From Vows to Desire

Chapter 14: A Strategic Union

The announcement of Theo and Sam’s engagement had gone live earlier that morning, and within hours, it was plastered on every major news outlet. Headlines like "UK's Most Eligible Bachelor Engaged!" and "Billionaire Wedding of the Year: Palmer and Beaumont Alliance!" were already circulating. Both the Palmers and the Beaumonts had anticipated the buzz, knowing that this wedding would be the talk of high society. Yet, they were determined to keep the truth—the business deal behind the union—under wraps. The public needed to believe this was a match made out of love.

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Scene 1: The Luncheon

The dining room at the Palmer residence was bathed in soft, natural light, the long table adorned with fresh white roses and crystal glasses. The smell of delicious food filled the air—vegetarian dishes especially prepared for Vidya and Samyukta. Victoria Palmer, ever the perfect hostess, was overseeing the final touches while the staff moved efficiently around the room.

Sam’s younger brother, Aryan, had just arrived from Switzerland, looking fresh and eager to be part of the meeting.

Victoria: "Vidya, I hope the food is to your liking. I made sure the chefs prepared vegetarian options with authentic Indian spices. I wanted everything to feel just right."

Vidya: "Thank you, Victoria. It smells divine. I can see you put so much thought into it." Vidya smiled warmly, her tone genuine. "And I heard you’re quite the painter. Perhaps I could see some of your work after lunch?"

Victoria: "Oh, I’d love that! I dabble a bit in oils and watercolors. Nothing too grand, of course, but I’d love your opinion."

Across the table, Ben and Aryan had found common ground, much to everyone’s surprise.

Ben: "So, you’re a football fan too, Aryan? What team do you support?"

Aryan: (grinning) "Real Madrid, all the way. Their lineup this season is incredible. I’m guessing you're a Premier League fan?"

Ben: (laughing) "You know it. Arsenal all the way. But I’ll admit, Madrid’s looking unstoppable this year."

Aryan: "What do you think of their new midfielder? That pass last week was unreal!"

The two continued their animated conversation about football, occasionally veering off into comics, quickly bonding as if they’d known each other for years.

At the head of the table, Arthur and Henri discussed business, masking the real purpose of the luncheon with casual pleasantries. Arthur spoke of the latest developments at Palmer Industries, while Henri kept the conversation light, his sharp eyes observing everything. They were two men who understood the value of power, yet today, they played the role of doting fathers and future in-laws.

Meanwhile, Theo was quietly observing everything, his mind buzzing with the weight of the impending marriage. He knew he had to play his part, but it all felt strange—disconnected. His thoughts drifted to Maisie, but he quickly shook them off. This was his life now, and he had to make it work. At least for the sake of the business.

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Scene 2: The Walk

After the main course was served and the conversation at the table flowed more easily, Theo caught Sam’s eye across the table. She smiled softly, sensing his discomfort, and nodded subtly. They needed to talk, and more importantly, they needed to put on a show for the media. The paparazzi would be waiting for their moment.

Sam: (smiling) "Theo, would you like to go for a walk? The gardens are beautiful this time of year."

Theo hesitated for a second but knew what she meant. They needed to show the world that this engagement was more than just a formality. He stood up, offering his hand to her.