"Whispers of Destiny"

The evening sun cast a warm glow over Kate's room as she sat at her desk, engrossed in the world of her favorite novel. The familiar scent of old books lingered in the air, offering her a temporary escape from the uncertainties that awaited beyond the pages.

Lost in her book she doesn't raise her head when the door creaked open, and her mother walks in , with a hesitant expression on her face.

Sitting on Kate's bed her mother said, "Kate, darling, we need to talk," her voice gentle yet laden with an unspoken weight.

Kate looked up from her book, confused, her brow furrowing at the seriousness in her mother's eyes she asks her mother, "What's going on, Mama?"

Her mother took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "Your father and I have been discussing our financial situation, and.... we have decided that it's time you that you should know that it's not good, sweetheart." We tried our best to save our business, she sighed , in the end we still failed.

Kate's eyes widened, a sense of unease settling in her stomach. "What do you mean, Mama? What's happening?"

Her father joined them, his shoulders slumped under the weight of the news he carried sits beside her mother and answers Kate's question. "Our family's business, the one that has sustained us for so long, is facing a crisis. We've lost a significant amount, and we're on the brink of financial ruin."

The words hung in the air, a heavy silence enveloping the room. Kate's mind raced, trying to comprehend the magnitude of the situation. "But how? What happened?"

Her mother reached for her hand, offering a comforting squeeze. "Bad investments, economic downturns, and a series of unfortunate events. We tried to weather the storm, but it's proven too much for us."

Tears welled up in Kate's eyes, the security of her family's wealth slipping away like sand through her fingers. "What are we going to do now?"

Her father's gaze met hers, a mixture of sadness and determination in his eyes. "We've been presented with a solution, Kate. An old acquaintance of ours, the Harrisons, has proposed an arranged marriage between you and their grandson "Shawn". They are willing to support us through these tough times."

Everyone living in Boston knew of the Harrison family. They are the wealthiest family in the city. Kate knew if she married Shawn she will live a very comfortable life. But she still has some reservations.

"Arranged marriage?" Kate repeated, her voice catching in her throat, she always thought that she will have love marriage. She valued relationships more than money. So she tries to reason with her parents once more, "But I don't even know him. Why would his family propose a marriage between me and him? He can marry anyone from a wealthy family, why me?"

Her mother sighed, her grip on Kate's hand tightening. "Shawn is a successful businessman. As you know he comes from a wealthy family, he had to take the responsibility of his family's business at a very young age and since then he has dedicated all his energy and time to his work. His grandparents are worried that if god forbids something happens to them he will be left lonely. That's why they want him to marry soon. They have previously arranged many dates for him but nothing came out of them. Now they don't want to leave the marriage matter to him. They were good friends with our parents and want to help us in our need, so they thought it would be a nice time and a perfect excuse to change that friendship into relationship. They have proposed that after marrying you the Harrison group will take over our business, payoff our creditors and grant us 20% shares to support ourselves."

"But Mama, I'm only eighteen," Kate protested, her mind reeling with the suddenness of it all. She looks in her mother's eyes and asks her softly, "And what about love? Shouldn't I marry someone I love?"

Her father, who has been sitting quietly listening to his daughter's reservations regarding the proposal speaks, his voice gentle but firm. "Kate, we understand it's not an ideal situation. But sometimes, practicality must take precedence. We believe it's the best course of action for our family's future. But I will not force you, you're my only child, darling. I am already ashamed that I failed you by not taking take of your inheritance. I don't think my heart can bare the burden of pushing you in an unwanted marriage too. I am sorry child. I will inform the Harrison's that the deal is off."

A heavy silence settled in the room as Kate absorbed the gravity of her parents' words. The life she had known, the privilege and comfort of her upbringing, was slipping away. Her father, who looked so handsome and powerful few days back, looks haggard, his shoulders slumped with the burden of their future, his face that used to be perfectly clean shaved has a subtle from two days growth. His eyes sunken and tired from lack of sleep."

Seeing her father like this she realizes that can't be selfish, her parents have given her a pampered life and never burdened her with their expectations. It's the least she can do for the two people she loves the most in her life. She agrees with their decision.

Days passed in a blur as Kate grappled with the reality of the arrangement. The weight of the decision settled on her shoulders, a burden she couldn't shake.

One evening, as the sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the room, Kate sitting on her bed lost in her thoughts gets a call from an unknown number, confused wether to answer it or not, she ends up taking the call, "hello! who is this?

" Hey, Kate, it's Shawn". Kate shocked after knowing that its Shawn's call replies softly, "Oh, hi Mr. Harrison". Sorry, I didn't recognize the number.

Shawn replies, "no worries and please call me Shawn." After taking a pause he says, "Listen, I know this might sound a bit unexpected, but I was thinking, since we're planning to get engaged next week, maybe it's a good idea for us to meet in person before that."

Kate hesitant about meeting him in person responds, "Well, yeah, that does make sense. But why suddenly?"

Shawn reading her emotions from her voice says. "There are some important things we should discuss face-to-face before taking such a big step. I want us to be on the same page, you know?

Kate thoughtfully replies, "I guess you're right. It's a bit surprising. we are getting next week , but we've never actually met."

Shawn, avoiding her subtle hint at the negligence of not meeting her before asks again,"So what do you say?"

Kate is hesitant but she agrees, "Well, yeah, I suppose meeting before getting engaged is a good idea. Where were you thinking?"

Shawn taking charge replies, "There's this nice place in downtown. How about dinner there this Saturday? Around 7?"

Kate still hesitant replies, "Saturday works for me. Sure, let's meet."

Shawn replies in from no nonsense tone, "Great! I'll pick you at 7:00 pm then"

Kate responds softly, "Okay, thank you"

Shawn cuts the call after saying, "you're welcome",