The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 1: Nonna's Ultimatum

Emory's POV:

I sit at my desk, my head throbbing from the stress of endless paperwork and a never-ending to-do list. My business suit feels constricting, and my black hair is pulled back tightly into a bun, a reflection of the no-nonsense attitude I had adopted over the years.

Being the CEO of Winslow Enterprises isn't something that comes easily. I have to work hard, hustle harder, and put in countless hours to make our family business a success. Sacrifices had to be made along the way, including personal time and relationships, but I have always thought it was worth it.

Little did I know that my grandmother, the family matriarch, had other plans for me.

With a sigh, I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my tired eyes, Taking a quick break from the paperwork. Just then I heard my grandmother's voice.

"Emmy, dear, do you have a moment?" She asked, standing in the doorway of my office.

I sighed inwardly, but my face remained impassive. Grandma rarely leaves the mansion nowadays so her visits are usually meant for something important. I know I have to set aside what I'm doing and pay attention to her. I silently motioned towards the seat.

"What is it, Nonna?" I asked, my voice devoid of any emotion.

My grandmother, a regal woman with fine, snowy hair and piercing hazel eyes, took a seat across from me. I noted the way my nonna's gaze roamed over my office -- neat, tidy, organized to perfection.

"Your mother tells me that you have yet to find a girlfriend."

My brows furrowed. Leave it to my mother to snitch on me to my grandmother. "I don't have time for that, Nonna. I'm too busy with work."

My grandmother clasped her hands together, a small sly smile on her face. "Well, darling, I wanted to remind you that my birthday is coming up soon."

I raise an eyebrow, wary about the sudden change of topic. "Yes, I know. I already arranged for a gift to be sent to you."

My grandmother wave a hand dismissively. "Oh, that's not what I meant, dear. I mean it's time for you to settle down and find yourself a wife."

My eyes widened in disbelief and I leaned forward in my seat. "Excuse me?"

My grandmother nodded firmly. "Yes, dear, you heard me correctly. I want that as my birthday present."

My jaw clenched tightly, my hands gripping the armchair tightly. My mom and grandmother has always meddled with my life, but not to this extent.

"I don't have time for relationships, Nonna," I repeated through gritted teeth.

My grandmother's smile faltered and she regarded me sternly. "You may be CEO of this company, Emory, but you are still a Winslow. And as such, you have certain responsibilities. One of those responsibilities involves perpetuating our family's legacy."

I let out a frustrated sigh. I've always known that there is no arguing with Nonna, but the idea of a marriage is beyond ridiculous to me, I can't just comply mindlessly.

"And if I don't?" I dared to ask, rubbing the spot between my furrowed brows.

My nonna hummed and placed her hands in her lap. "If you do not comply, I will have no choice but to disinherit you and name your cousin as CEO."

I stared at her in disbelief. I had worked too hard to let some archaic notion of family legacy dictate my life, and yet... the thought of losing everything I had worked so hard for is unbearable.