful businessman he was. Beside him stood a tall, broad-shouldered man in an impeccably tailored suit.

Alex Williams.

Their eyes met, and the room seemed to shrink around them.

He was devastatingly handsome, with dark hair that was styled to perfection and sharp features that exuded confidence. His hazel eyes flickered with a mix of curiosity and indifference as he assessed her. His stance was relaxed, but there was an undeniable air of authority about him.

Grace's breath caught in her throat for a split second before she reminded herself who he was—her father's pawn, just like she was supposed to be.

Beside Alex stood a man she recognized from business articles—David Williams, Alex's father. His expression was one of smug satisfaction, as though this meeting was the culmination of a carefully laid plan.

"Ah, Grace," Jake said, his tone jovial. "Come, meet Alex and David."

She forced a polite smile, her heart pounding. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Williams. And you too, Alex."

Alex's lips quirked into a smirk. "The pleasure's mine."

His voice was deep and smooth, but there was a hint of amusement in it, as though he found the whole situation mildly entertaining.

Of course, he did. He probably thought she was some spoiled rich girl eager to marry into his family.

Grace's jaw tightened. She would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her discomfort.

"Why don't we all sit down?" Evelyn suggested, her voice a little too cheerful.

As they moved to the seating area, Grace found herself next to Alex. The proximity made her skin prickle with awareness, but she kept her expression neutral.

"So, Grace," Alex said, turning to her, "were you as thrilled as I was when you found out about this arrangement?"

Her lips parted in shock at his bluntness. "Thrilled wouldn't be the word I'd use."

Alex's smirk deepened. "Same here. But it seems our fathers are determined to live in the past."

David cleared his throat. "This isn't just about tradition, Alex. It's about strengthening both families and ensuring a prosperous future."

"Of course it is," Alex drawled. "Because nothing says prosperity like a forced marriage."

Jake shot Alex a warning glare. "Watch your tone."

Grace couldn't help but admire Alex's audacity. At least he wasn't pretending to be excited about this farce.

"So," Alex said, leaning back on the couch, "how do you feel about all this?"

Grace met his gaze head-on. "I feel like I'm being traded like a commodity."

His brows lifted in surprise. "Honest. I like that."

Her father cleared his throat. "Enough of this negativity. This marriage is happening whether you two like it or not."

Grace's stomach twisted. She wanted to protest, to shout that she would never go through with this, but her father's steely expression warned her that any defiance would be futile.

"Perhaps we should give the kids some time alone," David suggested. "Let them get to know each other."

Jake nodded. "Good idea."

Before Grace could object, her parents and David rose from their seats and exited the room, leaving her alone with Alex.

Silence hung between them, heavy and awkward.

"Well," Alex said, breaking the tension, "this is off to a fantastic start."

Grace folded her arms. "If you're looking for someone to play the doting fiancée, you've got the wrong girl."

His eyes gleamed with amusement. "Good to know. I was hoping you wouldn't be boring."

She narrowed her eyes. "This isn't a joke to me."

His expression softened, though only slightly. "It's not a joke to me either. But I've learned that when life throws you into a mess, you might as well make the best of it."

Grace bit back a retort. She hated that he was making sense.

"Look," Alex continued, his tone serious, "I get that neither of us wants this. But maybe we can find a way to survive it without killing each other."

She arched an eyebrow. "What are you suggesting?"

"A truce," he said simply. "We go through with the engagement, play nice for the families, and then—"

"And then what?" she demanded.

"We end it when the time is right."

Grace blinked, taken aback by his boldness. "You're talking about divorce?"

"Exactly," Alex confirmed. "It's a win-win. We keep our families happy for now, and then we walk away with our freedom intact."

Her mind raced. The idea was tempting, but it also felt risky. Could she really trust him to keep his word?

"I'll think about it," she said cautiously.

"Fair enough," Alex said, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Just remember—this doesn't have to be a nightmare."

Grace wasn't so sure about that, but at least now she had a glimmer of hope.

As they sat in the room filled with the echoes of their families' expectations, one thing was certain: this was only the beginning of a journey that would change both their lives forever.