Emily came back after 10 years of being away and the first thing her father said to her was an Arranged Marriage. Emily was asked to marry Dario Knight to save the family business and also to strengthen the relationship between the More and the Knight Family. Emily disagreed with the whole arranged marriage as she never wanted to be like her mother. Emily was given two options, either marry Dario Knight or move out of the house and she wouldn't have anything to her name as the Moore Family. Emily chose the hardest way and she moved out of the house. Starting afresh wasn't in any way easy for Emily. But with her best friend, she was able to find something to do. Emily found herself in her dream job where she worked as a presenter. Emily was tipped off about a ruthless and dominant billionaire. Emily posted the information without a proper check of who the billionaire was. Things escalated and she found out that the billionaire was Dario Knight, the same person she refused to marry. No one dares to offend Dario, even those higher up don't mess with him. Dario forgives Emily in return for a contract marriage. Living with Dario was nothing but a living hell for Emily. She never did anything right in the sight of the ruthless billionaire. While this was going on, Emily found solace in Austin Louis. Austin is Dario's best friend who was always around the house to comfort Emily when things were hard and this led to a mistake of a one-night stand between Emily and Austin. Emily regretted the night and she distanced herself away from Austin. An encounter happened between Dario and Emily and this made Dario realize that he has strange love feelings for Emily. The more he was hard on her, the more he wanted her. Emily sees Dario as a vulnerable type and also she notices how Lucas is trying so hard to hurt him. Emily decided to protect Dario in her own way. Dario and Emily couldn't resist themselves as they ended up breaking the rules in their contract marriage. The two love birds were over themselves everywhere. Just when Emily thought her life was finally back on track. A man who loves her and treats her like she has ever wished for and now she is carrying his baby, Lucy showed up. Lucy is Dario's first love, the one who stood him up at their wedding. Lucy pleaded with Dario on different excuses for why she couldn't show up at their wedding and with a Hidden plan to destroy Emily. Dario felt indebted to Lucy so he forgave her and the relationship should remain friendship. Lucy became obsessed with Dario, always around the house and everywhere and Emily was not satisfied with the whole situation. In the midst of this tension, Austin threatened Emily with the night they had together. Austin claimed the child she was carrying and insisted on telling Dario about everything. While Emily tried to balance everything, Lucy succeeded in her plan which caused Emily to have a miscarriage. Dario was so pissed, before he could do anything, Lucy was nowhere to be found. Just when Dario thought he could finally make things right with Emily, he received a message from an unknown source with Emily nude pictures. Emily on the other hand received a message from an unknown source of how Dario planned with her best friend. Dario ego was hurt when Emily rejected the Arranged Marriage, he secretly got the presenter job for Emily, paid Sophia to tip her off fake information about him so Emily could come begging. Dario proposed that contract marriage so he could make her life miserable. Dario and Emily had a big rift between them because of the secret messages they received. Emily couldn't stand Dario's face, she felt betrayed by her two most trusted people so she packed out of the house. Dario was so angry at Emily, he didn't give her any room for explanation. In the midst of the heavy storm, the two lovers couldn't stand not being with each other. It was hard on both paths so Dario decided to go sort things out with Emily but he couldn't find her. Emily has been kidnapped. After searching everywhere, Dario saved Emily from the hands of Lucy and Austin who collided together and kidnapped Emily. Austin and Lucy were not working on their own, they have been working for Dario Uncle Lucas. Lucas paid Austin to drugged Emily and secretly took her pictures. Lucas was the one who paid Lucy to come and destroy Dario and Emily's little Love. The same person was the one who sent those secret messages to them. Lucas was arrested. Lucy and Austin were also arrested and they all paid for their crimes. Sophia and Emily's parents apologize and seek for her forgiveness, Emily forgives them freeing herself from resentment. Dario and Emily were able to settle their differences and they lived happily after.
Chapter 1 The Return
I took deep breaths as my flight landed. I was back home after spending the last 10 years of my life in another country, away from family and friends. I was restless for the entirety of my flight. I couldn't wait to get back to New York.
I show my passport to security officials and head to the baggage reclaim to pick up my luggage. My dad already informed me that his driver will be picking me up, so I quickly walked to the parking lot and immediately saw a man leaning on a BMW holding up a sign board with my name on it.
I was going through a rush of emotions as I sat in the car. 10 years of video calls and text messages were finally coming to an end.
My dad took me to Canada at age 12 to continue the rest of my studies. I finished my master's three months ago and immediately prepared myself to return back home.
I missed my family so much, especially my mum. Sophia, my best friend, was also going to be joining us for a celebration dinner to welcome me back home.
On getting home, my family was waiting at the front door holding different cardboard signs and balloons. They looked so funny standing there with celebration hats and paints on their faces.
A tear dropped from my eyes as I took in their faces. "Hey pumpkin," my dad said and hugged me tightly.
"Hey dad," I said as he released his tight hold. My mum instantly threw herself at me full of tears.
"Oh baby, you've lost a lot of weight. I told you to take care of yourself Emily. Anyways, you are back now. I'll make sure you get back all the lost weight." She scolded lightly, crying and squishing my cheeks.
" Hey girlfriend," Soph squealed in excitement as my mum let go. We hugged and didn't let go of each other. Sophia has been my friend since kindergarten, she was a beautiful soul.
And when I left the country, it felt like I left a piece of my heart behind. I really missed her.
I laughed and hugged her closer. I breathed in her scent, It smelt so much of home and cherry. Sophia signature scent.
The butler helped carry my bags inside while we hugged,cried and laughed.
I entered my room, surprised to see it looking so neat and fresh.
"I made sure the maids cleaned your room every day. The only things we changed was your teen bed and we made your walk in closet a little bigger." My mum said, sitting on my bed.
"Thanks mum, you're amazing" I replied and pecked her cheeks
"Anything for my baby." She replied and went back downstairs.
I quickly freshened up and changed my clothes into something free and casual.
"Come sit beside me, I've missed my daughter " My dad asked, as I walked into the dining hall.
I smiled brightly, hurrying to sit next to him.
"That's unfair, I missed her too," my mother said, smiling.
"Oh please, woman, allow me to enjoy my father and daughter moment" my dad jokingly replied.
" don't worry Mama bear, we have all the time in the world" I comforted my mom.
Everyone's faces had bright smiles and happy glowy eyes. I laughed at Sophia's jokes as she filled me in on the lot she could.
We Started eating and I answered everyone's questions.
" so, did any guy in the picture? You always cut the call anytime I asked" Sophia whined with a pout.
I could feel the tension between my parents when they heard her question.
"No guy soph, I'm single and certainly not searching" I told noticing the mischievous glint in her eyes.
We stopped talking as my father cleared his throat.
"Emily, we have something very important to tell you" he said very seriously.
"David, why don't we wait till after dinner before talking about that. Emily just came back and she really needs to rest" my mom said, looking so nervous.
"There's no time for all that, she can have all the rest she wants but she needs to start preparing herself " my dad interjected harshly.
"Prepare myself for what dad?" I was confused.
relationship.
"Pumpkin, do you remember the knights?." my dad asked.
" Yes dad, I remember them. Your business partner." I confirmed.
"We've been having issues with the company lately and investors are beginning to withdraw their shares. The knights brought up an idea that would benefit our company and family but we really need your help" he said with a sigh.
" I'm listening dad, what do you want me to do?" I ask worriedly.
"They proposed an arranged marriage between you and Dario,his nephew," my dad said.
What!!!
"Dad!! That is not going to be possible. Over my dead body will I agree to an arranged marriage. You know how much I hate that word" I shouted, standing up.
" I'm sorry but we have to figure out another solution" I reply, raising my voice.
"Lower your voice young lady!!" my dad shouted at me. "There's no solution better than this, and we agreed already" he added casually
I stared at my father, anger swirling my orbs. " Dad, can you hear yourself speak? You want me to marry a man I've never met, someone I know nothing about, someone I don't love!!! All because of your fvcking company" I screamed, enraged.
"Watch how you speak to me Emily!!" He said, banging the table. I'd never seen my father so angry.
"I'm not asking you for help or a request. You are my daughter and you will do as I say. That's final" he said.
"We need the marriage union between the both of you to strengthen our ties and save the family business" " we should even be grateful Dario agreed with the marriage proposal. Business has been fluctuating, with more losses than profits. This union is going to not only help the business but give you someone as distinguished as Dario for a husband" he concluded with a scowl on his face.
" I don't care!!" I screamed with tears streaming down my face. "I don't care if the company runs down, I don't care if you're losing millions. I'm not getting into an arranged marriage with a stranger.
I want to fall in love and be happy" I said,crying.
I was confused and hurt " Dad I'm never agreeing to an arranged marriage. I want to marry someone I love and loves me in return. I won't be tied down to a man on the terms of business and profit" I shouted in rage.
"The company can go shipwrecked for all I care" I shouted, my body shaking violently.
"Emily!! That company is the reason you have a roof over your head" he yelled, tightening his fists.
"I'm well aware of that dad. I'd do anything to save the company but marriage is out of the question. If it was that simple, why don't you get married to him. You seem to get delight in arranged marriages" I replied rudely and walked out of the hall to my room.