Chapter 1 The Unwanted Union

# 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…..

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