y Parents Demanded That I Get Married to Keep the Family Business, So I Chose a ‘Fresh-off-the-Farm’ Girl to Spite Them
I chose a “country girl” to spite my wealthy parents, who required me to marry in order to inherit the family business. However, I soon realized that she was concealing a significant secret.
I will acknowledge it. I am not proud of the manner in which I initiated this entire situation. I was not in search of affection, not even in the slightest. I merely desired to retaliate against my parents.
You see, I have always lived according to my own desires, without any constraints. Expensive vacations, parties, and fast vehicles. Also, why not? I was aware that I would inherit my father’s business, as my family was affluent.
However, my parents then seated me for “the talk.”
“Listen, Alex,” my father said, bending forward as if he were engaged in a business conversation. “Your mother and I feel it’s time you settle down.”
“Settle down?” I sneered and leaned back with a smirk. “You mean get married?”
“Indeed,” he replied with a bow, maintaining eye contact. “You are nearly thirty years old.” In order to request the company, we require evidence of your dedication. That entails a wife and a family. It is impossible to operate a business of this nature independently.
My mother responded by shaking her head. Alex, your father dedicated his entire existence to this endeavor. We are unable to entrust the future of the enterprise to an individual who views life as a celebration.
I was incensed. They desired a marriage, so I would grant them one. I would demonstrate their error if they believed they could manipulate me. It would be my intention to identify an individual who would prompt them to reconsider their own requests.
And that is when I encountered Mary.
Mary was not from the typical locations where I encountered women. I discovered her volunteering at a low-key charity event. She appeared modest, perhaps even timid, in a straightforward dress with her hair fastened back. No ostentatious attire, no designer clothing—merely a genuine and tranquil atmosphere.
I introduced myself, and she simply nodded and said, “Nice to meet you, Alex.” She hardly glanced at me, as if she was unimpressed.
“So, uh, where are you from, Mary?” I inquired in an effort to ascertain the nature of her narrative.
She replied with a courteous smile, “Oh, I’m just from a small town.” “Nothing fancy.” Her pupils appeared to be guarded, and her voice was soft.
Perfect. It is flawless.
“So, Mary,” I initiated, directly addressing the issue. “How do you feel about marriage?”
Her expression was one of astonishment, as she raised her eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
“I am aware that it may appear peculiar,” I replied, attempting to maintain a self-assurance. “However, I am in search of a partner for matrimony.” I have my justifications. However, it will be necessary for you to first pass a series of “tests.”
Mary gazed at me with a face that was inscrutable. Then, to my surprise, she burst into laughter. “That is quite amusing,” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with an emotion that I was unable to identify. “I was just thinking I could use a little ‘marriage’ myself.”
“Really?” I expressed my astonishment. “So, is it a deal?”
Mary examined me before giving a sigh. “Okay, Alex. However, you are required to make a commitment.
“What’s that?”
“There will be no inquiries regarding my background, and I will maintain a straightforward approach.” They require no further information; she is merely a girl from a modest town. Are you comfortable with that?
I couldn’t believe my good fortune as I beamed. “Perfect.”
My parents were appalled when I introduced Mary to them. My mother’s eyebrows arched as she observed Mary’s unadorned attire and reserved demeanor.
“Oh… Mary, is it?” Mom stated, attempting to conceal her disapproval with a tense smile.
The frown of Dad became more severe. “Alex, this… this isn’t exactly what we had in mind.”
“Well, you wanted me to settle down,” I replied, my grin erupting. “Mary is an ideal match for me.” She is composed and modest, and she is not concerned with any of the elaborate details.
Mary was successfully accomplishing it. Every time she responded politely or exhibited uncertainty during our “society talk,” I was aware that my parents were dying within.
However, something about her remained an enigma. She was an ideal candidate for my strategy; however, occasionally, I would observe an expression in her eye that was almost amusing.
“More than ever,” I exclaimed, cracking up. Mary, they are appalled. This is functioning properly.”
Her voice was quiet, almost imperceptibly so. “Well,” she replied. “Glad I could help.”
I was preoccupied with perceiving my parents’ reactions that I neglected to observe Mary’s carefully. At least not yet.
The charity ball’s evening has finally arrived. My parents had not spared any expense: a stately hall shone with chandeliers, tables were adorned with white silk cloths, and the silverware was sufficient to feed a small country.
In contrast to the sequins and high heels that surrounded her, Mary’s simple dress and understated elegance rendered her appear out of place. She entered the room alongside me. Everything I had hoped for.
“Remember,” I murmured, leaning in close to her. “Tonight’s the final test.”
Her expression was unintelligible as she gazed upwards at me. “I know the drill.”
I remained in close proximity to her as the evening progressed, observing her speak softly, smile respectfully, and never draw attention to herself. My parents occasionally cast her a few apprehensive glimpses, but I could tell that they were hoping she would simply assimilate into the background.
The mayor then unexpectedly approached us, his face erupting into an expansive smile.
“Mary!” He was overjoyed to see her and extended his hand to grasp hers.
My parents’ jaws nearly collided with the ground. I squint in an effort to comprehend the situation. Did the mayor know Mary?
Mary’s expression was courteous; however, I observed her discomfort. She responded with a slight stiffness, “It is also a pleasure to see you, Mayor.”
“You know, everyone’s still talking about that children’s hospital project you funded,” the mayor asserted. “Your family’s contributions are still making a difference.”
Mary agreed. “I am delighted to hear that.” We merely wish to provide assistance in any capacity that is feasible.
The mayor eventually departed, leaving us in a state of awe. My mother was the first to shatter it, gazing at me with wide-eyed wonder. “Alex… what was that about?”
Jack, an old family acquaintance, approached me with an expression of bewilderment before I could respond. “Mary!” It has been an extended period since our last encounter. I was unaware that you had returned to the city.
Mary managed a brief chuckle. “I did not exactly announce it.” She stated, “I returned for my wedding.”
Jack’s expression was a mixture of amusement and astonishment as he addressed me. “Alex, you are engaged to Mary the Charity Princess?” “Her family is one of the most significant philanthropists in the state!”
My mouth became parched. Princess of Charity. Of course, I was aware of the name. Everyone possessed it. However, I had never invested the time to meet her or even research her.
I escorted Mary to a silent corner as soon as we could escape my parents’ gaze. “So… Charity Princess?” I inquired, crossing my arms.
She let out a sigh and turned her gaze away. “Certainly.” The largest charitable fund is owned by my family. I am not running in these circles, while they are. For years, I have refrained from engaging in any of this.
I continued to attempt to comprehend it by running my hand through my hair. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because,” she said slowly, “it is the same reason you did not inform me that you desired a ‘fake’ marriage in order to spite your parents.” Alex, I have my own justifications.
“You knew this was fake all along?” I inquired, attempting to maintain composure; however, my tone of voice was evident.
She exhaled deeply. “I became weary of my parents’ insistence that I marry someone for their social status.” It was my desire to live a life that was free of all expectations. I believed that I could assist you and simultaneously resolve my own issue when you arrived.
I was still in awe, so I said, “Let me clarify this.” “You agreed to this whole thing because you’re trying to escape your family’s expectations, just like I am?”
Mary agreed. “Guess that’s one thing we have in common.”
I gazed at her in awe, recognizing for the first time the extent of my ignorance regarding her. This was not a naive “country girl” who was present to cause my parents discomfort. She was as independent as I was, intelligent, and strong. Perhaps even more.
I abruptly experienced a sense of childishness in my initial plan. Mary had been discreetly navigating a world she did not want to be a part of, giving up her family’s wealth and influence to stand on her own two feet, while I had been playing games to annoy my parents. She had consented to my absurd scheme solely to secure her liberation. I was compelled to admire her for that.
I found myself observing her one evening as we discussed the plans for the charity events my mother insisted we attend. I caught her eye as she gazed up. “What?”
“I simply…” “I suppose I was unaware of your strength,” I confessed, feeling unexpectedly anxious. “You endured all of this without voicing a single complaint.” You have accomplished more than I would have in your position.
Mary beamed with a gentler expression than I had previously observed. She responded, “I am not doing it for them.” “I’m doing it for me.”
At that instant, I came to the realization that my emotions had changed. Initially intended to astound my parents, the plan evolved into something entirely different. I held her in high regard and admired her; in fact, I aspired to be in a genuine relationship with her.
“Mary,” I said slowly, “it may be time to disclose the truth to them.”
Nodding in agreement, she comprehended my intentions precisely. We were no longer engaged in a mere pastime.
We requested that our parents meet with us the following day. I experienced an unusual sense of tranquility as we prepared to disclose all information. No, I was not concerned about their response. I simply knew that, for the first time, I was prepared to act with integrity and with Mary by my side.
