Chapter 3

• “Cole, sit down.”
• The command, cold and sharp, slices through the dimly lit room, and I instantly know that this is not a request.
• I don’t argue. I walk over to the polished mahogany chair across from my father’s imposing desk, settling into it as he watches me with that unwavering gaze. He doesn’t say a word as he folds his hands together, his lips pressed tight. The silence is thick enough to suffocate anyone who’s not used to it. I’m used to it, but it still feels like a storm cloud hanging over me.
• “What's this about?” I ask, keeping my tone calm, controlled. I know better than to show any weakness.
• “It's time to talk about your future, Cole.”
• The words hang in the air, and my stomach tightens in an instant. I’ve been waiting for this conversation. I knew it was coming. My father doesn’t believe in subtlety when it comes to matters of the family business. He has a plan, and I’m just a cog in the wheel.
• “I’ve already made my future plans,” I reply, trying to keep my voice neutral.
• Mr. Bruno leans back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly, the faintest trace of a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Your plans? I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation. This isn’t about what you want anymore. It’s about securing the legacy.” He pauses for a moment before adding, “And that legacy requires an heir.”
• An heir. The word rolls off his tongue like it’s as simple as breathing. But I know it isn’t. I know exactly what he’s getting at.
• “You’ve been wasting your time playing games, Cole,” he continues, leaning forward slightly. “It's time for you to grow up. You need to marry. You need a woman who can carry on the family name, someone who can handle the pressure of the business. Someone who understands how to play the game.”
• I clench my jaw, fighting the urge to snap at him. It’s never been about what I want. It’s always been about what he wants. About what’s best for Bruno Global Industries.
• “What are you suggesting, Father?” I ask, my voice now firm.
• He gives a slow, deliberate nod. “I’ve already made arrangements. You have two options: Funmi or Kemi Williams.”
• The words hit me like a punch to the gut. My mind immediately races, but I can’t seem to form a coherent thought. Funmi and Kemi? Of all the women in the world, these two are the ones my father wants for me?
• Funmi… She’s been on my mind ever since that board meeting. I didn’t know how much I wanted to understand her until I couldn’t. She’s elusive, distant, and yet there’s a part of her that draws me in. She’s not like the others. But Kemi? The thought of being forced into a marriage with her makes my blood boil. She’s everything I’ve been warned about. She plays games, manipulates, and uses her charm like a weapon.
• I run a hand through my hair, trying to steady my thoughts. “I won’t do it,” I say, my voice tight with defiance. “You can’t make me marry either of them.”
• His expression doesn’t change. He’s unbothered, completely composed. “You don’t have a choice, Cole. I’ve already arranged everything. All that’s left is for you to choose.”
• I stand up, the weight of his words sinking in. My father has always been a man who moves decisively, who plays the game with ruthless efficiency. And I’m the one who has to follow the rules.
• “I’m not ready for this,” I mutter, more to myself than to him.
• “You’ll never be ready,” he says coldly. “That’s the point. You think you’re in control, but the world doesn’t work that way. This is how it’s always been. And you will do as I say. The company, the legacy—these things are far more important than your personal desires. You will marry one of them. And that will secure everything.”
• His words reverberate in my head, and the suffocating realization dawns on me. He’s right. I don’t have a choice.
• But that doesn’t mean I have to accept it. Not yet.
• I force myself to meet his gaze. “And what if I don’t choose? What happens then?”
• He smiles faintly, but it’s not a comforting smile. It’s a promise. “If you don’t choose, I will choose for you. And you won’t like the consequences of that.”
• I turn on my heel and walk toward the door, but before I can leave, he calls out to me one last time.
• “Cole.”
• I freeze, my hand on the doorknob. “What?”
• “I’ve given you two options. But I’ll make it clear now—this isn’t just about you. It’s about securing everything we’ve built. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s anything less.”
• I don’t respond. I can’t. There’s nothing to say. I open the door and step out, my mind racing.
• It’s the middle of the night when I finally make my way to the penthouse of Bruno Global Industries. I can’t stop thinking about what my father said, what I’m being forced into. The weight of the decision bears down on me as I stand in front of the elevator doors.
• I punch the button to call the elevator, but I’m distracted. All I can think about are Funmi and Kemi. The two women my father has chosen for me. And as much as I try to deny it, I know one of them will be my future.
• The elevator doors slide open, and I step inside, trying to shake the unsettling thoughts from my mind.
• When I reach the penthouse, the door opens to reveal Kemi standing there, her eyes calculating. She doesn’t seem surprised to see me. In fact, she looks almost expectant.
• “Cole,” she says, her voice dripping with something between amusement and challenge. “I knew you’d come.”
• I don’t know how to respond. My pulse is racing. Part of me wants to turn around and leave, but another part of me is drawn to her.
• She steps aside, allowing me to enter. The air between us is thick with tension, unspoken words swirling in the space.
• I take a breath, steeling myself. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this arrangement,” I say, my voice low.
• Kemi smiles. “That’s exactly what I thought you’d say.”
• I don’t know why, but something in her voice makes my skin crawl.
• I turn, ready to leave, but then something in her expression shifts. She steps forward, her fingers brushing against my arm.
• “You have no idea what you’re getting into, do you, Cole?” she whispers.
• The words hang in the air, heavy and foreboding.
• I swallow hard, not knowing how to respond.
• The elevator dings, and suddenly, my phone buzzes in my pocket.
• It’s my father. The message is brief, but it’s enough to freeze me in place.
• “Make your choice. Now.”