The Arrangement

1

Maya Bishop sat in her sleek, modern office overlooking the Seattle skyline, her mind occupied with the intricacies of her latest case. Corporate Law had its ups and downs but she was able to find joy in her career. After all everything in her life was leading up to her taking over her families international company, B4 Inc. She had decided upon a career path as a lawyer to help the family business but had made the unconventional decision to start her career at one of the top corporate law firms on the West Coast rather than start within B4 Inc. A decision her father couldn't seem to understand but was happy to see Maya successfully climbing the ladder and gaining knowledge and wisdom to one day take over the Bishop Family Company.

Being the heir to one of the wealthiest families came with its benefits but also some drawbacks. One drawback being she had been coached from an early age that success was rewarded and everything else was nothing. She had quickly realized that success was all her father recognized and strived to never disappoint him.

After running track in her younger years, she decided to concentrate the last few years of boarding school to prepare academically for college. Having become an outsider growing up, Maya had devoted her time to her studies quickly rising in the academic world. She had access to the best schools around the world and when deciding a career path, the top law schools were all within her reach. Maya graduated as valedictorian in both her undergraduate, masters and Yale law school.

Maya continually felt like she needed to be the best and would not stop until that was achieved. Maya had been born differently. The doctors had originally been taken a back when she was born and offered grim prognosis to her parents. Maya had been born intersex and possessed both male and female genitalia. At first her parents were taken aback as to how their first born, their heir could be such an abomination as one of the doctors had referred to her.

Luckily her parents wealth and her father's need for an heir to show his father his success pushed the Bishop family to research and aid Maya in her special condition. She had access to the best healthcare and grew up confident in her own body and abilities. Even with her confidence the spark of being different drove her to reach for success at every chance to gain the respect and admiration of her family.

Growing up with constant challenges she faced, Maya had resolved that she would not pursue children and a family life but rather devote herself to her work. While academically successful, Maya had at times struggled socially. With a few close lifelong friends she had been able to adjust to most social surrounding but had never been truly successful in relationships.

Just named the youngest partner an international firm, Harris Worldwide, and heir to a very wealthy, influential family, she was no stranger to high-stakes negotiations and complex legal battles. However, nothing could have prepared her for the conversation she was about to have.

The door to her office swung open, and her father, Lane Bishop, walked in, his expression serious. Maya stood, her brow furrowed in concern.

"Father, what brings you here?" she asked, gesturing for him to sit.

Lane took a seat, his eyes fixed on his daughter. "Maya, we need to talk. It's about the future of our family and our business."

Maya's heart sank. Whenever her father spoke in that tone, it meant something significant was about to happen. "What is it?"

Lane took a deep breath. "You know the DeLuca family, correct? They are one of the most influential families in Italy, with extensive connections in the advertising world."

Maya nodded. "Yes, I've heard of them. Why?"

Lane leaned forward, his gaze intense. "We have been negotiating a merger with them for months, and it's crucial for our business. To solidify this alliance, they have proposed a marriage between you and their daughter, Carina DeLuca."