Family Secrets

Lexi lingered at the entrance of the lavish living room, her stomach twisting as she took in the scene before her. Harrison Green sat comfortably, a glass of scotch in hand, his smile polished and poised as he spoke with her parents. There was something about him that always made her uneasy—his confidence too practiced, his charm too calculated.

Her father, Richard Martin, straightened in his seat as he noticed her. His presence alone was enough to command attention. "Ah, Lexi, perfect timing," he said smoothly. "Harrison and I were just discussing the finer details of our new expansion into Russia."

Lexi barely had time to register his words before her mother, Regina, added with a warm yet expectant smile, "And, of course, we were also finalizing the marriage arrangements."

Lexi stiffened. Not this again.

Harrison turned toward her, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers with a look of cool amusement. "I must admit, I'm eager to finalize the details," he said, his voice calm, measured. "A union between us would be advantageous for both of our families."

Lexi inhaled sharply, steeling herself. She had tolerated these conversations long enough.

"I don't understand the rush," she said, crossing her arms. "Marriage isn't a business deal you can just sign off on. If this is meant to last a lifetime, shouldn't we actually take the time to know each other first?"

Harrison chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "Lexi, we've known each other for years," he countered smoothly. "Our families have always been close."

"Being acquainted isn't the same as truly knowing someone," she shot back. "And I refuse to commit my life to a person I don't even trust."

A heavy silence settled over the room.

Her father's expression darkened, his jaw tightening. "Lexi, that's enough," he said in a warning tone.

But she wasn't done.

"No, Dad, it's not enough," she insisted, her voice unwavering. "You're expecting me to spend the rest of my life with someone who sees me as nothing more than a checkmark on a contract. I want a marriage built on love, respect, and choice—not one dictated by financial agreements and corporate interests."

Her mother sighed, shaking her head. "Darling, you're being dramatic. Marriage is about stability. About securing a future."

Lexi scoffed. "For whom? Because it sure doesn't feel like my future is being considered here." She turned to Harrison, her expression unyielding. "Tell me something—do you even care about what I want?"

Harrison set his glass down, his smirk fading. "I care about what's best for both of us," he said smoothly. "And what's best is this marriage. We make sense together, Lexi. You know that."

Lexi met his gaze head-on. "What I know is that you've never even asked me how I feel about it. You've just assumed I'd go along with it."

Harrison's smile thinned. "You're more difficult than I expected," he murmured, his tone holding an edge.

Lexi didn't flinch. "And you're more controlling than I realized."

Her father slammed his glass down onto the table, the sharp sound cutting through the tension. "Enough," he barked. His gaze was heavy, unwavering. "We'll discuss this later. In private."

Lexi exhaled, knowing what that meant—another closed-door conversation where they'd try to pressure her, convince her that this was her duty.

But she had made herself clear.

She turned on her heel and walked out of the room, her pulse hammering in her ears.

She had finally spoken her truth.

Now, she just had to face whatever consequences came next.