Chapter 2: Then Find One

"I'm what?" Julia stared at her father in disbelief.

"You're getting married," Mr. Reid repeated. "And that's final."

Not only had they humiliated her countless times, now they intended to sell her off to a man she hadn't even met.

"What do you mean it's final? Do I not get a say in this? And that's if I ever want to get married."

"No. As long as you're my daughter, I'll choose your husband."

"This isn't the sixties, father. I don't care who this man is, but I sure as hell will not marry him."

Julia turned to walk away, but was stopped by a strong set of hands that grabbed her by the arm.

"That's very disrespectful of you, Julia. How dare you walk out on our father?" Devon barked as he shoved her back into the room causing Julia to stumble.

She was too stunned to speak. He wasn't bluffing. Her father truly intended to marry her off.

She had no idea who she was to get married to, but she knew her father had made that decision based on selfish reasons. He always did.

"What does mum have to say about this?" Julia finally spoke.

"She's in agreement. It's in the best interest of the family that this marriage be held."

"What do you mean by that? Best interest?"

"We've invested in you for years. What have we gained? Nothing."

"Nothing?" Julia thought.

She had graduated with a first class at the top of her class and because of how exceptional she was, the university had offered her a spot in their PhD program.

She had achieved all of that and her family wasn't aware. They couldn't even care less.

Every time she had tried to talk about school and her achievements, they'd never listen. They spent all their time gloating over Devon whose academic performance was below par in comparison to Julia's.

They had skipped her graduation because Devon had a flu and had demanded none of them leave his side at the mansion.

Julia had walked the stage on that day without anyone to celebrate her and her achievements.

She remembered watching other graduates rush into the arms of their parents, cameras flashing as proud families celebrated together. She had stood alone in her graduation gown, clutching her degree with a forced smile before quietly booking a taxi home.

That was the day she stopped expecting anything from the people who were supposed to love her most.

The words sat on the tip of her tongue. Then she remembered her empty seat at graduation—the one her family never filled. She swallowed every achievement she had ever wanted to tell them about.

"Think of this as your contribution to the family. For once in your life, do something that benefits all of us."

Julia couldn't believe her ears. How could he say that to her when they never treated her like she was family?

"My contribution? Why exactly do I have to marry this mystery man? What's in it for you?"

"You can't be serious. Are you trying to imply that I'm only doing this for some selfish reason?"

"You tell me, father."

"Julia, you're getting closer to thirty. The sooner you get married, the better. No man wants a woman that's above twenty five."

"That's why? You're doing all this because you're scared you'd end up with an unmarried daughter? Of course, anything to protect the Reid family name." she scoffed.

"Don't you dare speak to me in that tone. I am your father and I will not accept that."

Julia rolled her eyes at her father's words.

"Julia, please be reasonable. We promise you'll be happy when you get married to the husband father has chosen. You'll enjoy the benefits too." Devon said.

"Of course! Benefits. What benefits? I demand to know this instant." Julia demanded, facing her father.

For a second, she saw her father's calm expression falter. It was gone before she could fully register it.

"Our company has encountered financial difficulties."

Julia's eyes narrowed at the statement.

"What does that have to do with me?"

Her father sighed.

"Mr. Thomas Sterling has agreed to clear our debts."

Julia frowned. She didn't understand what that had to do with her.

"In exchange for your hand in marriage," her father concluded.

Thomas Sterling was old enough to be her grandfather. Rumours of his failing health had circulated through the business world for months, and everyone knew his family was desperate for an heir before it was too late. The thought of becoming his wife made her stomach twist in disgust.

"That's what this is about. You're selling me off to Thomas. Thomas? That old sickly man?! I've always known you hate me, but not this much."

"The Sterling family has promised to take good care of you, Julia. You'll never get this opportunity again. After what you did last night, you should be grateful anyone is willing to marry you," Devon said, his voice growing quieter.

Julia stared at him, unable to believe the words that had just come out of his mouth. Somehow, Devon had managed to make her feel even smaller.

Just when she thought they couldn't hurt her any more, they proved her wrong.

"I will not marry Mr. Sterling. Sort out the company's problems without having to involve me. It's not like you ever involved me in the affairs of the company. Why now?"

Her father smashed the wine glass that sat on the table next to him before closing the space between them.

The sharp crash echoed through the room, making Julia flinch despite herself.

"You will do as I say. You do not get to choose. The decision has already been made," he snapped.

Julia stood in disbelief. How could they seriously do this to her?

Her father continued to speak. "I fed you. I clothed you. I raised you. Now it's time you repay this family."

He turned away and paced the living room—not out of worry, but because he knew he was in control.

Julia stood there, her blood boiling with rage. She'd had enough and wasn't going to let this go on any longer.

"I'd rather marry a complete stranger than Thomas Sterling."

Her father's face darkened.

"Then find one."

Julia froze.

"...because in one month, you'll be married."

If she left now, she'd have nowhere to go. If she stayed, they'd force the marriage.

There had to be another solution.

Her mind raced through every possibility. She could hide at a friend's place for a few days, but her father would eventually track her down.

She could throw herself into her research and pretend none of this had happened, but that wouldn't stop him from arranging the wedding.

Running away wasn't a solution. It would only delay the inevitable. There had to be a way to stop the marriage before it ever happened.