CHAPTER ONE
ZARA’S POV
While trying to process the conversation she had just heard, Zara stood motionless in the centre of her living room. "What? Mum, are you serious? Are you implying that I must marry Lachlan Manningham?
Her voice shook, incredulous and angry at the same time. She was astounded by what her mother had said.
Jacinta Kavanagh, her mother, sat across from her with her hands clenched in her lap. The woman who used to be the life of the party and the epitome of grace and elegance now appeared to be a shadow of her former self. The weight of the past few months was bearing down on her, and Zara could see the fatigue in her eyes. Since the death of her father, Martin, the family had been having financial difficulties and was heavily indebted. To worsen the situation, Jacinta was now sacrificing her daughter to gain financial security.
Zara's heart fell. She whispered, more to herself than to her mother, "This is madness." "How can they ask me this? following all of our experiences?"
Jacinta spoke in a quiet, almost contrite tone. Zara, I didn't want you to have this. Unfortunately, we are powerless. Currently, the only people who can assist us are the Manninghams.
Zara found it difficult to believe. For as long as she could remember, the Manninghams—Lachlan and his younger brother, Finn—had been family friends. Finn had been her best friend, and Lachlan had been the aloof Lachlan , whom she hardly knew, much less liked.
Zara shook her head firmly and declared, "I can't marry Lachlan ." "I refuse to do it."
With regret clouding her eyes, Jacinta let out a deep sigh. "I understand, my love. But consider it. We are broke. No home. No future. The present situation is the only way for us to survive.
Zara's fists clenched at her sides as she fought back the tears that threatened to fall. You're requesting that I give up my aspirations. My life. For cash? Mom, I don't care about your money. I value my freedom.
Jacinta whispered, "I'm not asking you to marry him for love, Zara." "Love will find its way." We must take action. For us. We are looking forward to the future.
Disbelief sank deep in Zara's chest as she gazed at her mother. What gave her the impression that this was acceptable? She didn't even love him, so how could she ask her to marry him? And now her mother was asking her to marry Lachlan —Lachlan who had harassed her as a child and who hadn't even glanced in her direction for years?
Her thoughts were racing. Finn, Lachlan 's younger brother, and she had always been close. They had spent their childhood together and made innumerable memories together, and as they grew older, she even began to feel something for him. However, Finn had never expressed any interest in her. Zara had always been too shy to express her feelings, and he was constantly flirting with other girls.
But now that Lachlan was involved, nothing seemed possible.
The thought of Finn made her heart hurt. What prevented him from taking the initiative to hold her hand? What prevented him from asking her to be his? However, the one person who had consistently treated her like trash, Lachlan , had to be the culprit.
Zara paced the room and muttered, "I don't know how you expect me to do this." "How should I marry him? He doesn't seem to care about me at all.
"Zara..." Jacinta started quietly. "I am aware that you do not want this. However, we have no other option. This is the situation. It must be this way.
Like a pile of rocks, Zara's thoughts tumbled over one another as her mind raced. She was unable to wed Kace. That was not a life she could lead. What else could she do, though? Her mum was correct. They were poor. No choices.
She grabbed her jacket and turned to face the door. Her voice was hollow as she said, "I'm going to school." "I need time to think."
"Zara, hold on—" She didn't stop when Jacinta called after her.
With her head in disarray, Zara bounded down the front steps as the door slammed behind her. The storm raging inside her was not much calmed by the cool morning air. The bus finally arrived, though she had no idea how long she had been walking.
As it headed towards Glenview High School, she got on board and sat quietly. Anger, frustration, and confusion swirled in her stomach. Her mother's words, "Love will come as time goes on ," kept repeating in her head. How could she have thought that?
Zara had always believed that love was an innate emotion that could not be forced. She had no desire to be a pawn in a business deal. She desired a partner who valued her and accepted her for who she was, rather than viewing her as a fix for an issue.
Zara's feet were heavy on the ground as she got off the bus at the school. She saw Harper, her best friend, as she headed for the door.
Harper walked up to her and raised an eyebrow, calling out, "Hey, Tess." "You okay?"
Zara tried to be normal and forced a smile. Yes, it's the same old thing. The situation remains the same as before.
Harper didn't believe it for a moment. "Are you certain? You appear to be on the verge of blowing up."
Knowing she couldn't hold it in much longer, Zara let out a sigh. "I just learnt a few things this morning. These were unexpected revelations.
"What kind of stuff?" Harper's voice was worried as she asked.
After a brief pause, Zara exclaimed, "My mum wants me to marry Lachlan Manningham."
Harper's eyes went wide with shock. "What? No. That's... That is absurd.
"I know," Zara whispered. "I'm not sure what to do. I have no desire to wed him. I'm not even fond of him.
"Wait—is Finn aware of this?" Harper furrowed her brow and asked.
The mention of Finn's name made Zara's chest ache. "I'm not sure. I'm not even sure if he gives a damn."
Zara felt as though her life was going completely out of control, even after they entered the school building together. She made an effort to concentrate as they started their first lesson of the day, but her mind kept returning to the predicament she was in.
She felt a tap on her shoulder while her thoughts were still racing. Lachlan 's brother Finn was standing there smiling when she turned around.
"Hey, Zara," he said nonchalantly. "What's going on?"
Zara hurriedly said, "Nothing," attempting to pretend that nothing was wrong.
"Right," he said in a suspicious tone. "Well, I'll see you around."
Zara's chest constricted as Finn left. He didn't know what was happening. She had no idea how many emotions were churning inside of her.
Then she heard a voice.
"Zara."
She stopped. Before she even turned around, she had recognised the person.
As always, Lachlan stood there with a neutral expression. "We need to talk," he said in a cold tone.
Zara felt sick to her stomach. It was this. The nightmare had only just begun.
