From Obligation To Affection | ENGLOT

Introduction

Engfa Waraha's POV

I was sipping my coffee in my office, overlooking the bustling city of Bangkok, when I received the call that would alter my life.

“An arranged marriage? You can’t be serious, Mom,” I huffed, clenching the phone tightly. This was beyond anything I expected. At twenty-six, I was one of the most sought-after young entrepreneurs in Thailand, managing a successful fashion brand that catered to the elite. I was doing just fine on my own terms.

“You know how important this is, Engfa,” my mother’s voice was firm but laced with concern. “Our families have known each other for generations. Marrying Charlotte Austin will secure a future beyond business—it's about legacy.”

The weight of her words sank deep. The Waraha name wasn’t just a name; it was a legacy of honor and tradition. But to think I would have to give up my freedom for this—it felt like a betrayal to myself.

Charlotte Austin. I’d seen her at high-profile events—she was poised, elegant, and unapproachable. We’d barely exchanged more than a few words over the years. How could I marry a woman I barely knew, let alone love?

Still, I knew what my family expected. Loyalty. Sacrifice. The greater good. In the Waraha family, personal feelings were secondary to honor.

Charlotte Austin's POV

I stared at the engagement ring in disbelief, its glittering diamonds mocking me as I turned it between my fingers.

Engfa Waraha. Just the thought of marrying her made my heart race with a mix of anticipation and defiance. I was known for my philanthropic work and had dedicated myself to various causes. I was proud of the life I’d built. I’d never dreamed my father would trade my freedom for a merger.

My father’s voice rang in my head: “This isn’t just about you, Charlotte. It’s about family. The Austins and Warahas have always stood together. This marriage will secure alliances and strengthen our legacy.”

It was difficult to argue with him, especially knowing the weight he carried as the head of our family. But I wasn’t ready to lose myself to satisfy others’ ambitions.

And what about Engfa? I’d seen her from afar. She was bold, confident—an enigma. Her presence alone commanded attention. But what kind of person was she? Would she be as resentful about this arrangement as I was, or would she embrace it?

I had no answers. Only a future as uncertain as the look in her eyes the day we’d briefly locked gazes across a crowded gala hall.