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Catherin found herself in a difficult situation. Both of her parents asked her to marry a CEO who happened to be the son of her father's boss. All of this was done to pay off her father's debt and fund her sibling's surgery. Although Catherin didn't want to marry young, she also didn't want to defy her parents. The inner conflict between her personal desires and family responsibilities presented a confusing dilemma for her. Catherin found herself trapped in an unwanted marriage with Nolan, a CEO who also didn't want it. At the beginning of their marriage, Nolan often behaved harshly and belittled Catherin, assuming that she only married him for money, considering Catherin's humble family background. The conflicts in their marriage further complicated Catherin's situation, as she now had to struggle not only against the pressures from both of her parents but also from her husband. Catherin was devastated when she realized that her husband, Nolan, was having an affair. She saw with her own eyes Nolan with another woman in the room that should have been hers. The betrayal left Catherin feeling even more hurt and depressed in her already difficult marriage. Catherin wanted to ask for a divorce, but she was faced with a threat that her father would have to pay off the debt and as a result, her sibling could not undergo much-needed surgery. With a broken heart, Catherin was forced to endure her marriage even though it made her suffer greatly. However, amidst the hardship, Nolan eventually realized that his mistress was not a faithful woman. Thanks to Catherin's kindness and sincerity, her marriage with Nolan started to improve. Nolan began to fall in love with Catherin and even felt jealous when other men approached her.
Catherin Mia looked her parents in the eye, her tone resolute. "I can't do it, Mom, Dad. I still want to finish my studies," she said firmly, rejecting their proposal for her to marry their chosen suitor.
As the eldest in a humble family of farmers, Catherin understood the value of education. Despite being in her sixth semester at 21, she felt that marrying at such a young age wasn't right for her. Marriage had never been a part of her plans.
Catherin's aspiration was to graduate, gain work experience, and possibly have a stable income before considering marriage. She had never been involved in a romantic relationship, as her parents had raised her to be cautious and avoid interactions with unfamiliar individuals. Additionally, she believed that dating would only be a distraction.
Since her youth, Catherin had been preparing herself for an arranged marriage, out of respect for her parents' wishes. However, she insisted on completing her education and establishing her career before thinking about marriage.
"Mom, why does it have to be so sudden?" Catherin asked, her voice trembling, unable to believe that her parents were asking her to marry at the age of 21.
"You're in your sixth semester, about to graduate. There's nothing wrong with you getting married now, Catherin," Kayona said lovingly.
"Am I being sold because of Father's debt to Mr. Louis?" Catherin asked, almost in tears upon hearing Kayona's explanation.
"Your father owes money for Ava's surgery. Mr. Louis said that we don't need to pay with money, but with a promise. A promise to marry you to Mr. Louis's son," Kayona replied, further breaking Catherin's heart. Ava was her younger sister who was still in elementary school.
Three years ago, Ava had an accident that required surgery. The exorbitant hospital bill forced Max to borrow money from his boss, Mr. Louis. Catherin knew very well that at that time her father had no other choice. Only Mr. Louis could help their family. However, Catherin never expected that her father promised to marry her to his boss's son.
"Mr. Louis came here yesterday, asking for your father's promise," Kayona said, noticing how Max had been silent after she requested Catherin to marry his boss's son.
"Mr. Louis also offered to fund Ava's surgery so she can walk again without any aids. But, you have to marry his son now." Kayona looked at Catherin with teary eyes. Catherin knew her mother had no other choice but to ask her to marry her boss's son. This way, their family's debt would be settled, and Ava could walk normally again after the surgery scheduled for a few months later. The surgery costs would also be covered by Mr. Louis.
"Can't we wait until I graduate before getting married, Mom?" she asked Kayona, who was unable to hold back her tears. Kayona kept wiping her tears, making Catherin feel sorry for her.
"Mr. Louis wants it as soon as possible, Catherin. He wants to see his grandchild soon," her mother continued between sobs.
"Is his son old, Mom?"
"Mr. Louis's son is turning 30 this year. But, because he's busy with work, he never had time for a relationship. That's why Mr. Louis decided to arrange his marriage with you," her mother explained.
Catherin fell silent, looking at Max's regretful face. She realized that her father didn't want to force her into marriage either. But he also had to keep his promise to Mr. Louis - his boss. Catherin felt sorry for her parents. She also wanted to see her sister, Ava, walk normally again.
"Alright, Mom, I will marry Mr. Louis's son. As long as I can continue my studies," Catherin said to Kayona.
Catherin looked at the woman who had carried and raised her. Despite everything, her mother's warmth and love had made her a strong woman.
Afterward, Catherin looked at her father's face, the face of a man who was willing to work day and night to provide for his wife and children. Catherin herself was not among the brightest students, making it difficult for her to find scholarships. However, she chose to work at a restaurant near the campus to help with her family's finances. At least she never asked for money just to buy snacks.
"Thank you, Catherin," her parents said simultaneously, embracing their daughter tightly.
Catherin then saw Ava standing behind the door all this time. The little girl seemed to be smiling, with tears in her eyes.
"I hope my choice is not wrong, I hope I can lighten the burden of Dad and Mom," Catherin said to herself.
***
The day had come when Catherin had to celebrate her wedding. She was already wearing a white dress and being attended to by a makeup artist sent by Mr. Louis. The wedding event was simple, attended only by immediate family. Catherin couldn't help but shed tears; she couldn't deny the pain in her heart due to this arranged marriage. What made her even more distressed was that she was marrying suddenly and hadn't prepared herself mentally. Her marriage wasn't for love, but to repay her parents' debt.
"Don't cry, Miss. Your makeup might smudge," said a makeup artist. Catherin smiled at her, not wanting to trouble her.
"You look beautiful, Miss. Please don't cry," said Ava, who suddenly appeared from behind and hugged Catherin tightly.
"I'm sorry, Miss. Because of me, you're forced to marry someone you don't know," Ava said, patting Catherin's back gently, making her older sister want to cry even more upon hearing her words.
"No, I'm marrying willingly. Please pray for me, I hope the family I am about to build will be a happy one," Catherin said. She let go of the hug and looked at her younger sister, Ava. Then, Kayona called her to come out because the wedding ceremony was about to begin.
Catherin walked out of the room, seeing that her house was already filled with many people. The attendees were only her extended family and perhaps some others from Mr. Louis's family.
She looked at the handsome man sitting in front of the table. He was her future husband, the future head of her family. He was someone she had never met before, someone nine years older than her. He still looked young, handsome, and strong. So why did he have to marry someone like Catherin? Why didn't he marry a woman who was on the same level as him? That's what Catherin questioned, considering she was just a farmer's daughter.
"I'm just a subordinate's daughter, why does he want to be arranged with me?" Catherin asked herself.
Catherin then walked toward the prepared place. The man referred to as her future husband didn't even glance at her for a second, as if he didn't care who he was marrying. It seemed like he was also forced into this marriage. Catherin could tell from his expression that he didn't show any signs of happiness. This made Catherin even more distressed; she worried that she wouldn't be able to maintain their marriage in the future.
Would their marriage be happy if neither of them desires it?
To be continued...
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
A sudden twist of fate connected Helena to a prominent and influential person. To onlookers, she appeared as a naive bimbo. In truth, she was a top-tier specialist, shrouded in layers of hidden identities. Charlie declared, “She’s quite delicate and easily hurt. Cross her, and you’re crossing me.” The elite families, outwitted by Helena's prowess, kept these truths from him. Helena eventually broke free from Charlie, sending him on a frenzied worldwide hunt. To him, she was a bird with dazzling wings, and his goal was to help her reach new heights.
Sheila had her back against the wall when her family tried to force her to marry an awful old man. In a fit of rage, she hired a gigolo to act as her husband. She thought the gigolo needed money and did this for a living. Little did she know that he was nothing like that. One day, he pulled off his mask and revealed himself to be the world's top magnate. This marked the beginning of their love. He showered her with everything she could ever want. They were happy. However, unexpected circumstances soon posed a threat to their love. Would Sheila and her husband make it through the storm? Find out!
Three years ago, Cecilia was left battered and alone by the man she loved most, Alston, yet she bravely completed the wedding ceremony while pregnant. Three years later, although they were married, they grew apart over time. Cecilia focused on her career, no longer foolishly believing in love. But her transformation instantly threw Alston into a panic... And what is the secret from 11 years ago that Cecilia has always been reluctant to reveal? *** "She went to a law firm, met with a lawyer..." A lawyer? Is Cecilia suing someone? Who? Is there any recent litigation against the company? Alston suddenly chuckled coldly, "Who could she sue? I'm the CEO of this company. How come such a matter doesn't come to me first?" The assistant swallowed nervously, speaking softly, "Sir, there's no litigation against the company. She met with... a divorce lawyer."
When Corynn mustered up the courage to tell Elliot about her pregnancy, she unexpectedly found him gallantly helping another woman from his car. Her heart sank as three years of effort to secure his love crumbled before her eyes, compelling her to leave him behind. Three years later, life had taken Corynn down a new path with someone else, while Elliot was left grappling with regret. Seizing a moment of vulnerability, he pleaded, "Corynn, let's get married." Shaking her head with a faint smile, Corynn gently replied, "Sorry, I'm already engaged."
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.