***

~~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.

***

~~DANTE~~

***

Adrian confessed his love to Zara right in front of us, and I knew it was complete bullshit.

My brother could act sweet and emotional and even cry if he had to. He did it all before. None of it was ever real.

What he wanted was to sleep with her. That's what it's always been about.

The fact that Zara had been his friend since we were kids made this whole thing even more disgusting. She trusted him and believed in him. And here he was, using that against her.

I didn't say anything, though. She has to see it herself. If I say it now, she'd think I'm jealous.

Mrs Williams stood near her side, watching Adrian like she already knew what type of guy he was. Smart woman.

I felt bad for Zara. If there were other ways to help her family without this marriage, I'd do it. But my trust fund's locked till I get married-family rules.

Adrian was still holding her hand when Dad's voice came from behind.

"Adrian, enough."

Everyone turned to look at him. Dad stood near the entrance with Mom beside him, both looking pissed.

Adrian dropped her hand.

"Dad, please. You all are forcing her."

"Enough, Adrian. Let her go," Dad said.

Mom crossed her arms. "Stop arguing with your father."

Adrian ignored her. "You know she likes me, not Dante. Why can't you just let us be together?"

Zara's face went pale. Her mum looked uncomfortable but didn't speak.

Dad shouted, "The decision is final. Stop making a scene."

Adrian's jaw clenched. "You can't do this to me."

"Enough," Dad said again.

Zara stood frozen the entire time, tears streaming down her face. Then she shook her head and took off running toward the gate.

"Zara!" her mother called after her, but she was already gone.

"Adrian, she's marrying Dante. End of discussion." My father said to Adrian.

Adrian glared at all of us, said nothing, and walked off inside.

Mom went to Mrs Williams and held her arm gently. "Emily, please come inside. Let's talk."

As everyone headed toward the house, I stayed behind for a second, watching the gate where Zara had ran, then went in too.

***

Inside, we gathered in the sitting room. Nanny Valentina poured tea for Mrs Williams, while my father sat across from her.

Everyone sat down except me.

Mom forced a small smile. "Emily, don't stress about what just happened. She'll be fine."

Mrs Williams nodded. "She's just emotional. There's too much happening at once."

Dad leaned back. "She'll be fine. We'll handle everything."

"I'm sorry about Adrian's behaviour," Mom added.

Mrs Williams waved it off. "Zara came here to discuss the wedding timeline. She'd made up her mind to go through with it.  She's overwhelmed right now. Give her some time."

"Of course," my father said. "Take all the time she needs."

They talked for a bit about Zara's school and the situation with the bank.

When Mrs Williams mentioned that the bank had already taken their cars. Dad said I'd drive Zara to school and back from tomorrow. I didn't argue. I just nodded.

"That's really kind of you, Richard," Mrs Williams said.

After a while, Mom stood up. "Emily, come with me to the garden. We need to talk properly."

They both left. Dad looked at me. "You're quiet. What's on your mind?"

"Why marriage, Dad? You could've just helped them," I said.

He sighed. "It was your mother's idea. She believes it helps both families."

"It's about business."

"Partly," he said. "Merging the companies makes sense. And she believes Zara will be good for you. It's not a bad idea."

"Still feels forced," I said.

He nodded. "Maybe. But sometimes things work out later. Give it time."

I didn't answer.

He looked at me. "Zara's going through a lot. Try to make it easy for her. Can you do that?"

"Dad, I will do my best," I said.

He smiled and patted my shoulder. "Good."

We talked about business for a bit, but I wasn't focused. When I got up to leave, I heard voices in the foyer.

"Thank you for everything," Mrs Williams said to my Mom. "I should get going."

I walked over. "Goodnight, Mrs Williams."

She smiled. "Goodnight, Dante."

Mom walked her out. Dad told the driver to take her home.

Then he went upstairs, leaving me alone in the living room.

A few seconds later, Adrian came down. "We need to talk," he said.

"About what?" I asked.

"Zara. You need to back off."

I raised an eyebrow. "Back off? I'm marrying her."

"You don't even want her," he said. "You're just doing this to get back at me."

"Get back at you for what?"

"For Dahlia," he said. "You're dragging Zara into our old mess."

I scoffed. "Dahlia? That was years ago. You're still on that?"

"You haven't forgiven me," he said.

"I have. I just don't trust you."

He glared. "You're lying. Zara means something to me. Leave her out of your game."

"You don't control me," I said.

He took a step closer. "You hurt her, I'll hurt you."

I looked him dead in the eye. "You already did. You messed her up long before I came in."

He froze.

"You want to talk about hurting Zara? Adrian, you've kept her trapped for years. She follows you around like a puppy, and you love it. You know she's in love with you, but you did nothing about it. Because she's the only one loyal enough to put up with you. She's trapped, and you like it that way."

His jaw clenched.

"Yo, you're the one messing up. Once she realises what you've been doing, she's done with you." I leaned in. "When I take her from you, I'll be doing her a favour. And we'll finally be even."

He narrowed his eyes. "I'm not scared of you. Zara will never fall for someone like you."

"Oh really? But she fell for you, didn't she?"

"Stay the hell away from her," he said through gritted teeth. "Or you won't like what happens."

"Enjoy her while it's still a thing. I said with a smirk. "Won't be like that for long."

He shot me one last glare before heading upstairs.

I watched him leave, feeling that quiet win inside. I knew he doesn't like it when things don't go his way.

But now it's not about getting back at him anymore. It's about Zara.

She's got too much spark to be wasting time on someone who doesn't even see it.

She wants something real. Something she can actually feel.

The way her body reacted to me earlier said everything.

She wasn't the calm, nice girl Adrian kept saying she was, and once the real her showed, there was no going back.

She would choose me, not him. And if Adrian got hurt, it wouldn't bother me, just like he hurt me years ago.

***