At just nineteen, Ayra had never imagined life could twist so quickly.
She sat in the vast dining room, staring blankly at the untouched cup of tea in front of her. The mahogany table, the glittering chandelier, the scent of lilies in the air—none of it comforted her anymore. Not when everything around her was falling apart.
Her father's voice had been firm, almost cold:
*"You're getting married, Ayra. The decision is final."*
The words slammed into her like a car crash.
Married?
To a stranger?
For money?
*"But… I have a boyfriend,"* she'd stammered, her voice trembling as she stood from her chair.
*"Luke just came back from his business trip. We've been together for two years, Dad."*
But her father barely blinked.
*"It's not about love. It's survival. The company's on the verge of collapse. Shareholders are pulling out. I need this deal."*
Ayra felt her vision blur. She didn't wait for another word.
Storming up the staircase, she slammed her bedroom door shut so hard the walls shook. Her heart pounded as she grabbed her phone and called Luke.
No answer.
She called again.
Still nothing.
Her gut twisted with unease. Luke had been cold ever since returning from his month-long trip. Distant, barely texting, always claiming to be "busy."
She grabbed her coat and keys. Enough.
She needed to see him. Now.
***
His mansion loomed under the night sky, all glass and steel and secrets. The gate opened when she keyed in the familiar password — he'd given it to her months ago. She'd always taken that as a sign of trust. Now, it felt like mockery.
Her heels echoed against the marble floor as she marched straight upstairs to the master bedroom.
What she saw made her stop breathing.
*Luke.*
*In bed.*
With a red-haired girl draped across his chest, wearing nothing but his dress shirt. She looked up lazily, like she wasn't surprised to see Ayra there.
Ayra's mouth fell open. *"What the actual hell, Luke?"*
He jolted upright. *"Ayra—it's not what you think—"*
*"Don't lie to me."* Her voice cracked. "You weren't busy. You were cheating."
She turned on her heel and left before he could say another word, her chest burning with rage and betrayal.
***
Back at home, tears streaming down her face, Ayra burst into her father's study.
*"Tell me,"* she hissed. *"Who are you selling me to?"*