***

~~DANTE~~

***

Zara's name has been stuck in my head since I saw her inside that hall.

I didn't even plan to walk up to her. I swear. I was going to wait for Adrian by the car and mind my business.

But then she rolled her eyes at me like I was some random extra in her life, and my ego said, "Nah, bro, we're not letting that slide."

So yeah, I went over there.

I didn't even know why. Maybe it was her charming face. Or perhaps I just wanted to mess with her before heading back to my boring CEO life.

But when she tripped and fell into me, that moment hit me differently.

Her body pressed against mine, and her strawberry shampoo scent lingered in my nose. It smelt so damn good.

She looked up at me like she hated me, but her eyes said something else. And those lips looked like they were made to ruin me.

Now I'm behind the wheel, driving Adrian home, pretending I'm not replaying that moment in my head.

"Bro, are you good? You've been quiet," Adrian asked.

"Yeah, just thinking about work stuff," I lied, keeping my eyes on the road.

He gave me that side-eye. "Are you sure? You were acting weird at the competition. People even filmed that scene with you and Zara. It's kind of blowing up."

I sighed, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "Great. Viral for what, catching a girl mid-fall?"

He laughed. "Nah, it looked like a movie scene. The way you held her, bro, it was intense."

I ignored him. The last thing I needed was my little brother teasing me about that.

"Why haven't Mom and Dad gotten you a new car yet?" I changed the topic immediately.

He groaned. "Man, they're being extra about my grades. I'm passing; isn't that enough?"

"Barely passing still sucks," I said. "But I'll get you something for your twenty-third. You need an upgrade anyway."

"Brooo!" He grinned like a kid. "You're actually the best. No cap."

I shook my head, almost smiling. "Just focus on your studies. Mom and Dad aren't wrong about that."

***

When we got home, I pulled into the driveway and noticed Zara's mom's car leaving the mansion gate.

I glanced at Adrian. "Was that Mrs Williams?"

"Yeah," he muttered, watching her drive off.

We got down and walked inside.

As we headed toward the living room, my parents were already there, standing like they'd been waiting for us.

"Adrian, go upstairs," my dad said.

Adrian looked confused but didn't argue. "Uh, alright."

Once he was gone, I crossed my arms. "You guys want to pull a welcome home prank or something?"

They didn't laugh.

My mom sat down, gesturing for me to do the same.

"We've arranged something important for you," my dad started.

I raised an eyebrow. "Okay?"

Dad continued, "The Wright and Williams companies will merge soon. To make it official, you'll marry Zara Williams."

For a second, I thought I had heard wrong. Then I laughed. "Wait, hold up... Zara?

My dad's face stayed serious, then I froze. "You're serious?"

Dad nodded. "The Williams family's company has gone bankrupt. This marriage will save them and protect their legacy."

"So, it's a business deal," I mumbled sadly. "You do realise she's in love with Adrian, right?"

My mom waved it off. "She'll adjust. Once she's your wife, she'll understand what's best for her."

"What's best for her?" I repeated it like she didn't have a say in her own life.

"And what does Zara think about this?" I asked.

"She doesn't have a choice," my dad said. "Neither do you. This is about our legacy, Dante. It's your duty as the first son of the family to sacrifice for us. This marriage saves them and benefits us."

My mom leaned forward. "Dante, you've known her since she was a child. It's not entirely like you are getting married to a stranger. She's a good girl."

I chuckled. "Yeah. A good girl who hates my guts."

"Three weeks," my dad said. "Start preparing."

"Three weeks?" I repeated. "You can't be serious."

He walked away without answering. Mom gave me that soft smile she uses when she knows I'm mad but can't do anything about it. Then she followed him.

There it was. The weight I'd carried my entire life-duty, obligation, being the perfect son who never questioned anything.

I should've fought back and told them it was insane. But I didn't. Deep down, I knew I'll do it anyway. That's who I am-the one who sacrifices everything for the family's name.

And Zara? She's trapped too. Forced to marry a man she probably hates and give up the guy she actually wants, all because her family is desperate.

I sat there thinking.

Will Zara Williams agree to marry me? The girl who can't stand me. She looks at me like I'm the problem with the planet.

I rubbed my face and laughed quietly.

"Yo bro, what's going on?"

I turned and saw Adrian coming down from the stairs, his hair still looking wet from his shower.

"Uh, just business stuff." I replied.

"Business stuff? Are you sure?"

"Nothing to worry your small head about," I said, forcing a grin.

He frowned. "Stop saying that. I'm not a kid anymore."

I laughed, ruffling his hair. "Yeah, yeah. Big boy now."

"Dude! Stop!" he said, pushing me away. "You're annoying."

He looked at me closely. "You look stressed."

"I'm fine." I grabbed my keys. "Got a late meeting."

"Alright, don't work yourself to death, old man."

"Thirty isn't old."

"Sure, gramps." He grinned, and we did our handshake before I headed out.

But I wanted to tell him. I wanted to say, "That girl you're into? She's about to be my wife." But I couldn't. That would blow up everything.

Let Mom and Dad break the news. They made this mess.

***

Work was exhausting. I sat through long board meetings, approved new deals, and signed new contracts. Being CEO of Wright Holdings wasn't as glamorous as it sounded.

By the time I left the office, it was past nine. My eyes burnt from staring at screens all day.

My drive home was quiet. Just me and my thoughts. And they kept circling back to Zara.

The way her lips parted when she tripped. God.

I'd been close enough to taste them. Close enough to feel her breath on my skin. And part of me wanted to close that distance, just to see what she'd do if I kissed her in front of everyone.

Most girls melt when I talk to them. Zara looks at me like she's seconds away from hitting me with a frying pan. And somehow, that turns me on.

I hate that it does.

When I parked in front of the mansion, I didn't go in right away. I just sat there, staring at the steering wheel, thinking about Zara.

She hates me. But what she doesn't know is that under all that teasing and sarcasm, I actually liked her. I always did.

When we were younger, I teased her because I couldn't say it. Now, I can't say it because I'm supposed to marry her for business.

I murmured, "Life's funny as hell."

I leaned back, closing my eyes.

Adrian is very much aware that Zara loves him. But he once told me he just wanted to have a one-night stand with her to see what she tastes like.

I didn't say anything then, but right now, the thought of him touching her makes me see red.

I'm not supposed to care. But I do.

I finally dragged myself inside and headed straight to my room.

I showered, changed into sweats, and collapsed onto the bed.

My eyes were heavy, but my brain wouldn't stop thinking about Zara.

I groaned, dragging my hand over my face. "She's going to drive me insane."

I know she doesn't like me. She wants Adrian-my reckless little brother who saw her as a game.

How am I supposed to make this work when the girl I'm marrying is in love with someone else?

I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

Then sleep finally took over.

***

~~ZARA~~

***

It was past 10 p.m. I was still up, folding clothes and fixing my bed like some busy bee even though my body begged for sleep.

I tried not to overthink, but my brain refused to shut up.

It drifted back to what happened earlier at school-that stupid moment when I tripped and fell into Dante Wright's arms.

Just remembering it made my skin heat up. Ugh. I could still smell his stupidly expensive cologne like it was haunting me.

God, why did I have to fall? Why did he have to catch me? And why did my heart have to act so stupid about it?

I shook my head, climbing into bed.

It didn't matter. Dante is irrelevant. He's just Adrian's annoying older brother who loved to mess with me. That's it. Nothing more.

I pulled the covers over me, staring at the ceiling.

Mom had been acting weird since she got back from the Wrights' mansion earlier. She hadn't said a word to me. Just walked in, went straight to her room, and stayed there.

Something was off. I could feel it.

But I'm too tired to deal with whatever drama was brewing.

I closed my eyes and let sleep take over.

***

The next morning, I woke up to my alarm blaring in my ear.

I groaned, slapped it off, and dragged myself out of bed.

My body felt heavy, like I hadn't slept at all. But I had classes, so I couldn't stay in bed no matter how much I wanted to.

I showered, threw on my uniform, and tied my hair into a high ponytail.

I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs.

Mom was sitting at the dining table, staring at her coffee like it held the answers to all problems. She didn't even look up when I walked in.

"Morning," I said, dropping my bag on the chair.

She glanced at me, and her face looked... sad.

"Mom?" I said, walking closer. "What's wrong?"

She didn't answer right away. She just kept staring at her cup.

"Mom?"

She sighed, finally looking at me. "Zara, we need to talk."

Oh no. Nothing good ever started with "We need to talk."

I sat down slowly, my heart already starting to race. "What happened?"

She took a deep breath. "I went to see the Wrights yesterday. I asked them to help us with the company."

I nodded. "Okay? And?"

"They agreed."

My eyes widened. "Wait, seriously? That's amazing! Mom, that's-"

"But there's a condition."

I froze. "What condition?"

"They'll only help us if you marry Dante," she revealed.

For a second, I didn't process it. I just stared at her, waiting for her to laugh and say she was joking.

But she didn't laugh.

"What the hell? That's so outrageous!" I shouted, standing up. "They agreed to help us only if I get married to their eldest son, Dante?"

She nodded, her eyes filled with tears.

I felt like someone had just punched me in the stomach. "Mom, everyone knows I have feelings for Adrian! His parents literally know that! So why would they want me to marry Dante? I hadn't even seen him in years until yesterday!"

"I know, baby. I know."

"No, you don't!" I snapped. "I love Adrian! Not Dante! Why can't I marry Adrian instead?"

She stood up, walking over to me. "Zara, please. I didn't want this either. But we don't have a choice."

"Yes, we do! We can figure something else out!"

"There's nothing else!" she said, her voice breaking. "The bank is coming for everything, Zara. The house, the company-everything your father built. This is the only way."

I shook my head. "So that's it? You're just throwing me into a loveless arranged marriage because of money?"

"Love will come with time," she said.

"Love will come with time?" I repeated. "That's your answer? What about my dreams?"

She reached out, but I stepped back. "Mom, what about my goals? I wanted to open my own restaurant, travel, and build something that's mine. Do those matter anymore?"

"Of course they matter-"

"Then why are you doing this?" I wiped my tears angrily. "I don't have a problem marrying into the Wright family. But why does it have to be Dante? He bullied me when we were kids! And now you expect me to marry him? Why not, Adrian? Everyone can see I love him."

Mom looked at me with that knowing look she always gave when she was about to say something I didn't want to hear. "Zara, if Adrian loved you, he would've asked you out by now. You've been giving him signs for years."

And she was right. I hated that she was right.

Adrian flirted with me, smiled at me, and hung out with me-but he never asked me to be his girlfriend. Never made it official.

Why?

"I need time to think," I said, grabbing my bag. "Where are my car keys?"

"The bank came this morning. They took all the cars," she replied.

"What?!"

"They're coming for the house next," she informed.

I stood there, staring at her, so confused.

This is really happening.

"I have to go," I muttered, heading for the door.

"Zara-"

"I'll think about it, okay? Just... give me time."

I walked out before she could say anything else.

Luckily, I caught the school bus just in time.

I sat in the back, staring out the window. My mind kept replaying everything Mom said.

Marriage. To Dante Wright.

The same guy who teased me with every chance he got.

How am I supposed to marry him?

When the bus pulled up to campus, I got off and immediately spotted Dahlia getting out of her car.

She waved at me, then frowned. "Why are you on the bus?"

"Long story," I muttered, walking over to her.

Before she could respond, the sound of an engine revving made us both turn.

A white Bugatti Chiron rolled up in front of us. Everyone nearby stopped to stare.

The window rolled down, and Adrian popped his head out, grinning like he'd just won the lottery.

My mouth literally fell open.

"No way," Dahlia said with wide eyes.

Adrian got out, looking way too happy for this early in the morning. His black hair was perfectly styled, and his smile was enough to make any girl lose her mind.

But all I could think about was what my mom said. "If he loved you, he would've asked you out by now."

"Cool, you got a new car?" I asked, forcing a smile.

"Advantage of having an elder brother back in town," he said, grinning. "Dante got it for me this morning. My brother and I might've had grudges back then, but he still loves me."

Of course. Dante.

Everything always came back to Dante.

Dahlia rolled her eyes. "Rich people problems."

He's out here bragging about a gift from the same brother I'm being forced to marry.

The school bell rang, and we headed inside.

During the first period, I couldn't focus. The professor's voice was just background noise while my thoughts ran in circles.

All I could think about was the marriage arrangement. The fact that my entire life was about to change because of money and business deals.

I didn't have a choice. Not really.

If I don't marry Dante, my mom and I would lose everything.

But if I marry him, I'd lose Adrian.

What was I supposed to do?

"Zara."

I blinked, feeling someone tap my shoulder.

I turned. Dahlia was on my left, Adrian on my right-both looking at me with concern.

"The professor's talking to you," Dahlia mouthed.

I turned to the front, and my art professor was staring right at me.

"Miss Williams," he said. "The bursar wants to see you in her office. Now."

I stood up slowly, every eye in the room following me as I walked out.

This won't be good. I felt nervous.

***

~~ZARA~~

***

I stood outside the bursar's office for a few seconds, trying to calm my breathing before knocking.

"Come in," she said.

I walked in slowly. "Good morning, Ma."

She gave me that tired look teachers always have when they're about to lecture someone. "I'm going to be direct with you."

"Your tuition fees haven't been paid. Finals are in less than two weeks, and your account shows zero payments for this entire semester."

My hands gripped the edge of the chair, and I bit my lip. "Yeah, sorry. We're... dealing with some stuff right now. We'll pay soon."

She sighed and rubbed her temples. "Zara, you're one of our best students. Your grades are excellent. Your professors speak highly of you. But the school has rules."

"If payment isn't received by the end of this week, you won't be allowed to take your final exams."

What could I possibly say? The truth? That we lost everything? That my dad died in an accident, due to the frustration of his bankrupt company?

Only the Wrights knew. And Mom wanted to keep it that way.

I took a deep breath. "I understand."

"Do you?" she asked, looking straight at me. "Because if you don't take those exams, you won't graduate. All your hard work will be wasted."

"Yes, Ma. I understand."

I stood up to leave but paused by the door. "Uh, Ma, can I go home now? I don't feel too good."

She studied my face for a few seconds. "You look drained. Go ahead, but rest, okay?"

"Thanks, Ma," I said and stepped out.

The second I closed the door, I was startled to see two people standing right outside.

"What the hell!" I hissed, almost jumping back. "You two are supposed to be in class right now!"

Dahlia's eyes widened. "Girl, what is wrong?"

Adrian crossed his arms. "Are you okay? You look off."

I rolled my eyes. "Can y'all not stand here like hall monitors? The bursar might walk out any second."

"Why are you skipping class?" Dahlia asked, lowering her voice.

"Yeah, and what's going on with your mom?" Adrian added.

They both started talking at once, and my head started spinning.

"Stop! One at a time," I said.

They went silent, watching me like they weren't leaving without answers.

I sighed. "Nothing. It's nothing. Just go back to class before you get in trouble."

I tried to walk past, but Dahlia grabbed my arm. "Zara, stop. You've been acting weird since yesterday.

You took the bus this morning-you never take the bus. Now you're coming out of the bursar's office. Talk to us."

"I'm fine, Dahlia. Seriously."

"You're not fine," Adrian said, stepping closer. "I know you. Something's wrong."

I clenched my jaw. "You really want to know? Fine. I'm getting married."

Dahlia blinked. "You're what?"

"To whom?" Adrian asked quickly.

"Dante!" I snapped.

Adrian's eyes widened. "You're joking."

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

"Zara, what are you talking about?" Dahlia asked. "You hate Dante. You've always hated him. And you're in love with-" She stopped mid-sentence, glancing at Adrian.

I rubbed my face, frustrated. "Because I don't have a choice. My family is broke. Completely broke. We owe the bank millions. Your family agreed to help, but only if I get married to your elder brother."

Adrian shook his head. "That's insane. There has to be another way."

"There isn't!" I replied. "You think we didn't try? You think my mom didn't exhaust every option before agreeing to this? I can't even pay my tuition, Adrian. I just got told I might not be able to take my finals. We're that broke."

I turned to walk off already teary-eyed.

"Zara, wait-" Adrian reached for me.

But I pulled away. "Don't. Just don't."

Then I ran. Down the hallway, through the doors, past the security gate. I heard them calling my name, but I didn't stop.

By the time I reached the bus stop, I was done holding it in. I sat on the bench and let the tears fall.

It felt so unfair. But the more I thought about it, the more I knew-I had no choice.

When the bus finally came, I wiped my face and got on.

I sat in the back, staring out the window as the city passed by.

While on the bus I thought about the whole situation. Before I finally concluded to go ahead with the only solution left.

I felt hurt that Adrian didn't say he loved me. Even after I told him everything, he didn't say it.

And that said enough.

Maybe Mom was right. If he really cared, he would've done something a long time ago. But he didn't.

So maybe this marriage was always meant to happen. Maybe I needed to stop waiting for someone who was never going to choose me.

At least this way, I could save my dad's company. Keep his name alive. That mattered more than anything right now.

When I got home, Mom wasn't there. I went straight to my room and fell onto my bed in my uniform.

*****

I woke up and it was already past three. My head hurt, but I forced myself up, headed to the bathroom, took a quick shower, and then went to Mom's room.

"Mom?" I pushed the door open.

She was sitting on her bed, crying quietly.

"Mom..." I walked in. She quickly wiped her face, but I'd already seen her eyes.

I sat beside her and wrapped my arms around her.

"Stop crying," I said. "We'll get through this."

She shook her head. "Your dad and I got you into this mess. I'm so sorry, dear."

"Don't," I said, hugging her tighter. "We'll fix it. Together."

We both cried for a while. When she calmed down, I took a deep breath.

"Get dressed," I said. "We're going to the Wrights' mansion. I'm doing it. I'll marry Dante."

Her eyes widened. "Zara, you don't have to-"

"I do," I said. "It's the only way to save Dad's company."

She looked at me for a long second, then nodded. "You're so much stronger than I was."

"I learnt from you."

******

We took a cab to the Wright estate.

When we arrived, I saw Dante's black car speeding through the gate like he was in a Fast and Furious movie.

"Does he always drive like that?" Mom asked.

"Apparently," I muttered.

We walked through the gate on foot, following behind his car.

That's when I saw Adrian standing near the front steps, still in his school uniform. His arms were crossed, and he looked angry.

Really angry.

Before I could call out to him, Adrian rushed toward Dante's car the second he stepped out. He grabbed Dante by the front of his shirt and shoved him backwards.

"Adrian!" I yelled, running over.

Adrian shouted, "Why her? Why do you want to marry Zara when you know how I feel about her?"

"Wait, what?" I asked in surprise.

Both their heads turned toward me.

Adrian walked up fast and grabbed my hands.

"I love you, Zara," he said, straight up. "Please don't marry my brother."

I froze.

My brain went blank.

After everything-now he says it?

I looked at him, then at Dante, who was just standing there, calm but with an unreadable look in his face.

Mom walked up behind me, but she didn't utter a word.

For a moment, no one said a thing.

Adrian still held my hands, waiting for me to say something back.

This was the moment I had been waiting for all my life for Adrian to say these words to me. But right now it's too late, and everything happening was too much for me to process.

I still loved him-I couldn't lie about that-but why now? Why wait until I'm forced into a marriage with someone else?

And honestly, what's the difference? Adrian and Dante are both Wrights. Why can't I just marry Adrian instead?

"Adrian, enough."

We all turned toward the person who spoke.