Chapter Three

Chapter 3

"Dinner?" James's voice rang with incredulity as he strode into the study. "With Emma Montgomery? The spoiled little princess who dared to kiss me at that society event?"

Senator Reynolds looked up from his desk, his expression softening as he regarded his son. He set down his pen and gestured for James to take a seat across from him.

"I know this situation seems sudden and unconventional," he said, his tone level and unhurried. "But I truly believe it could be an incredible opportunity for you, son. Especially after witnessing the obvious chemistry between you two."

James shook his head adamantly as he dropped into the chair, recalling the scorching, bruising kiss Emma had laid on him seemingly out of nowhere.

"Chemistry? She kissed me like that solely to get revenge on her cheating ex-boyfriend who showed up with his fling. It was a twisted game to humiliate the poor bastard, nothing more."

His father arched one skeptical brow. "Are you quite certain about that? Because from where I was standing, it looked like Miss Montgomery was finally allowing herself to act on the sparks that have been crackling between you two since you first locked eyes."

Heat crept up James's neck as he remembered their very first encounter - how taken he'd been by Emma's beauty before opening his stupid mouth and insulting her family's company. He couldn't deny the dizzying attraction he'd felt, at least until she revealed herself to be every inch the stuck-up rich girl the rumors portrayed.

"Regardless of what you think you saw, it meant nothing," he insisted, trying to regain his composure. "I have a fiancée whom I love dearly. Sarah and I have been together for years. I cannot simply discard those vows and promises."

The senator reached across and patted James's hand in a gentle, reassuring manner. There was an understated warmth in his eyes.

"I'm not asking you to forget about Sarah, James. I saw how radiantly happy you were with that young woman. If she's the one who truly owns your heart, then I would never stand in the way of that love."

James looked up sharply, searching his father's face for any hints of deception. Finding only sincerity, he felt some of the tension uncoiling within him.

"Then...why are you pushing me to pursue Emma Montgomery? I don't understand your reasoning, especially after that disastrous first meeting."

Senator Reynolds let out a soft sigh, leaning back in his chair.

"You know our family has struggled financially for some time now. Years of unwise investments and expansion too rapidly have taken a heavy toll. Despite my best efforts to rectify the situation, we stand on the verge of ruin, James."

He paused, seeming to weigh his next words carefully. "The Montgomery family has extended an offer, a proposal for you to marry Emma, their sole heir. In doing so, we would enter into a profitable business partnership that could solve all of our monetary troubles. Our legacies, our entire lineage would be preserved and secured."

James's brow furrowed as he processed this information. "You're asking me to marry for money and status? Just to prop up our family's wealth and reputation?"

"I'm asking you to consider it, yes," Senator Reynold replied evenly. "But not for money alone. More than anything, I want to ensure your future is stable and prosperous. That you can provide abundantly for any children you might have someday."

Rising from his chair, he moved around the desk and crouched beside James, gripping his son's hand firmly between his calloused palms. His eyes shone with a profound, paternal tenderness.

"You are my greatest pride, James. My life's singular accomplishment. I regret that my shortcomings as a businessman have put you in this difficult position. But I'm trying to make the best out of a complicated situation to secure your family's well-being for generations."

A lump rose in James's throat at the raw emotion in his father's words, at the remorse flickering across the weathered lines of his face. He covered his father's hands with his own, giving them a gentle squeeze.

"I appreciate you looking out for me, Dad. And for our family's future. But marriage, it's a sacred bond, you know that. I can't simply enter into that covenant lightly just for fiscal gain."

Senator Reynold nodded slowly, rising to his full height once more. "You're right, of course. It was unwise of me to issue any ultimatums about the matter. This is your life, your choice."

He rested a hand on James's shoulder, his eyes shining with unmistakable pride. "Whatever you decide, I'll stand behind you fully. If you wish to pursue your beloved Sarah and build a new family legacy together, then you have my complete blessing."

A profound sense of relief washed over James, thankful that his father could finally see reason. He stood as well, embracing the older man in a tight hug.

"Thank you, Dad. That means everything to me."

Senator Reynold returned the hug with equal fervor, clearing his throat gruffly against the swell of emotion.

"That said..." He pulled back, unable to hide the hopeful gleam in his eye. "If you did happen to give the Montgomery proposal a chance and attendance at dinner this evening...well, I certainly wouldn't object."

He gave James a roguish wink, his lips quirking into a sly smile. "And who knows? You might even find the young woman has hidden charms that could sway the heart of a confirmed bachelor like yourself."

James couldn't help but shake his head in wry amusement, his worries dissipating in the face of his father's disarming pluckiness. He was more relieved than ever that they could discuss this matter like two rational adults rather than resorting to angry edicts and defiance.

"I'll think about the dinner invitation," he conceded with a tolerant chuckle. "Though I make no promises where Emma Montgomery is concerned."

"That's my boy." Senator Reynold beamed, clapping him proudly on the back. "Just approach this with an open mind, eh? Whatever you decide, you'll have my full support."

As James watched his father exit the study with a jaunty whistle, he felt an enormous weight lift from his shoulders. His path ahead remained hazy and daunting, with no clear answers in sight. But at least now he could tread it with the loving guidance of the man who had raised him rather than under an authoritarian's stern edicts.

He was free to pursue his own heart in this matter, a liberating feeling, even if it brought with it a host of new quandaries. At least the decision was ultimately his to make, with no threats or ultimatums looming over his head.

With a heartfelt sigh of contentment, James turned towards the window, gazing out at the scenic Reynold grounds with their rambling gardens and ornate fountains. For the first time in ages, he felt an overwhelming sense of peace and clarity. Whatever the future held, he would face it steadfastly, with courage in his convictions.

But all of this could go within a twinkle of an eye if he followed the woman he loves, and his father could lose the next election. This wasn’t about him anymore….