5

Carissa's POV 

However, to my surprise, my mother explained calmly, “Grandma Yulia passed away just last week, Carissa.”  

My expression shifted from deep worry to confusion and slight shock.  

Grandma Yulia was Dylan’s grandmother, a woman who often cared for me and Raihan when our parents were away on business. She was gentle and kind, and I was saddened by the news.  

“I … I’m sorry for your loss,” I said sincerely, then added, “but I still don’t understand how this relates to my question?”

My mother approached me and placed her hands on my shoulders. “As you know, Grandma Yulia loved you dearly. Therefore, she wanted what was best for your future.”  

Hearing that, I felt uneasy.  

“That’s why, before she passed, Grandma Yulia left a will,” my mother continued with a gentle smile. “She asked that Dylan marry you no later than two months from now.”  

My eyes widened in shock. But before I could say anything, my father added, “Considering you once wished to marry Dylan, I believe this arrangement poses no problem.”  

I was speechless. I felt bewildered and shocked.  

I was being betrothed to Dylan? What kind of nonsense was this?  

Without mutual consent, how could such an arrangement be made?  

Quietly, I glanced at Dylan. My heart wondered, Dylan … wouldn’t oppose this marriage, would he? After all, he didn’t even like me!

Just as that question floated in my mind, I heard my father say, “Grandma Yulia had her reasons. She wanted to see you and Dylan together, tying your marriage as a condition for Arvin to inherit the company.”  

The moment I heard my father’s last reason, all the puzzles in my mind fell into place. My previously confused and shocked expression turned bitter and… slightly disappointed.  

So…the reason Dylan didn’t voice any rejection was because… his inheritance was at stake!  

Marrying for wealth and not for love? How cruel could Dylan be to himself!  

After explaining everything to me, my parents smiled.  

My father concluded with a helpless smile, believing his daughter’s fortune was good. Dylan was the only son of a close friend, a businessman, and marrying such a calm and caring young man couldn’t be a disadvantage!  

“Yes, something like that, dear. Dylan came tonight to relay that will, and your mother and I immediately agreed because you’ve always…”

“I don’t want to.”  

Suddenly, the room fell silent, shocked by my firm refusal.  

“What did you say?” my father asked, astonished.  

I looked at my father calmly, then confidently said while gazing at Dylan, who appeared equally surprised by my statement, “I refuse to marry Dylan.”

My response left the room in stunned silence. They never expected such a firm rejection from me!  

Finally, Raihan broke the silence.  

“Carissa, don’t be ridiculous. You’ve always been whining about wanting to marry Dylan, so why are you rejecting it now?” he asked, looking perplexed.  

I met Raihan’s gaze seriously. “The last time I said that was when I was in elementary school. Do you really believe what kids say?” I retorted before turning to my father. “I’m an adult now, and I have the right to choose my own path. Therefore, I will not accept this arrangement.”  

My parents fell silent, unable to respond. They hadn’t anticipated such a reaction from their daughter.

However, the will from Grandma Yulia, which also referenced a promise made with my grandfather—from my mother—could not simply be dismissed. What were they to do?  

As everyone remained silent, a voice suddenly called out, “Uncle Andrew.”  

My father turned to his left and saw Dylan approaching him and me.  

“May I speak with Carissa for a moment?” he asked politely.  

For a moment, my father hesitated. He glanced at me to ensure I was comfortable.  

Since I didn’t object, my father nodded. “Go ahead.”  

Upon receiving permission, Dylan looked at me and said, “Come with me.”  

Dylan’s words sounded more like an order, and I didn’t like it. However, for some reason, I couldn’t resist and ended up following him into the guest room.  

As soon as he closed the door, I heard Dylan say, “Accept this marriage.”

I froze. I turned and stared at Dylan, who was staring coldly at me from the middle of the room.  

“What?” I repeated with furrowed brows.  

“I said, accept this marriage,” Dylan asserted once more.  

My expression became increasingly cloudy as I asked, “On what basis?” A cold snort escaped my lips as I added, “I don’t like you, and vice versa. So, why force this unwanted matchmaking?”  

After saying that, I could feel a cold and dark aura emanating even stronger from Dylan’s body. It made me wonder, did I say something wrong?  

However, it was the truth! Dylan had no feelings of love or liking for me. So, what was wrong!?  

“If I said I liked you, would you agree to this marriage?”  

I was wide-eyed, not believing what I was hearing.  

‘Saying empty confessions just so that I would accept the marriage and the inheritance could be his, Dylan… you are truly an extraordinary man!’ I thought to myself with an expression filled with deep disappointment.

 “No,” I finally said. “I told you before, I won’t accept this arranged marriage.” Knowing how stubborn Emperor Dylan Drake was, I dropped the last weapon he had. “Besides, I already have a lover.” When those words were uttered, I could feel the temperature of the room turning very cold. Dylan, who had been standing in the middle of the room, seemed to be walking towards me. “W-what are you doing, Dylan—ah!” I screamed as Dylan finally cornered me against the wall. “Lover?” the man repeated with a half-growl and a gaze so cold it made my body tremble uncontrollably. “You already have a lover?” With a pounding heart, I clenched my fists to gather my courage. “Y-yes, I already have a lover,” I said. “So, I hope you don’t—” 

“Decide.”

I was shocked to hear Dylan’s words just now. He stared at the man’s pair of hypnotic gray beads intently, trying to find the reason why the man dared to give him orders like a superior ordering a subordinate. However, before I could understand Dylan’s thoughts, his entire body froze as the man said, “Break up with your boyfriend, or I’ll tell everyone that we slept together.”