In a world where love is often overshadowed by wealth and family expectations, Dimple Montez faces the ticking clock of her 27th birthday. Born into an opulent family, she has one chance to secure her future: marry before she turns twenty-seven or forfeit her inheritance to an untrustworthy relative. When her family orchestrates an arranged marriage with Ryan Cartel, a man from a struggling business family, Dimple's life takes a turn she never anticipated. Ryan, romantic at heart, enters the arrangement hoping to save his family's business with a mere 20% of Dimple's fortune. Yet, upon their first meeting, he finds himself captivated by Dimple's beauty and strength. Determined to win her heart, he sees their union not just as a transaction but as a chance for true love. However, Dimple's past is haunted by a broken relationship that left her emotionally scarred, making it difficult for her to trust again. As Ryan relentlessly pursues her affections, Dimple grapples with her fears and the expectations of her family. Can Ryan's unwavering love and determination break through her defenses? Or will the shadows of her past keep them apart, leaving them both to wonder what might have been?
Chapter 1 1
***Ryan's POV***
"Ryan!" Jessie whispered smacking the back of my arm silently, making me to turn my head towards her to see her scowl. "Shut your mouth. You're embarrassing them"
"Are all of them her daughters? Are the women gay or something?" Jace whispered back, unable to keep his eyes off them as he spied through the glass window.
"Not actually. Ms June has two daughters and the last girl...I don't really know where she stands out. Ms Montez, the auburn in blue, only has a daughter, but I'm not sure she's there. Apparently, they all had bad experiences with men"
"Thank God there's a new generation"
We all stared at Gray from the corner of our eyes as he rubbed his face with both hands, already trying to make a decision.
"They're so bogus. There's no way any girl in this world could look that good at that age." Jessie said, letting her irritability show. It wasn't because of Gray, it was because she felt she wouldn't look like any one of those girls...not even in her dreams.
"Why? Cause you got a moustache at eighteen?"
She gasped and covered her upper lip with both hands, "It's peach fuzz!"
I stared at her for a moment to see if she was serious then burst into laughter. "Keep telling yourself that. You might just believe it" I patted Jessie's shoulder.
"It is!"
Her voice streaked so loud, everyone turned and watched her. The guests left their mouths open and Kaitlyn, our mother, smiled, trying to break the ice. She said some words that we couldn't hear quite well and signalled us to come in.
I patted Jessie's shoulder again, while turning her about and gave her a gentle push toward the double doors that suddenly looked very intimidating.
Kaitlyn was already waiting for us by the door. By the time we walked in, she grabbed Jessie's hand and pulled her in front of the tall, yet outrageously beautiful group of girls.
"This is my daughter, Jessica. She's been dying to meet you"
"You have?"
Ms Montez's eyes popped open as she reached for her hand "Well it's an honour to meet you. I'm Gabriella Montez" she turned to the woman beside her, "This is my sister, June"
"A pleasure"
"And this is the family. My nieces, Riana, Piali and Diana. And this is my daughter, Dimple"
"Dimple?"
By the sound of her name being called, she walked slowly into the room, standing beside her mother with an expression of wide-eyed shock towards us. I turned at the sound of the soft feminine voice and raised my brows. Though my expression never said anything beyond that, inside was a different story. She wasn't the only one that was surprised.
Here was obviously Gabriella's daughter standing in the doorway of the living room with an expression of wide-eyed shock towards us.
She was gorgeous.
She had such vibrant green eyes surrounded by thick long lashes. She had long glossy auburn hair that tumbled pass her shoulders hinting at a slight curl. Her lips were parted, releasing an audible gasp and I couldn't help but look at them. They were full, lush and a perfect shade of red. She was obviously wearing make-up but she didn't need to. Her complexion was flawless even when it suddenly went pale. But that wasn't what caught my attention; it was the scorching body she crazed.
My eyes went from her black heels and slowly heatedly worked her entire form. The woman had the most delectable curves I'd ever seen. Those legs of hers were mouth-watering and seemed never-ending. They were definitely the legs of a dancer, long, firm, smooth and perfectly shaped.
Then there was the short black dress she wore that clung to every elegant curve she owned. With a strap circled around her neck and leaving her smooth, delicate shoulders bare, it was definitely created for her body and practically made those large emerald eyes of hers glow.
If I had my pick on the four young women standing right on front of me I knew just who she'd be.
"Is there a problem?"
Jessie's eyes popped and her jaw dropped when she saw her. She looked back from mother to daughter, signalling herself the resemblance. A few seconds ago she thought she might be good enough to stand between these groups but now, looking at Dimple, hearing her unique accent, paralyzed by the gorgeous dimple that flashed without Dimple even trying, she took a step back.
"Oh"
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