Addicted To The Arranged Bride

***

~~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.