Chapter 3

I was devastated when I learned of my father’s plans. I just couldn’t believe what I had just heard. How could he arrange my marriage without even discussing it with me first? I groaned in disbelief because it felt like a betrayal, especially of our tradition.

The thought of not being together with my future mate left me devastated! I clenched my fist when I discovered the reason for this sudden dinner. I couldn’t even greet him properly after being away for several days, and then, there was a piece of fake news that he had an accident!

Barely a day had passed since my unexpected encounter with the charming stranger and the memory of our passionate night was still fresh in my mind. I had never believed in love at first sight, but he had stirred something within me, something I couldn't ignore.

Then, in the morning, as I sat at the breakfast table, lost in my thoughts, my father walked into the room with an unusually serious expression on his face. He cleared his throat to draw my attention. He looked so damn serious and it made me worry that I did something to disappoint him.

"I need to talk to you about something important," he said, his tone grave. I put down my coffee, feeling a sudden knot in my stomach.

"Dad, what is it?" I asked, concern lacing my voice.

He took a deep breath, then dropped the bombshell. "I've arranged a marriage for you."

I stared at him, stunned into silence. "What?" I finally managed to croak out.

"I've been thinking about this for a while," he continued, seemingly oblivious to my shock. "You're not getting any younger, and it's high time you settled down. The man I've chosen for you is a good match. He comes from a respectable family and he is bound to inherit a pack just like you."

"But, Dad..." I tried to interrupt, but he raised his hand to stop me.

"I've made my decision," he said firmly. "The engagement ceremony is in a week."

I felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. I had just experienced a whirlwind romance with a stranger, and now I was being told that I was to marry someone else.

"But I don't even know him!" I exclaimed, my voice rising in desperation. "How can I marry a man I've never met?"

"It's for the best," my father said, his voice softening a bit. "He will take care of you."

"But what about love?" I asked, tears welling up in my eyes. "Don't I deserve to marry someone I love?"

My father sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Love will come with time," he said. "Right now, what's important is that you have a secure future. We have to do this, Chloe. It's not just for you but for everyone in the pack."

I wanted to protest, to tell him about the stranger who had swept me off my feet. But I knew it was useless. My father had made up his mind. I glared at him before standing up to leave the table. I heard him calling my name but I chose to ignore him.

As the days passed, the reality of my situation began to sink in. I was going to be married to a stranger, while my heart yearned for another. The man from that unforgettable night was constantly on my mind. It was just a one-night stand but he had left an indelible mark on my heart.

I found myself staring at the engagement ring my father had given me, a beautiful diamond that sparkled under the light. It was a symbol of my impending marriage but every time I looked at it, I couldn't help but think of him, the stranger who had awakened feelings within me that I didn't know existed.

Days passed by so quickly until the time when I would meet my future husband arrived. My father had decided to hold a dinner for my future husband, Tyronne.

Tyronne was the heir of a well-respected pack, and from our first meeting, I could tell he was different. He was polite, respectful, and surprisingly understanding. He had a calm demeanor, and his eyes held a kindness that put me at ease.

Throughout the dinner, Tyronne was nothing but a gentleman. He listened attentively as I spoke, and his responses were thoughtful and considerate. I found myself relaxing in his presence, something I hadn't expected.

My father seemed pleased with how the evening went. He saw Tyronne's acceptance as a sign of his good character and was more convinced than ever that he had made the right choice. However, Dad had no idea that Tyronne was also against the arranged marriage but he was powerless against his Dad as well.

“What about you Tyronne? Did your parents also force you to do this?”

“I can’t really tell but I hope you can stop this marriage from pushing, Chloe. I already have a mate and I couldn’t leave her for your sake!”

At least, the man in front of me was loyal to his woman. He was so different from Henry Blackwood! That bastard! “But how am I supposed to do that?” I was confused but at the same time, I was glad that he was also against the wedding to push through.

“I don’t know but we will think of ways,” he told me, and then he looked up above as if he could find some answers at the ceiling.

“You must be so in love with that woman,” I stated because he wouldn’t go into so much trouble if he didn’t. I knew we just met but I wanted to trust his words. “I will try to think of some ways to get out of this mess but before that, we should go back to the table or they would suspect us.”

“Can I have your phone number? I might call you from time to time,” he said while taking out his phone to list down my number.

Since I didn’t bring my phone with me, I just told him my number, and he immediately saved it on his device. “Call me when you get home. We need to talk some more about this,” I told him and he nodded. Still, I couldn’t stop myself from worrying. “Are you sure that we can get out of this arrangement?” I needed his confirmation but when he shrugged his shoulders, I knew he also had no idea.

When we returned to the table, the servants have already served our food, so for the meantime, I focused on my meal. We dined on premium steaks and enjoyed a fine wine before they started discussing our wedding.

I wanted to join the conversation but Dad warned me through his eyes, so I just zipped my mouth and listened to them. Mostly, it was Dad who did the talking, and Tyronne’s parents just argued. It was probably because he was a natural leader.

“Therefore, as all parties involved agreed to this marriage, it will be held in two months,” Dad ended the discussion with a target date for the wedding.

“Dad, why don’t we hear something from the groom’s side, Dad?” I voiced out my opinion but he just ignored me.

Two hours later, Tyronne and his family was ready to leave, and then I signaled him to call me later. Tyronne nodded, but Dad’s eyes caught a glimpse of it, and he raised his brows. What was he probably thinking?

We accompanied Tyronne’s family to the parking lot, and Dad ensured their safety by asking his trusted guard to follow the family up to the highway. Then, he glanced at my direction. I tried to ignore him just like how he ignored me earlier, but he stopped me from leaving.

“What was that about, Chloe?” he asked.

“What are you talking about, Dad?” I responded with a question, and hoping I could dodge the question.

“Never mind. Go and take a rest now. Don’t forget that we have to leave early tomorrow,” he told me.

“Going where?”

“To the clinic,” he replied.