Only a few weeks prior, I faced an ultimatum from my affluent parents: marry and take over the family enterprise or miss out. I hastily picked a seemingly ordinary girl to irritate them. Little did I realize, she harbored a significant secret.
To be candid, I’m not particularly proud of the situation I created. My intention was not to cultivate a genuine relationship; I was merely seeking to provoke my parents.
The reality was that my life had been one of indulgence without restrictions. Lavish parties, luxurious vacations, and flashy cars were the norm for me. After all, I was part of a wealthy family, and I had a clear trajectory to run my father’s business in the future.
Then came the day my parents sat me down for a serious discussion.
“Arlo,” my father leaned in, irrefutably businesslike. “Your mother and I believe it’s time for you to mature.”
“Mature?” I chuckled, feeling incredulous. “You mean I should get married?”
“Exactly,” he affirmed, firmly holding my gaze. “As you approach your thirties, we need to witness some real growth. A home, a spouse—these things are essential to running a business.”
My mother interjected, visibly concerned. “Arlo, your father built this fortune from the ground up. We can’t entrust the future to one who treats life so lightly.”
Enraged, I resolved to give them a spouse they wouldn’t forget. If they intended to control my life, I’d ensure they regretted asking.
That was when I crossed paths with Ved.
Ved was not the type of woman I typically encountered at lavish gatherings. I first saw her at a modest charity event, helping out. She seemed plain, perhaps even a bit shy, donned in a simple dress with her hair slicked back—nothing designer, just an aura of authenticity.
When I greeted her, she nodded and responded, “Nice to meet you, Arlo,” hardly making eye contact, which made it clear I wasn’t impressing her.
“Where do you hail from, Ved?” I continued.
“Oh, just a small town,” she said, smiling faintly. “Nothing noteworthy.” Her demeanor was soft, and her gaze seemed hidden.
Perfect.
“So, Ved,” I said, moving straight to the point. “What’s your opinion on marriage?”
Her eyebrows raised in surprise. “Excuse me?”
I feigned a smile. “I know it may sound odd, but I’m in search of someone to marry. I have my reasons, but you’d need to endure a few ‘tests’ first.”
She observed me for a moment, then burst into laughter. “Well, that’s amusing,” her eyes twinkled mysteriously. “I was contemplating a bit of ‘marriage’ myself.”
“Really?” I queried, intrigued. “So… deal?”
She studied me, considering. “Alright, Arlo. But promise me something.”
“What’s that?”
“No inquiries about my background. Let’s keep it straightforward—just a girl from a small town, nothing more. Are you okay with that?”
I grinned. “Sounds ideal.”
When I introduced Ved to my parents, they were visibly taken aback. My mother’s eyebrows shot up at Ved’s minimalist attire and reserved nature.
“Oh… Ved, is it?” she asked, forcing her lips into a smile.
My father frowned, expressing his discontent. “Arlo, this… isn’t exactly what we envisioned.”
“Well, you wanted me to settle down,” I beamed, unable to contain my amusement. “And Ved is absolutely perfect for me. She’s grounded, sincere, and unconcerned about wealthy theatrics.”
Ved performed her role flawlessly. Every courteous response and hesitant expression during their pretentious conversations had my parents visibly struggling.
However, I couldn’t shake a feeling that something wasn’t quite right. She fit too neatly into my plan, yet I occasionally caught a fleeting expression in her eyes—perhaps it was amusement.
“Are you genuinely sure this is what you desire, Arlo?” she asked one evening after a dinner with my parents.
“More than anything,” I laughed. “They’re losing control, Ved. The plan is working.”
“Well,” she replied softly. “I’m pleased to assist.”
I was so absorbed in my parents’ responses that I overlooked Ved’s.
Then the charity gala occurred. My parents went all in—glittering chandeliers, pristine table linens, and shiny silverware graced the venue.
Ved swept in beside me, her understated outfit stark against the extravagant surroundings. Precisely what I desired.
“Just remember,” I whispered to her. “Tonight is the ultimate test.”
She looked back at me. “I understand the plan.”
I kept close, ensuring she spoke softly while maintaining a gentle smile. My parents exchanged glances but offered few words.
Then, unexpectedly, the mayor approached us with a wide grin.
“Ved! What a delightful surprise!” he exclaimed, shaking her hand.
I froze, my parents stunned into silence. The mayor knew Ved?
Ved managed a polite smile, though tension fluttered in her expression. “Good to see you too, Mayor.”
“You know, people are still reminiscing about that children’s hospital your family supported,” he noted. “Your assistance was invaluable.”
Ved nodded along. “I’m pleased to hear. We just aim to provide help.”
He strolled away, leaving us in silence. My mother finally broke the quiet, asking, “Arlo… what just happened?”
Before I could respond, Boden, a family acquaintance, approached, bewildered. “Ved! I was unaware you returned!”
Ved chuckled lightly. “I didn’t share that with many. I came for… my wedding,” she stated.
Boden smirked, glancing at me. “Arlo, you’re marrying Ved, the ‘Charity Princess’? Her family is among the state’s largest contributors!”
My throat ran dry. I had heard the name before—everyone had. I just never connected the dots.
Later, I pulled Ved aside. “So… ‘Charity Princess’?”
She sighed deeply. “Yes. My family oversees the largest charity in the state. But I prefer to remain outside of all this.”
“Why hadn’t you mentioned this before?”
“For the same reason you held back your plan. I have my motives too.”
“You knew this was a setup?” I asked.
She nodded solemnly. “I’m tired of my parents pressuring me into a power marriage. I wanted to take charge of my own life. When I met you, I thought we could help each other.”
In that moment, I realized she was no ordinary girl. She exhibited strength, intelligence, and independence.
While I played games, she sacrificed her family legacy to seek freedom. She willingly entered this arrangement to escape her confines.
One evening, while we organized an event, I observed her quietly.
“What’s on your mind?” she asked.
“I never knew you possessed such strength,” I admitted. “You’ve navigated this situation better than I.”
She chuckled softly. “I’m not doing this for them. I’m doing this for me.”
In that moment, I recognized our dynamic had shifted. What began as a farce evolved into something profoundly real. I admired her, and I longed to be with her.
“Ved,” I proposed, “perhaps it’s time to share the truth with our parents.”
She concurred. We could no longer pretend.
The following day, we requested our parents to meet. As we prepared to reveal everything, an unexpected sense of calm washed over me. I felt no fear; I simply understood that it was time to be honest and move forward—with Ved by my side.