Chapter 1 The Arrangement

Brielle Anastasia Marcel never wanted to be here in the first place.

She walked slowly, her low heeled sandals clicking softly on the marble floor as she followed her parents and pregnant twin sister, Erielle through the grand hallway of the Ferdinand's family mansion. Everything smelt expensive and luxurious. The huge chandelier hanging above the dining area sparkled like the stars in bluish night sky.

Brielle rolled her eyes.

"This better not be one of your boring business dinners," Brielle uttered under her breath, adjusting the strap of her cream-colored purse on her shoulder.

Her mother turned around with a warm smile.

"Relax, darling. It's just normal dinner with the Ferdinands. You haven't seen Thomas in a long time, have you?"

"Jeez mom! I don't care," Brielle replied.

Ahead, the wide dining room was opened . There were fresh rose flowers on the table, sparkling glass set of eating and drinking wares in front of each seat, and already seated were the Ferdinand's family.

Thomas looked up, only for a second, then went back to scrolling through his phone like the people who had just walked in didn't matter .

Brielle took the seat next to Erielle, who gave her a curious look and whispered,

"Okay, why do I feel this was planned?."

"Hmmm....you think so?" Brielle whispered back.

Their parents were already greeting each other like they hadn't seen each other, hugging and laughing.

The Marcel and Ferdinand families had been close for years. Dinners, vacations, charity events,etc.. They did almost everything together. But this particular one felt way too formal.

The waiters poured wine and served starters, small chops with fancy names that sounds french and didn't fill anyone up. Brielle pushed hers around the plate, eyeing Thomas out of the corner of her eye.

He was still exactly how she remembered. Sharp jawline, always looking serious, and going around with an expression that looks like everyone around him was wasting his time. It annoyed her now, more than it ever did when they were teenagers.

"Thank you all for honoring our invitation". Said Gerald Ferdinand, Thomas's father. "It's always interesting when our families come together. It reminds us how far we've come." I always look forward to every meeting ".

"Oh yes!....and also how much we can still do together," Lawrence Marcel added with a smile. "That's actually why we wanted this dinner."

Brielle sat up straight, her ear carefully listening to every words being said.

"We've been talking," her mother said, setting her glass down. "And we have noticed something important. You two, Brielle and Thomas aren't getting any younger."

Brielle's fork froze mid-air. "Excuse me?"

Marianne Ferdinand chuckled. "Oh no, don't take it the wrong way. What we mean is that you both are so focused on work. Thomas, your energy company is booming. Brielle, your production label is doing amazingly well. But life is not only about business, right?"

Thomas raised a brow.

"What are you trying to say?"

Lawrence leaned forward, smiling warmly.

"We think it is time for the two of you to consider marriage."

Brielle blinked hard. "Wait, what!?"

"Yes....to each other," Gerald added casually.

There was a sudden silence in the room.

Erielle let out a surprised laugh. "You all must be joking, right?"

"No, not a joke," Marianne said, still smiling.

"Look at you dear, happily married and expecting a child soon, don't you want this for your sister?

"I do, but my case is different, my husband and I really love each other, but what about them?"

"With time dear. So...uhmm we've already made some arrangements. It is going to be a small, private wedding on the Harbor Wind yacht. Three weeks from now, just family, close friends."

Brielle turned to her father, her voice low.

"You can't be serious."

He nodded. "We are, look honey... we know this sounds sudden. But we're not asking you to fall in love overnight. We're simply giving you both a chance. You've known each other for years. Our families trust each other. And this will only make both of your futures stronger."

Thomas banged his phone against the table.

"Let me get this straight. You want me to marry someone I haven't seen or spoken to in how many years just because you think it will help with family-whatever?"

Gerald chuckled. "Not just family, son. We know what you need badly. Remember the contract in far west that you been trying to get? The ones blocked by the Senate committee?"

Thomas narrowed his eyes.

"You know, the only reason it won't be blocked anymore is to be married" his father said smoothly. "Marrying Brielle secures that deal."

Thomas looked at his father. But, why her exactly?"

"Because you have to be married into a respectable family son"

Thomas shook his head.

"Come on everyone, Thomas and I barely know each other well, doesn't our feelings matter to any of you"? Brielle said, hint of sadness in her voice

"Oh, take it easy, sweetie," her mother said gently. "Right now the future is all that matters Think about the opportunities that will come in for both of you, the acknowledgments the supports from people in high positions, all because you both are married to each other".Think about it dears"

"You people are only doing this for your own profit". "Because we don't feel anything for each other " Brielle said.

"Exactly!" Thomas exclaimed, nodding his head.

"You know, it actually doesn't have to be forever but it is actually worth trying," Lawrence added quickly. "Just a few years. Build something solid, you will both have your freedom, personal space and you will also have power in the society. And if it doesn't work out between you two...you can decide what next".

Erielle looked between her sister and Thomas.

"So you're trading them like stocks now?"

"No," Gerald said. "But this is a good opportunity. And we believe in it."

Brielle looked across the table. She could clearly see the confusion state Thomas was in.

"But...i have a boyfriend," she said. "His name is Hayden. He works at the Grand Belle Hotel. He's a chef and he is soon to propose to me. He means the world to me."

Her mother nodded slowly. "We know but darling... do you see yourself building your future with him?"

"I don't need to build anything. We love each other, and that's important."

"Oh, so you think love feeds the stomach?" Gerald said softly. No, sweetheart. Love, most times fades away, but business lasts. We're offering you both something that will help shape your future, something real."

Thomas spoke next.

"And what happens if we both still decline?"

Gerald shrugged. "Then nothing. We won't force you. But those life-changing deals and partnerships won't be coming your way. This is about growth, trust, unity, and If you still don't want it, that is your choice."

Brielle stared clueless at her untouched wine, her chest felt tight.

Thomas let out a sigh.

"So...three weeks?"

"Yes," Marianne said brightly. "You will get everything available. Personal stylists, private rooms, full staff, you don't even have to share the same bedroom if you don't want to."

"Of course, we won't want that" Brielle and Thomas chorused

Thomas looked at Brielle again. "What do you think?"

"I... I hate this," she muttered. "I will need some time to think this through"

"Yes, let us do that"

Their parents exchanged a quick glance.

Erielle nudged Brielle softly. "What exactly are you going to do?"

Brielle swallowed. "I really don't know yet, I need to think".