Connor Mansion...

The room was enveloped in a tense silence, broken only by the soft clinking of coffee cups that the Connor mansion staff tried to serve to calm the family members' nerves.

The walls were adorned with family photos, happy portraits that contrasted with the gravity of the current situation. The smell of coffee mingled with the aroma of a lunch that had been prepared but now seemed forgotten, as everyone focused on the heavy and conflicting conversation of the moment.

Enzo Jr., from a good family and until then considered a promising young man, was slumped on the sofa. His head was tilted back, his eyes half-closed and his gaze distant, as if he were in a completely different place. He wore a slightly wrinkled shirt and jeans, clear signs of the tumultuous night he had experienced. The expression on his face was one of apathy, as if reality no longer touched him.

His father paced back and forth, running his hands through his hair. His mother sat with her hands clasped in her lap, both visibly worried.

Cecilia looked at her son with a mixture of love and disappointment, while Enzo maintained a rigid posture, trying to maintain authority in the situation.

The six siblings were scattered around the room, some sitting in chairs and others leaning against the walls, all observing the scene with expressions that varied between concern and indignation. The eldest of them, Noah, had a serious countenance, seeming to be the family's spokesman at this critical moment.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, the father decided to break the tension:

"You've crossed all the lines, Enzo Jr.!"

"I already said I didn't do anything!"

"Getting caught with two women in a motel, with drugs, is nothing? Tomorrow it will be in all the newspapers that one of the future heirs of the Connor family is involved in a major scandal!" Noah added.

"We need to talk about your future!" said his father, his voice firm.

The young man did not react immediately; his expression remained unchanged. His father continued:

"You know this can't go on like this. We need to find a solution! You've overstepped all bounds! All the chances we gave you!"

"Darling, we're here to help you. But you need to understand the consequences of your actions!"

The young man finally turned his head to look at them, though he still seemed lost in thought.

After a few moments of hesitation, the father plucked up the courage and said:

"It's not really my way of doing things, but I have a solution to calm this whole situation down! You need to commit to changing your life. And I think the best way to do that is by getting married!"

The words hung in the air like a bomb about to explode.

The siblings exchanged surprised glances, some frowned, while others seemed to be trying to understand the logic behind their father's proposal. The young man slowly raised his head, finally paying attention to what was being said. His gaze became more alert, but his expression was still one of disbelief.

"Marry? Who?" he asked, almost in a whisper, as if trying to process the absurd idea he had just heard.

"With someone who can help you start over. We need to take a serious step to show society that you're willing to change! So that this doesn't directly affect the company and the whole family! Your scandals have already affected the company অনেক, enough is enough!"

His mother tried to soften the situation.

"It could be a good opportunity for you to get back on your feet and leave these problems behind!"

Enzo Jr. seemed increasingly confused and frustrated by this absurd proposal.

The siblings began to murmur among themselves, their opinions diverging on how to handle his situation.

The eldest one muttered.

"This isn't going to solve his problems! Marriage isn't a magic solution!"

The tension in the room grew as each person tried to express their concerns.

"Maybe it is a way to solve the situation! I'm tired of having to leave Mexico to come and resolve his absurd issues, when he's old enough to face the consequences of his actions!"

"Maybe Arya is right!" said Lunna.

"I think so too, after all, Arya married for a contract and look how she matured and has a beautiful family!" Lucca added.

"It wasn't quite like that, but the fact is Junior needs to grow up!"

"I think this measure is a bit exaggerated! Marriage is something that should involve love!" said Maya.

"The point is that marriage can save us in many ways!" acomplete o pai.

"I can't just get married like this! This isn't going to change who I am or what I do!" he exclaimed, standing up.

His words echoed in the silent room, bringing to the surface all the anguish and confusion he was feeling.

The conversation continued intensely, full of conflicting emotions, family love mixed with frustration and despair, as everyone tried to find a viable path to help this young man lost amidst scandal and social pressure.

"There's no other way, you'll have to get married!" exclaimed the father.

"I won't marry!"

"If you don't get married, all your cards will be blocked, your cars confiscated, your money in the bank frozen, and you'll lose your position in the company!"

Without responding and in agony, Enzo went up to his room, irritated.

Only Enzo and Cecilia remained, with their other children.

"Father, I don't understand this measure of yours!" Noah questioned. "You've never forced us into anything, at least not a blind marriage!"

Enzo walked to the bar and poured himself a shot of whiskey.

"There's a shareholder in the company, with a large debt to me, he's declaring bankruptcy and made me a proposal! As it's no secret to anyone, your brother's negligences, he proposed a marriage contract for our children! He stated that his daughter was raised to be a true wife, knows how to take care of the house and has the structure to care for a family!"

"Sorry, Dad, but I thought that man was a scumbag! He talks about his daughter as if she were a domesticated animal, how absurd!" said Arya.

"I was also against this idea initially, but given your brother's actions, I see no other way out! Maybe a woman with her head on straight will help him!"

"Mom, do you agree with this?" Luna asked.

"I never wanted to interfere in any of your lives, but Junior is out of control and adamant, ever since that woman left him at the altar! I barely recognize my boy…" she said, tears in her eyes.

"Daddy, have you tried talking to him? You know… about his past?" Maya asked.

"Countless times, but Enzo is more stubborn than I ever was!"

"Well, if there's no other option, we must have faith that this woman will help him!" affirmed Lucca.

"I think, the way our brother is, he could make this girl very unhappy!"

"If I find out your brother is acting like a coward and there are no changes, I'll cancel this contract myself!"

Everyone, breathing heavily, saw no other way out for the young man.

"At least if he gets married, he'll get off my back!" Joice blurted out, crossing her arms, slightly breaking the tension.

Her children had lunch as a family with their parents, except for Enzo Jr., who stayed locked in his room all day, probably trying to process this idea of an arranged marriage.

Cecilia was very worried, both for her son and for the woman who would be given to him as a wife, and she wanted to get to know the girl better before they signed the contract.

Enzo Jr. Connor…

I am Enzo Jr., 26 years old, a polyglot, with a degree in law and a graduate degree in human resources management, and I live in Canada with my family.

I am 1.89 meters tall, with dark brown hair, combed back in an elegant and modern cut. Blue eyes, fair skin, defined facial features, with a strong chin and full lips, and a lean and athletic build. I always dare to wear elegant suits that enhance my beauty, with a sophisticated and confident style.

My personality is an intriguing paradox, as I present a facade of strength and determination that reflects my position as director of human resources at my father's company, demonstrating great professional focus. However, behind this facade lies an extroverted and womanizing side. I am impulsive and do not hesitate to satisfy my whims, enjoying encounters with different women every night without worrying about the consequences or limits.

The combination of these characteristics makes me a complex and fascinating man, an individual of great professional success, but with a personal life marked by excesses, perhaps to cover the emptiness in my chest since everything happened.

After so much suffering, I decided that, the way I'm living, life hurts less, so for me, it's all okay. Marriage is out of my plans, and if by chance I ever want a child, I'll pay some woman to give me one.

If there's one thing I don't want at the moment, it's to have children; I want to thoroughly enjoy my single life.

Besides my siblings, I have a best friend, his name is Liam. We've known each other since school and were never apart until he had to travel to take care of his family's business. However, we never lost touch; my friend suffers a lot from his family's problems and only trusts me to vent.

My family is everything to me; in them, I find refuge, yet I know I hurt them with my actions. Joice is my youngest sister, and I have a very strong protective instinct; I can't stand the idea of someone hurting her. My sister is a sweet, gentle person, and I don't want people to abuse her kindness. Even if my protection suffocates her and leads to frequent fights between us.

I don't want her to get involved with men who won't value her the way she deserves. I'm a scoundrel and I know exactly what I'm talking about.

Now I'm in a complicated situation; my parents want to force me to marry, all because of a misunderstanding. Actually, I believe it was a setup by someone who envies me. I'm going to investigate, and when I find out, I'll deal with that person.

I don't know how I'm going to get out of this situation, but I will not get married.

I took a shower and slept for the rest of the day.

I woke up when it was already night…

I took a shower, got dressed, and when I passed through the living room, my siblings were still gathered there.

"Where do you think you're going?" my father bellowed.

"I'm going for a walk!"

"How can you even think of going out after everything that's happened?"

"Please, no exaggerations!" I say.

"This makes it hard to help you, Enzo!" says Maya.

"I already said I'm not getting married and..."

"Great! It's decided then, tomorrow you don't need to come back to the company!"

"What?"

"Exactly what you heard! Since you're not getting married, you'll lose your position in the company, your credit cards, and your bank account will be frozen!"

"You can't do this to me! Mom… please," he pleaded.

"I'm sorry, son, but you're going beyond all limits!"

"Not only can I, but I will!"

"Alright, I'll find my own way! I'm very competent, the best at what I do, and I'll find another job!"

"Do as you wish!"

"I hope you don't interfere negatively, just so I accept this absurd proposal!"

My father let out a sarcastic laugh.

"With the reputation you have and after the last stunt you pulled, do you really think anyone will hire you? I hope so, because maybe then you'll mature too!" he says, turning his back on me.

I storm out of the house.

They don't have the right to do this to me! They don't!

I go to a nightclub and head straight for the VIP section.

Between one whiskey and another, Suzana appears. She's a beautiful woman, blonde, with green eyes, full lips, elegant, and with a beautiful body.

We had a thing in college, but it was fleeting, just sex. Suzana still doesn't hide her interest in me, but we've never been together again.

Maybe tonight will be different, I smile at the woman in front of me, wanting to blow off all the tension from last night and today.

Between one drink and another, we talked about work, and she said she would check with her father to see if he would give me the opportunity to join his company.

We went to her apartment and ended the night having sex. I'm not a man who has sex without a condom; I use two at once to be safe because, as I said, I don't want to be a father.

The night was wonderful…

I don't sleep over with any woman; I'm quite a sprawler and like to enjoy all my space in bed.

I left her sleeping, got dressed, and went home.

I drank a lot, and when I got home, I was still quite intoxicated and ended up knocking over some things in the hallway.

I entered my room, took off my shoes, tossed my tie in a corner, and slept.

Enzo Jr.

I woke up with the sun streaming through the curtains, lying down, and the hangover pulsed in my head like a relentless drum.

The smell of alcohol still lingered in the air, mixed with Suzana's perfume, the woman I spent last night with.

I stretched, trying to shake off the remnants of the previous night, but reality soon hit me: I need to look for a job and must be prepared for several job interviews.

With considerable effort, I got out of bed and went to the bathroom. My reflection in the mirror revealed a tired face, deep dark circles, and a countenance that bore the signs of a life with hectic nights.

I did my personal hygiene, took a quick shower, trying to revitalize myself and hide the marks of the previous night.

"It's just an interview!" I murmured to myself, trying to convince myself that I had a chance.

If my family thinks I'm going to get married, they are sorely mistaken. I'm going to prove that I'm very capable, and I'm sure they'll soon regret it, and I'll be able to return to my position in the company.

I put on a well-cut suit, without any wrinkles, as appearance is fundamental to leaving a good impression.

I went down to the living room, greeted my parents and Joice, and had a quick breakfast.

We didn't talk; I want to make it clear that I'm hurt by what they're doing to me.

As I left the house, I felt anxiety growing in my stomach, something I had never felt before. The drive to the first interview was spent in silence, only with the cutting sound of my powerful car's engine.

I tried to focus on the questions I might face and the positive points I wanted to highlight about my career; I know exactly what will be asked, after all, I work with this.

Arriving at the location of the first interview, I was greeted by a friendly receptionist, and I returned her smile with a seductive smirk.

Upon entering the interview room, I was greeted by a panel of interviewers who exchanged significant glances among themselves. The conversation began, and I tried to project confidence, but I soon realized that their gazes were not just professional; there was an implicit criticism in their expressions.

"You have an impressive career!" one of the interviewers began. "However, we have some concerns about your reputation!"

The words weighed like lead, and I felt my heart sink. I tried to argue about my skills and previous experiences, but the answers were evasive and cold. The feeling of being judged for my personal life made everything even more difficult.

After that frustrating interview, I went through a few more during the day, each one bringing up the same concerns: my reputation as a womanizer and irresponsible always seemed to overshadow my professional achievements. In every interview room, the same questions arose: "How can you guarantee that your behavior will not affect our team?" or "We are concerned about your dedication to work."

With each rejection received, whether through disapproving looks or direct words, I confess that my confidence diminished a little.

I never thought I would go through something like this, and when I realized it, I was driving around the streets after the interviews, feeling more and more like a stranger among the other professionals who seemed to have found their place in the corporate world.

Finally, exhausted and defeated, I entered a cafe and sat at one of the tables.

With my head down, hands wrapped around a cup of hot coffee, I reflected on my life and what I would do. The women and parties may have brought momentary pleasure, but now they seemed to be chains that bound me to a negative image.

… Maybe I went too far! … I thought as I watched people hurry past me.

My cell phone rang; it was an unknown number, but when I answered, a glimmer of hope arose when it turned out to be Suzana. However, my hopes vanished when she said the same thing as all the other interviewers.

"But maybe we can do something different, that will help you!"

"What would that be?" I inquired, with one eyebrow arched.

"You know I've always liked you, even though you dumped me because of... you know! The thing is, we can pick up where we left off, and then I'm sure my father would give you a chance, and together we can change this reputation..."

I thought for a few seconds, but I didn't come to any conclusion that this would be crazy.

"So, what do you say?" she insisted on the question.

"Suzana, I appreciate it very much, but I need to think!"

"I thought after our night..."

"I made you no promises, Suzana, and I don't know if I want to take such a path to solve my problems!"

"Think carefully!"

I said goodbye, ended the call, and headed home with a defeated look.

Upon entering, I met my mother.

"So, son? Any news?"

"None! They all slammed the doors in my face because of my reputation!" I said, throwing my body onto the sofa.

"That's what you get for messing around!" Joice mocked, entering the room.

"Shut up, you little joker!"

I looked at my mother and begged her to intercede for me with my father.

"Sorry, son, but we've already talked, and given recent events, you need to mature! I know what happened hurt you, but..."

"I don't want to talk about that subject, Mom!"

"I think you'd better accept our father's proposal quietly!"

"I'm not going to get married!"

"Son, we want what's best for you, nothing less than that! You'll only have to stay married for a year, nothing more than that!"

"I think he's scared of falling in love!"

"Oh, please..." I rolled my eyes.

"Then why is it so hard to accept?"

"Because they're trying to take away my freedom! They want me to do something against my will?"

I've never felt so cornered in my life.

My cell phone rang, and I was surprised to see it was my best friend, Liam.

"What's up, man!" I answered.

"Just got into town, how about a drink later?"

"What wonderful news! Of course, I'll meet you at the usual bar later?"

"Yes!"

We said goodbye, and I ended the call. I'm sure my friend can help me; our conversations always help me clear my head.

"Going out again, Enzo?" Mom asked, with a reprimanding look.

"Liam just arrived in the country, my friend is back and invited me out!"

"Liam? He... he's back?" Joice asked with a shy smile on her lips.

"Yes! I just don't know if it's for good!"

I left a kiss on each of their foreheads and went to my room.