The Forced Marriage: The Journey Begins

Chapter Sixteen

The next day, she returned to the law firm with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

The receptionist's smile was more genuine this time, and she was led to a different floor, where the real offices were located.

The walls here were lined with bookshelves filled with ancient tomes, and the air was charged with the scent of leather and ambition.

She was led into another conference room, this one smaller but no less intimidating.

Across the table sat Damien Ross, one of the senior partners at the firm. His piercing gaze made her knees wobble as she took her seat.
He was known for his sharp wit and even sharper tongue.

He didn't bother with pleasantries, diving straight into a barrage of questions that seemed designed to trip her up. His tone was icy, his eyes never leaving hers as he dissected her answers.

Sarah felt like a rabbit caught in a wolf's gaze, her heart racing in her chest. The room grew hotter with each question, and she found it hard to breathe.

"Miss Harris," Damien Ross said, his voice cold and calculated. "Your qualifications are... questionable, to say the least." He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving hers. "But I've seen potential in the unlikeliest of places."

Sarah swallowed hard, her hands gripping the edge of the table. She could feel the sweat forming on her palms.

Damien's gaze didn't waver. "Your family name got you this interview, not your grades," he said, his voice like a whip crack. "But I'm not one to be swayed by nepotism."

Sarah felt the sting of his words, but she held her ground, her voice shaking only slightly. "I understand your skepticism, Mr. Ross, but I assure you, I will work hard if I get the chance."

Damien leaned forward, his eyes boring into hers. "Hard work isn't enough in this business. You need grit, determination, and a spine of steel to survive here." He paused, watching her closely. "You've got a long road ahead of you, and it won't be easy."

Sarah took a deep breath, willing herself not to cry. "I know that, Mr. Ross. I'm ready for the challenge."

"You think you're ready?" He scoffed, his voice echoing in the small room. "This isn't a fairytale, Miss Harris. The legal world is cutthroat, and your surname won't save you here."

Sarah's eyes filled with unshed tears, but she kept her chin high. "I'm more than just a name, Mr. Ross. I'm a hardworking student who's eager to learn."

"You're a walking cliché, Miss Harris," Damien sneered, his disdain palpable. "But maybe, just maybe, there's something beneath that fragile exterior."

He tapped his pen against the table, his eyes never leaving hers. "Prove it to me."

Sarah felt like she was on the edge of a cliff, one wrong move and she'd fall into the abyss. Yet she found the strength to lean in, her voice steady. "I will, Mr. Ross. You won't regret this."

The room fell silent as they stared at each other, a silent battle of wills. Damien Ross's expression was unreadable, his eyes like ice chips cutting through her soul. Sarah's heart was pounding so loud she feared it would betray her fear."Your family name won't save you here, Miss Harris," he said, his voice like a whip crack.

"I'm here because I want to work hard, Mr. Ross," she said, her voice steady despite the tremble in her chest. "I'm not asking for favor. "

"You'll have to work twice as hard to earn your place here."

Sarah nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. She knew he was right."I'm not asking for favors, Mr. Ross. I'm asking for a chance to prove myself," she said, her voice strong despite the quiver in her chest.

Damien Ross leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest. "Prove what exactly?" he challenged.

Sarah took a deep breath, willing her voice not to shake. "That I'm capable, that I'm smart, and that I'm not going to let my marriage define me."

For a moment, Damien Ross's expression was unreadable, his eyes searching hers. Then, with a curt nod, he said, "I'll give you that chance."

Sarah felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she had won this round. "Thank you, Mr. Ross."

As she turned to leave, Damien called after her, "Miss Harris, remember, this isn't charity. You're here to work, not to make friends."

Sarah nodded, her eyes never leaving his. "I understand, Mr. Ross. Thank you for the opportunity."