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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...
Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daughter framed her, her fiancé ridiculed her, and her adoptive parents threw her out. They all wanted to see her fall. But Elena unveiled her true identity: the heiress of a massive fortune, famed hacker, top jewelry designer, secret author, and gifted doctor. Horrified by her glorious comeback, her adoptive parents demanded half her newfound wealth. Elena exposed their cruelty and refused. Her ex pleaded for a second chance, but she scoffed, “Do you think you deserve it?” Then a powerful magnate gently proposed, “Marry me?”
She thought she was the love of his life, and he became the love of her life that fateful day she had seen him at the pack's party. Selene Grace was only a replica of Alpha Leo's real mate, and when he spotted her, Leo immediately claimed her as his Luna in order to suppress the rumors of him being mateless. Being unable to conceive turns Selene's marriage into a nightmare, and as if that wasn't enough, Alpha Leo finally reunites with his long time lover and mate, rejecting a pregnant Selene as a result. 5 years later, Selene, a now successful doctor, receives an invitation to the moon shadow pack in order to rid the pack of a deadly disease which has struck it. Will Selene return back to the pack which had caused her so much pain, and what would she do when she realizes that she is mated to the Alpha who had betrayed her in the past?
For ten years, Daniela showered her ex-husband with unwavering devotion, only to discover she was just his biggest joke. Feeling humiliated yet determined, she finally divorced him. Three months later, Daniela returned in grand style. She was now the hidden CEO of a leading brand, a sought-after designer, and a wealthy mining mogul—her success unveiled at her triumphant comeback. Her ex-husband’s entire family rushed over, desperate to beg for forgiveness and plead for another chance. Yet Daniela, now cherished by the famed Mr. Phillips, regarded them with icy disdain. "I’m out of your league."
Life was perfect until she met her boyfriend's big brother. There was a forbidden law in the Night Shade Pack that if the head Alpha rejected his mate, he would be stripped of his position. Sophia's life would get connected with the law. She was an Omega who was dating the head Alpha's younger brother. Bryan Morrison, the head Alpha, was not only a cold-blooded man but also a charming business tycoon. His name was enough to cause other packs to tremble. He was known as a ruthless man. What if, by some twist of destiny, Sophia's path were to intertwine with his?
"I, Riccardo Saviano, future Alpha of the Grey Shadow Moon Pack, reject you, Artemisia Guerrieri, Daughter of Alpha Franco of the Blood Moon Pack, as my mate and future Luna." One single sentence. One stupid single sentence was all it took to disintegrate my life. And the day of my birthday, on which this sentence was audaciously uttered to me, I lost the love of my life, my future mate, and my wolf, all at once. As I'm still assembling the pieces of my shattered heart years later, there they come. Like lightning out of a crystal blue sky. My Mates. But wait... If I am mated to triplets, how come I'm about to be mated to 5 gorgeous men? *** TW: explicit and foul language; spicy content; explicit sex scenes ***
Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background. In the three years they were together, he remained cold and distant to Belinda, who endured in silence. Her love for him forced her to sacrifice her self-worth and her dreams. When Lucas' true love reappeared, Belinda realized that their marriage was a sham from the start, a ploy to save another woman's life. She signed the divorce papers and left. Three years later, Belinda returned as a surgical prodigy and a maestro of the piano. Lost in regret, Lucas chased her in the rain and held her tightly. "You are mine, Belinda."