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signed to highlight my father's influence. Gifts pile up expensive, lavish items from my friends and family. No one from my world of privilege is absent, but conspicuously missing is Elizabeth. I hadn't invited her, knowing full well she'd stand out like a sore thumb amidst the extravagance. Poverty and its reminders have no place in my life, not today. Finally, the moment I've been waiting for arrives. My father takes center stage, delivering a carefully crafted speech. His tone is proud, but there's something in his eyes-a glint that hints at the true nature of his surprise. "Liam," he begins, "I'm proud of the man you've become and all you've achieved so far. Here," he says, handing me an envelope, "is everything you've ever wanted. Your freedom." My heart races as I open the envelope, but before I can celebrate, he continues. "I'll only let you have access to these companies if you get married. I need to be convinced that you're responsible and capable of running the businesses in your name." The words hit me like a slap. I stare at the envelope, the files containing the keys to my future, only to watch my father take them back into his grasp. He adds with a smile, "Until you find a wife, these remain under my care." I'm stunned. This was supposed to be my day, my moment, but instead, it's another hurdle. I don't have a wife or even a woman I'm remotely interested in marrying. After the party, the thought consumes me so completely that I cancel my plans for clubbing, unable to think about anything other than the impossible situation I've been placed in. In my frustration, I begin to consider my options. Everyone knows I'm not ready to settle down, and if I did, it would only be with someone like Mia. She's exactly my type fun, wild, unrestrained but she's away on vacation. Even if she were here, she'd never agree to marry me. Mia isn't the settling-down kind; she's as reckless as I am. "Mia compliments me," I think bitterly. "But if I need to get married, I'll have to f