Chapter 2: A Mysterious Marriage

Charlotte's POV:

I began to question the judgment of the Kingsley family patriarch.

Watching my plan fail, I observed my parents and Richard. My parents' expressions were grave, while Richard Kingsley wore a smile on his face, though his eyes revealed an unmistakable sharpness. Those eyes seemed to see through everything, and I was merely a pawn he was determined to capture.

"I understand your reluctance to marry off your daughter," Richard sighed, acknowledging the heavy atmosphere surrounding our family. His authoritative voice carried a hint of sincerity, and even his gaze softened slightly. "But I truly hope Charlotte can join our family."

Hearing Richard's seemingly heartfelt expression, I felt a flicker of hope, thinking there might still be a way out. I was about to speak up and refuse, but in the next second, Richard set down his napkin and raised his hand in a gesture that brooked no argument.

"August 15th seems like a good day. Let's hold the wedding then."

I felt a wave of suffocation wash over me. My father's jaw visibly tightened, his face showing clear displeasure. This meeting, which was supposed to be about getting acquainted, had somehow turned into setting a date for my wedding. Even more insulting was the fact that only Richard and James were present—no female family members were in attendance, and even my fiancé himself, Alexander Kingsley, was absent. This showed a complete lack of respect.

The atmosphere had reached an impasse, yet Richard suggested speaking with me privately.

Ten minutes later.

As we left the restaurant, my father's face was red with anger, veins protruding on his forehead.

"We will not continue with this marriage," my father turned to me and said firmly, his large hand falling protectively on my shoulder. "Tomorrow I will speak clearly with the Kingsley family."

My mother's eyes sparkled with tears as she nodded in agreement: "That's right. We built our company to give our children a better life, not to use them as bargaining chips. If the Kingsley family wants to go after our company, then we'll let it go. We can find a suitable small town to live in together as a family."

I felt my eyes grow moist, touched by my parents' willingness to sacrifice everything for my happiness. But even as emotions churned within my chest, rationality prevailed. How could I let my parents abandon decades of hard work? What about my brother Matthew's future? No one could stand against the Kingsley family and emerge unscathed.

"I'm willing," I said softly, "I will marry him."

"Charlotte..." My mother reached out and grabbed my hand, her face filled with worry.

"Did Richard threaten you?"

"No, Mom, don't overthink it." I forced a smile, but it never reached my eyes. "It's just a marriage. I would have to get married eventually anyway."

Just a marriage. I repeated these words in my mind, as if doing so would somehow lighten the burden that was about to come.

Time flew by, and before I knew it, August 15th had arrived. The wedding was held at the Fairmont Hotel in Nob Hill. The magnificent decorations stood in stark contrast to my mood. Dressed in a wedding gown custom-made by a famous designer at great expense to the Kingsley family, I stood before the mirror, feeling not the slightest bit of joy in my heart.

My mother gently pushed open the door and waved the makeup artist away, leaving only the two of us in the room. She walked behind me, and our eyes met through the mirror.

"Charlotte, you shouldn't have agreed to this."

I tried to comfort my mother, "I suddenly think getting married might be quite fun."

My mother placed her hand on my head, her eyes full of self-reproach and pain as she gently caressed my cheek and asked, "What did Richard say to you that day when he kept you behind?"

I froze, recalling the scene when Richard had kept me back for a private conversation.

"Charlotte, do you know what happens to those who offend the Kingsley family?"

I stared at the intimidating Richard across the table, my eyes full of defiance.

"Your eyes tell me you're not afraid of offending the Kingsley family," he leaned forward slightly, his voice low and intimidating, "but have you considered your parents? How much pressure can they withstand? I hear you have a brother studying in England. One cannot be so selfish in life."

Seeing my resolve waver, he paused, his gaze sharp, then continued. "You must know about Wright Group, right?"

I widened my eyes, looking at Richard in disbelief, unconsciously clenching my fists.

Wright Group had once been a century-old enterprise in the San Francisco Bay Area, but after offending someone, it went bankrupt in a single day. Some of the executives went to prison, others jumped to their deaths, and the few lucky ones who escaped abroad could never return home.

So it was the Kingsley family behind it all. I unconsciously clenched my fists and, after a long while, finally spoke.

"Richard, may I know why it has to be me?"

Richard smiled, wearing a mysterious expression.

"When the time is right, I will tell you."

I responded numbly.

"I hope it won't be too long."

"So, you agree?"

"But I have one condition: you must promise not to go after my family!"

Returning to the present, I looked at my mother's worried face and pretended to smile cheerfully: "It's nothing. The Kingsley family is quite good. No one will dare bully me in the future!"

On the day of the wedding, many members of high society attended, while media and paparazzi were kept out.

The Cole family also gained fame through its connection to the Kingsley family.

As the music began, I held onto my wedding dress and walked in uncomfortable high heels, arm in arm with my father, watching as the doors gradually opened and the lights inside converged.

For the first time, I saw my husband, Alexander Kingsley.