Chapter Six

The dinner ended shortly after my father and Julian’s father finished their discussion. Julian’s father pushed his chair back and stood.

“It has been a productive evening, Arthur. We are satisfied with the arrangement.” Mr. Garrison Vance said.

I looked up. I already knew what he meant by the arrangement but hearing it said so casually still made my stomach tighten.

“Once she completes her studies,” he continued, “we can begin the formal marriage preparations. We don't want any unnecessary delays.”

My father nodded. “Agreed.”

I lowered my eyes. My education had already become a countdown to a marriage I didn't want.

Julian’s mother stood and smiled at me. “Study hard, dear. You have an important future ahead of you. A woman entering a family like ours should be well educated and prepared for her responsibilities.”

“I will,” I replied politely.

The Vances began making their way toward the entrance. I followed with my father. At the front door, Julian stopped.

“You'll be in Paris for quite some time,” he said. “I'll have to wait until you return.”

I forced a smile. “Alright.”

Julian stepped closer. Before I could react, he leaned toward me. I instinctively pulled my head back. Then I saw my father watching. His expression was enough. I went still.

Julian placed a brief kiss on my forehead before stepping away. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” I replied

The Vances left. The doors closed behind them. I stood silently for a moment then my father turned toward me.

“They're pleased.”

“I noticed.” then I asked him for the first time

“Father, do I really have to marry Julian?”

My father's expression changed. “We've discussed this.”

“You've discussed it. I haven't agreed to it.”

“You're eighteen, Lucy. You know what is expected of you.”

“I know what you expect from me.”

His jaw tightened. “This marriage strengthens both families.”

“So that's all this is?”

“What else should it be?”

I stared at him. “Shouldn't I at least have a say in who I marry?”

His voice became colder. “You will understand the decision when you're older.”

I shook my head. “That isn't an answer.”

“It is the only one you're getting tonight. Goodnight” He turned toward his study.

He didn't wait for my response before walking away. I remained where I was for a moment, watching him disappear into the study and headed upstairs. I entered my bedroom and closed the door. I crossed to the balcony and opened the doors. Cool air touched my face. The city stretched beneath me, bright with countless lights. My thoughts went straight to my father's industry.

I remembered Brian. The way he spoke to me. Simple. Respectful and Unconcerned with my family name. And now my father had given me another reason to think about him. Paris. After I left, I might not see Brian for months. Maybe longer. And when I returned, everything could be different.

I gripped the balcony railing. I didn't want Julian. I didn't want a marriage chosen for me. And I wasn't ready to let Brian disappear from my life before I had the chance to tell him what I felt.

My mind raced. I couldn't walk up to him and suddenly confess everything. Not yet. I needed time with him first. Time to know him. Time to get close enough to understand what I was feeling.

I took a slow breath. I would have to find a reason to spend more time at the company. My father had refused when I asked openly. That didn't mean I had to give up. A small smile touched my lips. I could find another way.

I turned from the balcony and walked back into my room. I stopped in front of the mirror. For once, I wasn't thinking about what my father wanted. I was thinking about what I wanted.

My eyes dropped to the phone on the table. I picked it up and stared at the screen for several seconds. Paris could wait. My father's plans could wait. But I couldn't keep pretending this feeling would simply disappear.

I tightened my grip on my phone. Then I made my decision.

"Even if it would cost me giving up HEC Paris because of Brian, then so be it after all I've always heard love comes with sacrifices."