The Unwanted Arranged Marriage

“The Fairmont ballroom shimmered with expensive light. It was supposed to be the happiest night of my life, my engagement party with Sarah, my girlfriend of six years. Everything was perfect until Liam, Sarah's assistant, crashed in, drunk and enraged. "A toast!" he slurred, holding a champagne bottle like a weapon. "To Sarah. A woman I love. Not him. Me. It's always been me." The room fell silent as Sarah rushed to him, taking the bottle, her entire focus on placating the man who had just publicly sabotaged our engagement. She led him away, not sparing a glance for my humiliation. My father's words echoed in my ears: "You have three days." The Hayes family pact loomed – an arranged marriage if I wasn't wed by my 35th birthday. Sarah returned, feigning apology, then accepted Liam's smooth, practiced apology on behalf of us both, drawing a line in the sand with me on the other side. Later, back at our apartment, a pocket-dialed voicemail from Sarah revealed her intimate laughter with Liam, confirming their secret connection. A photo, sent by a friend, sealed it: Liam kissing Sarah against an alley wall, a deep, consuming kiss. The final piece of evidence, burning into my mind. This wasn't just a drunken mistake; it was a calculated betrayal. My six-year future, the one I had fought for, lay shattered by deceit. I picked up my suitcase, the fight drained from me. There was only one path left. "Confirm it," I told my father's assistant. "My meeting with the Chen family is scheduled for tomorrow at noon."”