Sasha Hamilton had always lived a life of luxury, never needing to worry about the intricacies of business or the weight of responsibility. At 24, she reveled in the freedom her father's wealth afforded her-a carefree existence of private jets, designer clothes, and extravagant parties. She had it all, and she didn't mind letting the world know it. However, her perfect world came crashing down the day her father, Garret Hamilton, summoned her into his office. "Christian Matheson," her father's voice was cold, his gaze as unyielding as ever. "You're going to marry him." The shock hit Sasha like a tidal wave. She had heard of Christian-27 years old, heir to a business empire that was now teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. It was the only reason Garret Hamilton had offered to help the Matheson family: an arranged marriage between their children, an alliance that would solidify Garret's hold over the rival company and bring Christian's family under his control. Christian, once known as a carefree playboy, now faced the devastating reality of his father's company crumbling. When Garret's proposal came, it seemed like the only lifeline left. Christian knew he had no choice but to agree, even if it meant marrying a woman who was nothing more than a pawn in his father's desperate game. Thrown together in a marriage neither wanted, Sasha and Christian were forced to navigate the minefield of their families' expectations, their own secrets, and the web of lies that entangled them. What started as a cold, calculated arrangement might turn into something neither of them ever expected.
Sasha's POV
"I'm sorry, what?" I ask, hoping-praying-that somehow I misheard my father. Maybe he had a stroke, or perhaps his brain was simply malfunctioning.
"I've arranged a marriage for you," he repeats, his voice unwavering. Oh, I heard him alright. Arranged marriage. That's the phrase that sent a cold shiver running down my spine. My brain stutters for a moment as I sit frozen in my seat, processing what he just said. I can feel my pulse quicken, my throat tightening as I search for words. But all I can do is stare at him, trying desperately to comprehend the absurdity of his statement.
I lose a breath and throw my head back, letting out an exaggerated sigh. My father doesn't flinch. He remains perfectly composed, his back straight as he watches me, clearly unimpressed with my reaction. Of course he's not impressed. What did he expect? That I would jump up, clapping, shouting, "Oh, thank you, Father, for controlling my life!"?
If I wanted a man, I'd get one-on my own terms. I've been doing perfectly fine for the last 24 years of my life without someone telling me who I can or can't marry. I just finished my degree in business management, and all I wanted was a break, maybe a little holiday to let loose and recharge. But no, instead, my father pulls me out of my well-deserved break in Italy with a phone call that has this as its grand revelation.
I glance at my father again, still processing the words he had just unleashed upon me. An arranged marriage? I lean back in my chair and stare at him in shock, my thoughts spiraling. Who does this in 2025? What century is he living in?
"You're quiet, Sasha," my father notes with an edge of annoyance. "I take it this isn't the reaction I was hoping for."
I don't even know how to respond, so I just sit there in stunned silence. Part of me is waiting for him to laugh, to tell me it's some twisted joke. But no. He doesn't crack a smile. His eyes are steely, resolute.
Taking my silence as confirmation, he continues, "Well, MATHCO has finally gone bankrupt, and this is the opportunity I've been waiting for. It's time to gain control of that company and, more importantly, the market. You're going to help me do that."
I blink, my brain struggling to follow along. MATHCO. That name. The corporation my father has been eyeing for years. I don't care about the company itself, but I can see how deeply this financial mess has affected him. His pride, his entire identity, revolves around money. Power. Control. I've been witness to his relentless pursuit of success, often at the expense of his own happiness-and mine.
"And this is why I need your help," he continues, as if he's already mapped out my future without consulting me. "With the son ready to take over, you would get half of what he owns. That means the company-and the market-will finally be mine."
Mine. The word hangs in the air like an unwelcome guest. I want to scream that it will technically be mine, but I can't. It's not worth the fight right now. Instead, I remain eerily calm, despite the storm raging inside me.
His smug smile widens as he leans back in his chair. It's a rare expression on him-one I don't see often when it comes to me. Most of the time, I'm just a pawn in his grand scheme of things, the daughter who exists as a means to an end. But today, it's different. Today, I'm the golden ticket that will help him salvage his empire.
I can't help but feel the wave of resentment rising in me. I've always been a second thought in his life, only called upon when there's a financial or business issue to deal with. I wonder why I even bother trying to please him, to live up to whatever warped expectations he has of me. I had been in Italy, savoring my freedom for once, and yet here I am, dragged back to deal with his mess.
His voice breaks through my thoughts again. "This marriage will give me the leverage I need. I need you to marry the son of the MATHCO CEO. He's young, wealthy, and powerful. You'll be able to secure your future, Sasha. Secure the future of our company. Think of it as an investment."
I nearly choke on my own breath. Marriage. I want to laugh, but it's not funny. How does he even think this will work? How can I go from being an independent woman to some pawn in a business transaction?
I've never met this son of the CEO, and frankly, I don't want to. I have no idea who he is, but I can already imagine what he must be like-just another entitled rich kid who's been handed everything in life. My father has this uncanny ability to choose people who only add stress to his already complicated life. I've had enough of being a bystander in his drama-filled escapades.
I think back to the last time he called me into his office at midnight. He'd flown me halfway across the country just to tell me that he was getting remarried. That was number three. A model from Texas, the one who barely lasted a year before he got bored and kicked her to the curb. I had no idea why he thought it was a good idea to drag me into that mess. His wives were never good enough for me, and they didn't last long enough for him to even get attached. I could already feel the familiar frustration rising in my chest.
Now, here I am again-another scheme, another plan to help him build his empire. And it's going to be through my marriage.
"Do you understand, Sasha?" he asks, leaning forward, his eyes intense. I know he expects me to say yes, to agree without question.
But how could I? How could I just bend to his will again? "Father," I begin, struggling to keep my voice steady, "you can't just... arrange my life like this. I'm not some commodity that can be traded. I have my own future to worry about."
"Your future, Sasha," he interrupts, his tone condescending, "is tied to the future of this company. If you want to have a future at all, you'll do this. We don't have time for childish rebellion."
I try to swallow the bitterness rising in my throat, but it's impossible. The anger boils over. "So, what? I'm just supposed to marry a stranger for your business deal? What if I don't want to? What if I refuse?"
The words feel foreign on my tongue, but as soon as I say them, I feel a rush of power. I may not have control over this situation, but I'll be damned if I let him think he has complete dominion over my life.
His face hardens. "You don't have a choice in this matter, Sasha. It's already been arranged. The contracts are already drawn up. You'll meet him tomorrow."
A cold shiver runs down my spine. Tomorrow? Just like that? I have no say in who I marry, no say in how my life will unfold. All for the sake of a company that has never cared for me.
"Fine," I snap, pushing myself out of my chair. "I'll do it. But don't expect me to be grateful."
I turn on my heel, storming toward the door, not giving him the satisfaction of seeing me break down. As I walk out, I hear my father's voice, calm and calculated, as usual: "This is for your own good, Sasha."
I barely resist the urge to slam the door behind me.
Zachary Danvers had everything he could ever want. He was successful, famous, wealthy, and surrounded by women, but there was something he lacked-a family. He'd watched other people with the ones they loved, the sense of belonging that he craved. He longed for the warmth of that connection, the bond that went deeper than anything his status or wealth could provide. Karina Hart, or Kari as her friends called her, was known as the best diagnostician in her field. She was sharp, intelligent, and respected, but behind her professional facade, she carried a heavy burden-a past she'd worked tirelessly to bury. No one truly knew the depths of her history, and she intended to keep it that way. The two found themselves at a lively party, laughter echoing around them as people danced and mingled. The air was thick with joy, and Zach couldn't help but be drawn to Kari's quiet beauty and grace. They spent the evening talking, laughing, and getting to know each other. The chemistry between them was undeniable, an unspoken connection that seemed to pull them together. But just as the night seemed perfect, Kari's phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with a single, cryptic message. Her face drained of color, her hand trembling as she stared at the words. "It's happening again." Zach noticed her sudden shift, the way her smile faltered. He took her hand, squeezing it gently, offering comfort she didn't even realize she needed. "What's wrong, Kari?" She hesitated, but the weight of her past was too heavy to ignore. "I have to go," she murmured, voice barely a whisper, but the panic was clear in her eyes. Zach didn't let go of her hand, his grip firm, determined to help her face whatever had come to haunt her. The night had taken a turn, and as Kari's past resurfaced, it wasn't just her future on the line. Zach knew that with the danger now circling, they were both at risk-her past had found them, and it would stop at nothing to tear them apart.
She was in love, after all this time. Or at least, she told herself that to convince herself. Kayla Summers, with her heart still a little broken, thought she had found in her new boyfriend, the discreet and caring sous-chef, the stability she had been seeking. Their relationship seemed perfect, like a peaceful dream. The idea of marriage was no longer just a formality, but a logical step, the inevitable next chapter of their story. But all of that came crashing down in an instant. The marriage license request, which should have been a simple step toward the future, was rejected without hesitation. "Sorry, ma'am, you're already married." The words echoed in her head like a thunderclap. How could she have forgotten that? How could she have ignored that part of her life? A part of her life she thought she had left behind. Daniel Hunt, the man she had vowed to marry, hadn't been around for too long. During his vacation in Las Vegas, he had married a beautiful woman-her-but after one night, he had left her alone. Since then, he had been absent, and their marriage seemed like a bad dream. But now, he was back, and he had a message to deliver. At her doorstep, Daniel looked at her intensely, his piercing gaze hiding a wealth of emotions. "Six months, Kayla. Six months with me, and then I'll sign the papers. Otherwise, you'll stay my wife, forever." These words hit Kayla like a slap. The choice seemed so simple, but in her heart, the sparks of an unspoken passion were already beginning to burn. She felt torn between the calm man she was about to marry and the billionaire, arrogant and insufferable, who had abandoned her... and who now seemed ready to claim her back.
There stood the most gorgeous man in Erica Ferguson's eyes, her groom, Arnold Binder. Tall, handsome, with a smile that could melt even the coldest heart, he had been the man of her dreams, or so she thought. The wedding had been nothing short of a fairy tale, and the love he had shown her before their vows had made her believe she was the luckiest woman alive. But then, the truth hit her like a tidal wave, shattering her illusions into pieces. Her world crumbled when she discovered that her husband had never loved her like he had claimed. All the sweet words, the tender gestures, were nothing more than a facade. Arnold had married her to please his grandmother, a cold business arrangement that meant nothing to him beyond obligation. The realization tore through Erica's heart like a knife, leaving her breathless, drowning in a sea of disbelief. Since that painful revelation, Erica's life had been nothing but a living hell. She had expected love, care, and partnership, but instead, she faced indifference and loneliness. Her husband, once the center of her world, now felt like a stranger. He never bothered to see her pain, nor did he try to comfort her. She was left to face it all alone. Erica, despite her strength, could feel herself slowly starting to break apart. The weight of betrayal was unbearable, and though she tried to hold onto the pieces of herself, they were slipping through her fingers like sand. She had always been strong, but even the strongest woman had her breaking point.
You are cordially invited to the wedding of two people. This wedding marks the union of two elite Greek-American families, an event as prestigious as it is feared. The eyes of the world will be on this ceremony, where luxury blends with tradition, and where smiles hide untold stories. It meets all the necessary requirements according to tradition. Greek, check. Wealthy, check. Status, check. Love? Eh, not really. The marriage of Christian Matheson and Sasha Hamilton is more than just a union. It is a strategic move, a carefully orchestrated family agreement, meant to preserve the honor and prosperity of both clans. Two opposing worlds collide here, united by blood ties and financial interests, but separated by secrets, grudges, and unspoken desires. Christian, heir to a dwindling fortune, and Sasha, the daughter of a ruthless magnate, never wanted this alliance. But under the pressure of their respective families, they had no choice but to bow to the demands of an age-old tradition. So, come see how two strangers, forced together by their families, handle the situation. How will they navigate this marriage of convenience while slowly discovering each other in a world where appearances reign, and every gesture, every word, can change everything? Will love come from this constraint, or will their story be marked by the weight of expectations? Only time will tell.
I was 18, and I had no real idea of what that truly meant until my father made a decision that would change my life forever. An arranged marriage, with Isaac Miller, a young billionaire whose name echoes around the world. My father made this decision to restore peace between our families, a peace I didn't even understand. Isaac Miller wasn't just a businessman; he was a living empire. Thousands of companies, investments in sectors that even the biggest corporations wouldn't dare touch. At 25, he was already at the helm of it all, a business genius, relentless, unshakable. And I, I was nothing more than Claudia Richardson, an 18-year-old girl, kind and innocent, who never asked to be a pawn in a game far beyond my understanding. I often wondered how a man like Isaac could commit to such a relationship, one based on a contract, on family benefits rather than real feelings. But my father had his reasons, reasons I didn't have the courage to question. He said it was for stability, to protect our name, our legacy. But that only frightened me more. Why would a man like Isaac, with so much power, agree to marry a girl like me? The marriage was just a formality for him, a way to maintain order and family interests. But what was I in all of this? Just a simple symbol of union between two empires.
I knew it wasn't the case because I heard a deep, possessive voice say, "You're mine, chicken." At first, I wanted to yell at him for trying to steal my chicken, but as I realized who it was, I froze. He was talking to me. My eyes widened, and I almost choked as I stared at Izaiha, my soulmate. Right there, in the middle of our little argument over the last piece of chicken, such a ridiculous moment... and yet so me, I felt the awkwardness wash over me-a piece of chicken in my mouth, a wave of shame, and my eyes locked with his, so intense. But it was him, the son of the alpha wolf kings, my soulmate. Him, the prince of the pack, the one who seemed capable of conquering the world with a single glance. And I, Lainey Knight, daughter of the demon king and queen. This was no ordinary fate. This wasn't just a chance meeting. It was the bond the legends whispered about, the one that would unite the realms of demons and wolves. But I wasn't ready. Not yet. And yet, standing in front of him, I knew everything was about to change. Forever.
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."