Marry Me.

Chapter One.

I wake up in my luxurious penthouse apartment, the soft morning light filtering through the windows and casting a warm glow across the room. The bustling city below is a sight to behold, a vibrant tapestry of life and motion. I am Daphne Laurier, a young woman in my early twenties, and this breathtaking view is just another reminder of the life I've been born into.

My father, Timothy Laurier, is the formidable CEO of the Laurier empire, a name synonymous with wealth and power. As his daughter, I've always been cocooned in privilege, shielded from the intricate dealings that drive his business forward. My world is one of extravagance, designer gowns, and glamorous soirées. They say I have it all – beauty, intelligence, and an irresistible charm. Yet, beneath the surface, there's a yearning, an emptiness I can't quite articulate.

The grandeur of my existence revolves around opulent parties and mingling with the social elite. It's a life that's envious from the outside, a life I'm expected to embrace wholeheartedly. But deep down, there's a void that refuses to be filled. An insatiable emptiness lingers, even amid the glittering extravagance that surrounds me.

My father's world is one of towering skyscrapers and corporate conquests. He's a self-made billionaire who's built his empire from scratch. His endeavours have kept me at a distance from the complexities of his dealings, his way of ensuring I enjoy a carefree and protected existence. Little do I know, though, that he's been orchestrating a major merger with another powerful CEO, a move that will reshape the destiny of our family's legacy.

One sunny morning, I descend the grand staircase of our sprawling mansion, greeted by the familiar hum of the household staff going about their duties. The butler exchanges pleasantries, hinting that my father awaits me in his private study. Intrigue takes hold, and I make my way to his domain.

A soft knock on the study door precedes my entrance, and at my father's bidding, I step in. There he sits, Timothy Laurier, a man in his early fifties with a commanding presence and salt-and-pepper hair that speaks of experience. His piercing blue eyes, once so reassuring to me, now hold an air of mystery.

"Daphne, my dear, come in," his voice welcomes me, warm yet carrying an undertone of seriousness. He gestures for me to take a seat, and I settle into an elegant armchair. All eyes are on me now, his gaze fixed, and for the first time, I feel the weight of his attention in a way I never have before.

"I've been contemplating a merger for some time," he begins, his voice a mix of excitement and concern. "An opportunity that could propel Laurier to new heights."I listen, captivated by his words. This is a side of him I've rarely glimpsed, the fervent businessman hidden behind the façade of my father. The merger, the discussions – it's all so far from the world I know.

"But, what does this merger entail, Father?" I ask, my voice betraying a blend of intrigue and apprehension. "And who is this CEO you're planning to merge with?"

He leans forward, his hands steepled before him. "The CEO in question is Zachary McGuire," he discloses. "And he has a son, Nolan. You see, part of our merger involves a betrothal – you to Nolan."

The words hang in the air, a surprising revelation that sends my thoughts into a whirlwind. Betrothal, an antiquated concept, feels out of place in the modern world. The idea of being bound to someone I've never met, especially in the context of a business merger, is overwhelming.

"Father, I... I don't understand," I stumble, my emotions in disarray. "Why would you arrange a marriage for me? And without even consulting me?"

Timothy sighs his expression a tapestry of regret and determination. "Daphne, this merger isn't just about us. It's about Laurier's future, about our family's legacy," he explains. "In our world, alliances are forged through marriage. I believe that Nolan McGuire is a suitable match, and together, our families can achieve greatness."

Conflicting emotions surge within me. His vision is grand, and a part of me is enticed by it. But an arranged marriage, a life predestined by business strategy, stifles my very essence. I long for love, for companionship, for the freedom to chart my own course.

As the days pass, I find myself torn between duty and the fire of independence burning within me. I make up my mind to learn more about the McGuires, to find solace in the midst of this unexpected twist. Delving into their world reveals a family entrenched in tradition and power, a family not unlike ours. Yet, as I uncover more, questions multiply.

Is there more to this arrangement than meets the eye? Who are the men at the center of this merger, my father and Nolan? Can love truly blossom within the confines of this orchestrated union?

Every step I take leads me closer to answers, but the path is fraught with uncertainty. The world of the McGuires beckons, promising both insight and challenges. And within the web of intricacies, I must discern my role, my desires, and the truth that hides beneath the polished veneer of this merger.