Chapter 1:

Emilia Grayson stood in her father's opulent office, her heart heavy with grief. The funeral had been yesterday, and now she was facing the reality of her father's passing. The lawyer, Mr. Johnson, was explaining the terms of her father's will.

"...and to my daughter, Emilia Grayson, I leave the majority of my estate, including the family business, Grayson Enterprises. However, there is a condition."

Emilia's eyes narrowed.

"What condition?"

Mr. Johnson hesitated, clearing his throat before continuing.

"You must marry Ryder Blackwood, the son of my business partner, within the next six months."

Emilia's jaw dropped.

"What? That's impossible!"

Ryder Blackwood, the arrogant and charming billionaire, was the last person she wanted to marry. She had met him a few times, and their interactions had been tense and uncomfortable. He was always trying to one-up her, to prove that he was the smarter and more capable one. And now, her father was forcing her to marry him?

"But why?" Emilia asked, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Why would my father want me to marry someone like Ryder?"

Mr. Johnson shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Your father wanted to secure the future of Grayson Enterprises. He believed that a merger between the two families would strengthen the company's position in the market."

Emilia felt a surge of anger and resentment. Her father had always been controlling, but this was taking it too far. He was dictating her future, even from beyond the grave.

"I don't want to marry Ryder Blackwood," Emilia said firmly, her voice rising in protest. "I don't love him, and I never will."

Mr. Johnson sighed, his expression sympathetic.

"I understand, Emilia. But your father's will is clear. If you don't marry Ryder, the estate will go to your cousin, James."

Emilia's eyes widened in horror. James was a greedy and ruthless man who would destroy everything her father had built. He had always been jealous of her father's success, and now he would stop at nothing to get his hands on the company.

"No," Emilia said, shaking her head. "I won't let that happen."

Mr. Johnson nodded.

"Then you have no choice but to marry Ryder Blackwood."

Emilia felt a cold dread creeping up her spine. She was trapped, with no way out. She would have to marry a man she didn't love, all to protect her father's legacy.

As she left the office, Emilia couldn't help but wonder what her father had been thinking. Had he really believed that marrying Ryder would be the best thing for her? Did he ever come to think of what she really wanted and who she wanted to be with?

The questions swirled in her mind as she walked out into the bright sunlight, feeling like her whole world was about to change forever.

As Emilia sat on her couch, feeling trapped and helpless, she heard a knock at the door. It was Liam, her childhood friend and secret crush. He had always been there for her, and she knew she could count on him now.

"Hey, Emilia, I heard about your father's will," Liam said, his eyes filled with concern.

"I'm so sorry. That must be really tough for you."

Emilia nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat.

"It's just so unfair," she said, her voice shaking.

"I don't want to marry Ryder Blackwood. I don't love him."

Liam sat down beside her and took her hand.

"You don't have to do it, Emilia," he said, his voice firm.

"We'll figure something out. We'll find a way to contest the will or... or something."

Emilia looked at him, feeling a surge of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she didn't have to do this alone. Maybe Liam could help her.

But as she looked into his eyes, she saw something there that made her heart skip a beat. It was a look of longing, of desire. And in that moment, Emilia realized that she wasn't the only one with feelings for Liam.

"Liam," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Do you... do you have feelings for me?"

Liam's eyes locked onto hers, and he nodded slowly. "To be honest, I've had feelings for you for a long time, Emilia," he said, his voice low and husky.

"But I never thought... I never thought you felt the same way."

Just as the longing became unbearable, Emelia’s lips met Liam's , the warmth of his mouth sent a current running through her body. Amelia threw her arms around Liam's neck as she lost herself in his peppermint breath and soft lips.

And just for a moment the kiss was over as they both share a warm hug.

Emilia's heart was racing now, her mind reeling with the implications. She had feelings for Liam, and he had feelings for her. But what did that mean? And how would it change everything?

As they sat there, hands touching, eyes locked, Emilia knew that she had a choice to make. She could follow her heart, or she could follow her father's will. And either way, her life would never be the same again.