My wealthy parents insisted I marry to inherit the family business, so I decided to choose a “country girl” just to spite them. But soon, I realized she was hiding a secret that would change everything.
I’ll admit it—I didn’t start this with good intentions. I wasn’t interested in love or settling down. I just wanted to rebel.
My life had always been carefree: parties, luxury cars, endless vacations. With my family’s wealth, I assumed I’d inherit my father’s business one day, no questions asked. But one day, my parents sat me down for “the talk.”
“Alex,” my father began, leaning in like he was closing a business deal. “Your mother and I think it’s time for you to settle down.”
“Settle down?” I scoffed, sensing where this was going. “You mean, get married?”
“Precisely.” His tone was unyielding. “You’re nearly 30. If you want to inherit the company, we need to see that you’re committed—to a wife, to a family. This business can’t be run by someone who treats life like a party.”
My mother chimed in, her voice stern. “Your father worked his entire life to build this, Alex. We need to trust that it’s in steady hands.”
Fuming, I decided I’d give them what they wanted, but on my own terms. If they wanted a marriage, I’d pick someone who’d make them question their own demands. And that’s when I met Mary.
She wasn’t from my usual circles. I found her volunteering at a quiet charity event, her modest dress and gentle demeanor contrasting starkly with the extravagant women I was used to. She had no flashy jewelry, no designer clothes—she was calm, almost indifferent to everything around her.
When I introduced myself, she merely nodded, uninterested. “Nice to meet you, Alex,” she said with a polite smile.
Her indifference was perfect.
“So, Mary,” I cut to the chase, “how do you feel about marriage?”
She raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Excuse me?”
“I know it sounds odd, but I’m looking for someone to marry. I have my reasons, and it would require passing a few ‘tests.’”
She studied me for a moment, then laughed—a clear, honest laugh. “Funny timing,” she replied, with a spark of intrigue in her eyes. “I might just be looking for a marriage, too.”
My plan was falling into place. When I introduced Mary to my parents, they were horrified. My mother’s smile froze as she took in Mary’s plain outfit, and my father’s frown deepened with each word she spoke. I knew I’d chosen perfectly.
But Mary continued to surprise me. Beneath her calm facade, there was an amused gleam in her eye, almost as if she was in on the joke. “Are you sure this is what you want, Alex?” she asked after one awkward family dinner.
“More than ever,” I grinned. “They’re horrified. This is working.”
“Glad I could help,” she replied, her voice soft. I thought she was just playing her part—but I hadn’t looked closely enough.
Finally, the charity ball arrived. My parents spared no expense, hoping to flaunt their influence. I watched with satisfaction as Mary walked in beside me, elegantly simple, standing out among the glittering, sequined crowd.
“Tonight’s the final test,” I whispered to her.
She simply nodded. “I know the drill.”
But then, to my astonishment, the mayor approached us, his face lighting up. “Mary! Wonderful to see you here!” He shook her hand warmly, leaving my parents and me speechless.
The mayor went on, “Everyone’s still talking about the children’s hospital project your family funded. Your contributions made a real difference.”
My mother’s mouth fell open, and my father’s face went pale. My mind raced. I knew of the so-called “Charity Princess”—a prominent philanthropist in our state—but I had never thought to connect the name to Mary. But there she was, effortlessly holding her own in the high society she had once deliberately left behind.
Later, when we finally got a moment alone, I looked at her, realizing just how little I knew. “So… you’re the Charity Princess?”
She sighed, looking away. “Yes. My family runs one of the largest charity funds. I left that world to find my own path. When you approached me with your offer, it seemed… mutually beneficial.”
“You knew this was all just an act?” I asked, shocked.
She gave a soft laugh. “I recognized a man running from expectations as soon as you proposed. I thought I could help us both escape.”
I shook my head in disbelief. She had agreed to my ridiculous scheme not out of naivety, but as a way to win her own freedom. My entire plan suddenly felt childish. While I was scheming to irritate my parents, Mary was navigating a world she didn’t want to be part of, giving up her family’s wealth to stay true to herself.
In that moment, I realized my feelings had shifted. What began as a ploy had become something more. I respected her, admired her, and wanted to be with her, genuinely.
“Mary,” I said quietly, “maybe it’s time we told them the truth.”
She nodded, understanding. “It’s not a game anymore, Alex. Not for me.”
The next day, we sat down with our parents, ready to tell them everything. As we prepared to reveal the truth, I felt an unfamiliar calm—I wasn’t worried about their reaction. I just knew that, with Mary by my side, I was ready to face whatever came next, this time honestly.
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