# Chapter 1: The Unwanted Union

Adeline's eyes widened as she stood frozen in her parents' opulent living room. The plush carpet, lavish furnishings, and sparkling chandelier seemed to fade into the background as her world crumbled.

"Marriage?" Adeline repeated, her voice trembling. "To someone I've never met?"

Ruth, her mother, paced nervously beside Marco, her father, who stood stern-faced. "Adeline, darling, it's for the best. The De Santos family is influential and wealthy. This union will secure our business interests and—"

"But what about Zarah?" Adeline interrupted, desperation creeping into her voice. "She's the one engaged to Leonardo De Santos, not me!"

Marco's expression darkened. "Zarah's ... situation complicates matters. She's made her choice, and now you must make sacrifices for this family."

Adeline's thoughts reeled. Zarah, her older sister, had been betrothed to Leonardo since childhood. But Zarah's secret relationship with Alex, a free-spirited artist, had been discovered. Now, Adeline was being forced to take her sister's place.

"That's not fair!" Adeline protested. "I won't marry someone I don't love or even know!"

Ruth's eyes flashed. "Love is a luxury we cannot afford. This marriage will ensure our family's future. You will obey us, Adeline."

Marco's voice turned icy. "You have two weeks to prepare. The wedding will proceed as planned."

Adeline felt trapped, her dreams and aspirations slipping away. She envisioned a life without love, without choice, bound to a stranger.

As her parents left the room, Adeline's gaze fell upon a family portrait above the fireplace. Zarah's smile now seemed haunting, a reminder of the secrets and sacrifices hidden beneath their family's polished facade.

Tears streamed down Adeline's face as she whispered, "Why must I pay the price for Zarah's mistakes?"

Adeline's tears fell like autumn rain as she collapsed onto the plush sofa, her mind reeling. Two weeks. She had only two weeks to accept a fate she didn't want.

# Zarah's Secret

Determined to confront her sister, Adeline rushed upstairs to Zarah's room. The door creaked open, revealing Zarah packing clothes into a suitcase.

"Zarah, how could you?" Adeline asked, her voice shaking.

Zarah's eyes, once bright and carefree, now seemed weighed down by secrets. "I'm sorry, Adeline. I never meant for this to happen."

"Why didn't you stand up to Mom and Dad?" Adeline demanded.

Tears welled up in Zarah's eyes. "I was afraid. Alex and I... we want a life together, free from their expectations."

Adeline's heart ached. "Now I'm trapped."

Zarah's grip on Adeline's hands tightened. "I'll find a way to make it right. I promise."

# A Glimpse of the Past

Later that evening, Adeline wandered into the garden, seeking solace beneath the starry sky. Memories of her childhood flooded her mind: laughter with Zarah, playing hide-and-seek among the blooming flowers.

How did their idyllic life unravel?

A Stranger's Face

The sound of her mother's voice interrupted Adeline's reverie. "Adeline, come inside. Leonardo De Santos has arrived."

Adeline's heart sank. She hadn't expected him so soon.

Taking a deep breath, she entered the living room. Leonardo stood tall, his chiseled features and piercing blue eyes seeming almost familiar. Yet, his smile felt distant, his gaze cold.

"Adeline," he said, his deep voice measured. "It's a pleasure."

"Likewise," Adeline replied, her voice barely audible.

As they exchanged awkward smiles, Adeline felt the weight of her destiny settling upon her shoulders.

To be continue…..

# Chapter 2:An Unwelcome Encounter

Adeline's hands trembled as she poured tea for Leonardo, avoiding eye contact. Her parents beamed, oblivious to the tension.

"Leonardo, tell Adeline about your business ventures," Marco suggested.

Leonardo launched into a monologue about his real estate investments, his words dripping with condescension. Adeline's mind wandered.

"Adeline, aren't you impressed?" Ruth asked, her tone laced with expectation.

"Forced" would be a better description, Adeline thought, but nodded politely.

Leonardo's gaze narrowed. "I expect my partner to share my passions."

Partner. The term echoed ominously.

Just then, Zarah slipped into the room, her eyes locking onto Alex's text message on her phone:

"Meet me outside. -A"

Zarah's presence sparked Adeline's courage. "Excuse me," Adeline said, rising. "I need fresh air."

On the terrace, Adeline found Zarah.

"We're running out of time," Zarah whispered urgently. "Alex has a plan."

"What is it?" Adeline asked, hope flickering.

"Meet me in the garden tonight. Come alone."

Adeline nodded, determination igniting within.

Midnight Revelations-

The garden's shadows swallowed Adeline whole as she awaited Zarah. The night air was heavy with secrets.

Zarah emerged, her figure silhouetted against the moonlit fountain. "Alex is waiting," she whispered.

They slipped through the garden gates, finding Alex leaning against his motorcycle.

"Adeline, we've got one chance," Alex said, his voice low. "We can expose your parents' true motives and invalidate the engagement."

"How?" Adeline asked, heart racing.

Zarah's eyes sparkled. "We have proof. Incriminating documents hidden in Mom's office."

Adeline's resolve hardened. "Let's do it."

With newfound determination, the trio devised their plan.

Adeline's heart pounded as she crept into her parents' darkened mansion. Zarah and Alex waited outside, their faces obscured by shadows.

"Remember, Adeline, Mom's office, second drawer," Zarah whispered through the comms device.

Adeline nodded, her palms sweating. She reached the office door and slowly turned the handle.

# Inside

The room was dimly lit, the only sound the ticking clock. Adeline's fingers trembled as she opened the second drawer. Files and papers spilled out. Where were the documents?

# A Sudden Noise

Footsteps echoed outside. Adeline's breath caught. Marco's voice grew louder.

# Panic

"Zarah, Alex! Mom's coming!" Adeline whispered urgently.

# Quick Thinking

Adeline shoved the files back, slamming the drawer shut. She darted behind the curtains, holding her breath.

# Marco's Entrance

Marco entered, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. "Ruth, where are you?" he called out.

# Close Call

Adeline exhaled silently as Marco departed. She emerged from the curtains, her heart still racing.

# The Search Continues

"Zarah, Alex, I couldn't find them," Adeline whispered.

# Zarah's Response

"Try the safe behind the painting," Zarah suggested.

# The Clock Ticks

Time was running out. Would Adeline find the documents before getting caught?

Behind the Painting

Adeline's gaze locked onto the painting. "Which one, Zarah?" she whispered.

"The landscape with the sunset," Zarah replied.

Adeline carefully lifted the frame, revealing the safe. Her fingers trembled as she dialed the combination.

# A Hidden Compartment

The safe creaked open. Adeline's heart skipped a beat. Inside, she found a folder labeled "De Santos Agreement."

# The Truth Revealed

As she scanned the documents, Adeline's eyes widened. The marriage was a business deal, securing Marco's company's future.

# Ruth's Entrance

Ruth's voice echoed outside. "Marco, I found—"

# Panic

"Adeline, get out, now!" Zarah whispered urgently.

# Swift Escape

Adeline hastily returned the folder, closed the safe and lowered the painting. She slipped out of the office, heart pounding.

# Confrontation

In the garden, Adeline confronted Zarah and Alex. "We can't let them control our lives."

# United Front

Together, they vowed to expose the truth and break free from their families' grasp.

To be continue…..