Chapter 3

With all the chaos Daniel had stirred up, Rachel felt utterly lost, her mind spinning with confusion and disbelief. How could her father, the man who had always supported her dreams and independence, make such a monumental decision about her life without even consulting her? She knew her father loved her unconditionally, but this? It felt like a betrayal, even if she knew he must have had the best intentions.

Her tumultuous thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her mother’s voice. "Rachel, dear, I know what you must be going through right now," Maria said softly. She continued, "This is a lot to process, and I want you to know that whatever decision you make, I will support you."

Rachel looked at her mother, noticing the concern etched on her face. But there was something more, something Maria wasn’t saying. "What is it, Mom?" Rachel asked, sensing that her mother was holding back.

Maria hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice gentle but firm. "You know that whatever your father decided for you, it was always for your best, right?"

"Of course, Mom. I know that," Rachel replied, though her heart was heavy with doubt.

"Good," Maria said, taking a deep breath. "Because I want you to remember that before you make any decisions. This marriage proposal was your father's wish, and while I don't want to pressure you, I also don't want you to dismiss it without careful consideration." She paused, then added, "It’s not every day that someone gets the comfort and security of a family like the Reinhardts."

Rachel was stunned by her mother’s words. She had expected support, yes, but not this. The idea that her mother was subtly pushing her toward accepting the proposal was something she hadn’t anticipated. It was clear that whatever decision she made would have significant implications, not just for her future but for her relationship with her mother.

Rachel felt trapped. No matter what choice she made, someone she loved would be disappointed. If she rejected the proposal, she knew it would hurt her mother, who seemed to believe this was a rare opportunity. But if she accepted it, she would be betraying her own sense of self and the life she had always imagined for herself.

Torn between loyalty to her father’s wishes and her own desires, Rachel realized that the decision she faced was more complex than she had ever imagined. She would have to navigate this delicate situation with care, balancing her own needs with the expectations of those around her. And whatever choice she made, it would define the course of her life in ways she was only beginning to understand.

On the other hand, Daniel was overwhelmed with anxiety, his mind racing with thoughts about what Rachel might decide regarding the proposal he had just presented. The weight of the situation bore heavily on him as he stepped out of his car and walked towards a grand, sprawling manor. The manor's living room was the epitome of elegance and class, with its high ceilings, intricate chandeliers, and tasteful decor, exuding an air of wealth and tradition.

Daniel didn’t pause to admire the surroundings; instead, he made a beeline for a room tucked away in the corner of the expansive living area. He stormed through the door, his voice tense as he called out, "Johnathon!"

In an instant, a young man appeared, rushing to answer the summons. "Yes, Chief," Johnathon replied, standing at attention.

Johnathon was a striking figure—a twenty-two-year-old with dark skin, a well-built physique, and a handsome face that seemed almost out of place in his role as a butler. But he was more than just a servant; he was Daniel’s right hand, a trusted confidant who had grown up within the walls of this very manor. Johnathon’s father had served Daniel with unwavering loyalty until his untimely death when Johnathon was just fifteen. From that moment on, Daniel had taken Johnathon under his wing, treating him like family and grooming him to step into his father’s shoes.

"I want everyone to assemble here in five minutes," Daniel commanded, his voice firm and authoritative.

"Sure, Chief. I'll make it happen," Johnathon replied with a confident nod, swiftly moving to carry out the order.

Five minutes later, the room was filled with the presence of two striking young men. One of them had dark brown hair and captivating coral yellow eyes, his well-maintained physique a testament to his discipline and dedication. The other young man, with light brown hair and matching light brown eyes, shared the same athletic build. Both exuded an air of confidence and charm, their features so similar that it was clear to anyone they were siblings.

These two men were the epitome of eligible bachelors—handsome, poised, and the subject of many women's admiration. Their appealing looks and the unmistakable bond they shared as brothers only added to their allure. The room seemed to buzz with an undercurrent of anticipation as they awaited their father's next move, knowing that whatever he had to say would be of great importance.

With the two men standing in the room, there was also a young lady, around 18 years old, whose presence was impossible to ignore. She had striking red hair that cascaded down her shoulders and a pair of ice-blue eyes that seemed to hold a mysterious depth. Her perfectly shaped body and delicate features made her undeniably captivating—she possessed a beauty that could easily lure any man who crossed her path.

The resemblance between her and the two young men was unmistakable, from the sharpness of their features to the confident way they carried themselves. It was clear that she shared the same bloodline as Daniel and the two brothers. Her poise and elegance added an air of grace to the room, complementing the strength and charisma of her male counterparts. This young lady was not just a pretty face but someone who carried the same family legacy that the others in the room were clearly a part of.