Chapter Two:A meeting with Arnold Williams

Amelia stood by the window, her mother's words still echoing in her mind.

"Are you willing to risk everything to fight this?"

Her jaw clenched. Of course, she was. She had spent her entire life proving she was more than just Alexander Owen's daughter. She had built her own career, her own identity—she refused to be reduced to a business deal.

Pushing off the windowsill, she grabbed her coat and headed for the door. She needed to clear her mind. Staying here, suffocated by her father's decisions, would only drive her insane.

Her favorite escape had always been her resting joint—a quiet cafe tucked away in the city, away from her family's world of power and control.

Within minutes, she was behind the wheel of her car, speeding down the dimly lit streets. The city lights blurred past, but her mind was fixated on one thought—how to get out of this marriage.

By the time she reached the cafe, the tension in her chest had lessened slightly. The warm glow from inside welcomed her as she pushed open the door, the familiar aroma of coffee and pastries wrapping around her like a comfort she desperately needed.

And then she spotted her—Sophia Lucas, her best friend, sitting in their usual booth near the window.

Sophia's brows furrowed the moment she saw Amelia. "You look like you're about to commit a crime," she said as Amelia slid into the seat across from her.

Amelia scoffed. "I just might."

Sophia arched her brow. "What happened?"

Amelia exhaled heavily, running a hand through her hair. "My father is forcing me to marry Arnold Williams."

Sophia nearly choked on her drink. "What?"

"You heard me." Amelia leaned back against the seat. "Two weeks from now, I'm supposed to become Mrs. Arnold Williams."

Sophia shook her head in disbelief. "That doesn't make any sense. Why would he agree to this?"

"That's what I intend to find out," Amelia muttered.

Sophia leaned forward, her expression serious. "You can't go through with this, Amelia. Arnold Williams is dangerous."

Amelia rolled her eyes. "Everyone keeps saying that, but no one tells me why."

"Because he's ruthless," Sophia said. "Cold. Calculated. He didn't build his empire by being kind."

"I don't care who he is," Amelia said stubbornly. "I'm not going to let any man control my life."

Sophia sighed, crossing her arms. "Then what's your plan?"

Amelia hesitated. "I don't know yet. But I have two weeks to figure it out."

Before Sophia could respond, Amelia's phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen—James Oliver.

Frowning, she picked up the call. "What?"

James's voice was calm, professional as always. "Miss Owen, this is James Oliver, Mr. Williams' lawyer. He would like to see you at his mansion tomorrow evening."

Amelia's fingers tightened around the phone. "And if I refuse?"

There was a pause. Then James said, "That wouldn't be wise."

Amelia exhaled sharply. "Fine. I'll be there."

As she hung up, Sophia eyed her warily. "What now?"

Amelia smirked, determination flashing in her eyes. "Now, I meet Arnold Williams on my terms."

The cafe had emptied out slightly, leaving only a few customers scattered across the cozy space. The warm hum of conversation and the occasional clinking of cups filled the silence between Amelia and Sophia as the weight of reality settled in.

Sophia tapped her fingers against the table, her expression unreadable. "Amelia, are you sure about this?"

"What other choice do I have?" Amelia countered. "If I refuse, my father will cut me off entirely. If I agree, I'm walking into the lion's den with no idea what he really wants."

Sophia exhaled, shaking her head. "I just don't want you to get hurt."

Amelia softened slightly. "I know. But I won't let anyone dictate my life—not my father, not Arnold Williams, not anyone."

Sophia studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Then be careful. Arnold Williams isn't a man you can easily manipulate."

Amelia's lips pressed into a thin line. "Then he's never met a woman like me."

The two sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the situation heavy between them. Finally, Sophia sighed. "Fine. What's your plan?"

Amelia leaned forward, her voice firm. "I'm going to that meeting tomorrow, and I'm going to make it clear—I may be forced into this marriage, but I won't be controlled."

Sophia smirked slightly. "I'd pay to see that."

Amelia's gaze darkened with resolve. "Then get ready, because Arnold Williams is about to meet his match."

Amelia returned home, her heart heavy with dread. The moment she stepped into the living room, Alexander Owen was waiting. His expression was cold, resolute.

"You have no choice, Amelia," he said firmly. "You will marry Arnold Williams."

She clenched her fists, swallowing the anger rising in her throat. "You're forcing me into this."

Her father didn't waver. "It's done. Arnold wants to see you at his mansion tomorrow evening. Be there."

Amelia's chest tightened, but she refused to show weakness. Instead, she turned and walked away, her head held high.

The moment she reached her bedroom, her composure shattered. Tears spilled down her cheeks, but she bit her lip to silence the sobs.

She felt trapped, betrayed. But if they thought she would submit, they were wrong.

She would marry Arnold Williams.

But she would never be a dutiful wife.

never be the woman

they expected her to be.

And she promised to fight Arnold Williams in all angles after marriage.