CHAPTER 5

As Carmilla's family stepped into the Harrington mansion, they were immediately approached by the Harrington family. Margaret Harrington, the matriarch of the family, smiled warmly as she extended her hand.

"Welcome, dear family," she said, her voice dripping with sincerity. "We're so sorry for your loss. Julian was a wonderful young man."

Carmilla's mother, still visibly shaken by the loss of her son, nodded graciously as she accepted Margaret condolences. "Thank you, Margaret. Your family's support means a lot to us."

As the Harringtons stepped aside, a steady stream of mourners approached Carmilla's family, offering their condolences and sharing stories about Julian. Carmilla listened politely, trying to keep her emotions in check.

She had always known that her brother's death would have far-reaching consequences, but she had never imagined that it would lead to this. Her family's company was on the verge of bankruptcy, and the only way to save it was to form an alliance with the Harringtons.

As the reception wore on, the crowds began to thin, and the Harringtons and Carmilla's family were left alone. Carmilla's mother, her eyes locked onto Margaret’s, cleared her throat.

"Margaret, I think it's time we discussed the...arrangements," she said, her voice low.

Margaret's expression turned somber, and she nodded. "Yes, of course. We had discussed a potential merger between our families' companies, and Julian's...passing has put everything in jeopardy."

Carmilla's mother took a deep breath before speaking. "I think we can still make it work. Carmilla, here, is willing to...take Julian’s place in the arrangement."

Carmilla's heart sank as she realized what her mother was proposing. She was being offered up as a sacrifice to save the family's company. She felt a wave of anger wash over her, but she knew that she had no choice.

Margaret’s eyes lit up with interest as she turned to Carmilla. "Ah, wonderful. I think that's a great idea. Harrison, come here and meet Carmilla."

A tall, dark-haired man stepped forward, his eyes locking onto Carmilla's. He smiled, and Carmilla felt a shiver run down her spine.

"Hello, Carmilla," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I'm Harrison Harrington. It's nice to meet you."

Carmilla forced a smile onto her face as she extended her hand. "Nice to meet you too, Harrison."

As they shook hands, Carmilla felt a sense of trepidation wash over her. She knew that she was being forced into a binding agreement, one that would change her life forever. And as she looked into Harrison's eyes, she wondered what lay ahead for her.

The two families stood there for a moment, the tension between them palpable. Carmilla's mother broke the silence, her voice firm.

"I think we should discuss the details of the arrangement," she said, her eyes locked onto Margaret's.

Margaret nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Of course. Let's go into the study and discuss everything."

As they walked into the study, Carmilla felt a sense of dread wash over her. She knew that she was about to embark on a journey that would change her life forever. And as she looked at Harrison, she wondered if she would ever be able to escape.

The study was a large, opulent room with a massive wooden desk at its center. Margaret took a seat behind the desk, while Carmilla's mother sat in one of the chairs in front of it. Harrison stood beside Carmilla, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Let's get down to business," Margaret said, her voice firm. "The arrangement is simple. Carmilla will marry Harrison, and in return, the Harringtons will invest in your family's company, saving it from bankruptcy."

Carmilla felt a wave of anger wash over her, but she knew that she had no choice. She was trapped, and she knew that she would have to play along.

"I understand," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Margaret smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "Wonderful. I'll have our lawyers draw up the papers, and we can finalize the arrangement as soon as possible."

As the meeting came to a close, Carmilla felt a sense of despair wash over her. She was trapped in a world of luxury and privilege, but it came at a steep price. She was forced to marry a man she didn't love, and she knew that she would never be able to escape.

As they left the study, Carmilla felt Harrison's hand on her arm, guiding her through the crowds of people. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she looked up at him, wondering what lay ahead for her.

“ It's just an arranged marriage, I believe once the both families get what they want, we can go for an annulment”. He said, while walking her through.

Carmilla became a little surprised by what he has just uttered. 

“ So, you are against this marriage too?”. She asked, with a surprise on her face.

“ I'm the first son of this family and the heir to the company. Whatever I can do to keep my family and the company going, I'm willing to do it. Even if it means marrying you”. He spoke firmly.

Carmilla then stops walking as she demanded to be left alone to clear her thought.

“ Let just head to where your parents are. I won't feel okay leaving you here alone, at least not in my house”. He said.

Carmilla pondering over his words, nodded. They both walked up to where the family gathered again, this time they were exchanging farewell greetings.

“ Thank you so much for this memorial ceremony, the Hunt family will live to remember it”. Mr. Hunt said with gratitude as he extends his hands towards Mr. Arthur who in turn returns the hand shake.

“ It nothing, we are family afterall. You all must be exhausted, you can head back home while we take care of the remaining guests here”. 

The Hunt family after exchanging pleasantries headed back home.