Chapter 6

The next day, Maria knocked softly on Rachel's bedroom door. Rachel, still groggy from sleep, opened the door and was surprised to see her mother standing there so early. "What is it, Mom?" Rachel asked, sensing something serious in her mother's demeanor.

Maria gave her a gentle smile but it didn’t reach her eyes. "I wanted to talk to you," she said, her tone calm but with an underlying tension. Rachel immediately knew what this conversation would be about. She had seen it coming but wasn’t sure she was ready for it.

Before Rachel could say anything, Maria continued, cutting through her daughter’s thoughts. "Rachel, dear, I know this marriage proposal might seem too soon for you, but you have to understand that whatever your father decided for you was always with your best interests at heart. He would never have done something that he thought you wouldn’t like," Maria paused, letting her words sink in.

Rachel listened quietly, her mind a whirl of conflicting emotions.

Maria continued, her voice soft and persuasive. "Mr. Reinhardt is a good man, Rachel, and so is his family. Your father spoke a lot about them, especially after Mrs. Reinhardt passed away. Since then, there hasn’t been a woman in the house to take care of the family, and Mr. Reinhardt has always been worried about his children growing up without a mother’s love and affection."

Maria took a deep breath before pressing on, "You might be wondering why you, why this responsibility has fallen on you. But it’s simple, really. Mr. Reinhardt isn’t just looking for a wife for Ethan; he’s looking for someone who can bring warmth and care into their home, someone who isn’t overwhelmed by their wealth, but who understands the true value of family."

Rachel felt her chest tighten as she absorbed her mother’s words. The weight of expectation was palpable, and it was clear that Maria believed this was the right path for her daughter.

"And Rachel," Maria added, her voice now tinged with a hopeful vulnerability, "if you decide to marry Ethan, I would be so happy. My worries about you and Paige would finally be settled. I’d know that you’re both secure and cared for, just like your father would have wanted."

Rachel looked at her mother, seeing the concern and love etched into her features. She knew her mother only wanted what was best for her, but the decision weighed heavily on her heart. The idea of stepping into a life dictated by her father’s choices and her mother’s hopes was daunting. But Rachel also understood the immense pressure her mother felt to ensure the well-being of her daughters.

"Mom," Rachel began, her voice trembling slightly, "I need time to think about all of this. I know Dad had his reasons, and I respect that, but this is my life, and it’s a huge decision."

Maria nodded, her expression softening with understanding. "Of course, Rachel. Take all the time you need. Just remember, whatever you choose, I’ll be here to support you, just like your father would have."

Rachel smiled weakly, grateful for her mother’s words but still feeling the weight of the decision ahead. As Maria left the room, Rachel sat on her bed, staring out the window, her thoughts tangled in the web of duty, love, and her own desires.

In a posh office, there sat a strikingly handsome man in his 30s, impeccably dressed in an expensive suit that highlighted his undeniable physique. His chestnut brown hair complemented his fair complexion and sharp features perfectly, and his dark blue eyes were the kind that could make any woman lose herself in them. He was the epitome of power and wealth, the kind of man who could have anyone he wanted at his feet.

This man was Elijah Reinhardt, a figure who exuded authority and indifference, traits that made him both alluring and intimidating. He leaned back in his plush leather chair, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he listened to the man across from him.

"Elijah, did you know that your brother has arranged a marriage proposal for your nephew?" said Harvey, a close and trusted friend of Elijah's. Harvey was also Elijah's personal lawyer, a sharp-witted man who lived in Manhattan but often found himself in Elijah's office during his visits.

Elijah didn’t even look up from the papers he was reviewing. "Like I care," he replied coldly, his voice devoid of any emotion.

Harvey, unfazed by Elijah’s indifference, continued, "I know you don’t care about your brother, but do you think what he’s doing to your nephew is fair?"

Elijah finally looked up, his dark blue eyes narrowing as they met Harvey's. "Harvey, I do not care about my brother or my nephews, and you know that very well. So why don’t you shut your fucking mouth and talk about something useful?"

Harvey held up his hands in mock surrender, a small grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Fine, fine, I won’t talk about your brother or his family. But have you thought about the girl? Poor thing, or maybe she’s okay with it, considering it involves a lot of money."

Elijah’s smirk returned, though there was a hint of something darker in his expression. "Maybe she is, Harvey. Maybe she’s just another one who sees the dollar signs and nothing else. Or maybe she’s in over her head, and she has no idea what she’s getting into. Either way, it’s not my concern."

Harvey leaned back in his chair, studying Elijah carefully. "You’re a hard man, Elijah. But even you must see that this whole situation is a powder keg waiting to blow. You might not care now, but when it does explode, it could very well land on your doorstep."

Elijah’s eyes flashed with a brief glint of amusement. "Let it blow, Harvey. I’ll deal with it when the time comes. Until then, let my brother play his games. I’m not interested in getting involved."

Harvey shook his head slightly, knowing better than to push Elijah any further. The man before him was one of the most powerful and ruthless individuals he had ever known, and if Elijah wasn’t interested in something, there was little anyone could do to change his mind.

But as Elijah returned to his work, a small seed of curiosity planted itself in the back of his mind. He might not care about his brother or his nephews, but the idea of a girl—someone innocent, perhaps being caught up in the machinations of his family—lingered with him, if only for a moment. And though he would never admit it, not even to himself, the thought of what might happen next piqued his interest just enough to keep him from dismissing it entirely.