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Chapter 3 She Agreed

But if she said no, what about Bianca and John?

"Bianca, don't cry. I'll figure something out. Trust me," Emily's voice was raspy but determined.

After hanging up, Emily slumped against the wall, tears silently rolling down her cheeks. What was she supposed to do? How could she choose between Bianca's happiness and her own life?

It was late, and Emily wandered alone down the empty street. The streetlights cast long shadows, making her look even more isolated.

When she got home, the living room was empty, the crystal chandelier casting a cold light. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, and headed to the study.

"Dad, Mom, I'm back," Emily knocked softly and pushed the door open a bit.

Aiden Johnson, her dad, snapped, "You're finally back!"

Aiden's irritation was clear. He and Emily's mom, Mia Wilson, were sitting at the desk, both looking very serious.

Mia quickly got up, pulled Emily to sit beside her, and asked, "Emily, why are you so late? Did you eat?"

"Dad, what's going on? Why do we have to agree to the Smith Family's marriage proposal?" Emily couldn't hold back anymore, tears filling her eyes.

Aiden and Mia exchanged a look, their eyes full of helplessness and pain.

After a moment, Aiden began, "Emily, listen. The Johnson Group is in trouble."

The Johnson Group was their family business. Aiden's voice was low and tired as he explained the company's current crisis to Emily.

Turns out, their recent overseas investment had gone horribly wrong, causing a cash flow problem and putting the company in a dire situation.

"If we can't get enough funds in a week, the company will go bankrupt, and all our hard work will be for nothing," Aiden's voice was filled with despair.

Emily stared at her father in shock. She had never seen him so defeated. Growing up, her dad had always been her hero, capable of anything.

But now, he looked like a broken man, full of helplessness and despair.

"What's the deal with the Smith Family? Why do they want to help us?" Emily's voice shook.

"The Smith Family is willing to help because of your mom. Your mom and James's stepmom, Amelia Martinez, are close. But I never thought they'd demand marriage as a condition," Aiden sighed.

Emily was stunned, feeling like she'd been hit by a truck.

She understood her dad's predicament. He had poured his heart and soul into the Johnson Group. If it went bankrupt, it would crush him.

But marrying a man she didn't even know for the sake of the family business? That was beyond cruel.

Emily felt her blood run cold. She never thought she'd face such a tough choice.

The Johnson Group was her dad's life's work. If it went under, it would devastate him. And Bianca's happiness was something she always cared about deeply.

Mia's eyes were red as she held Emily's hand. She gently patted it and said softly, "Emily, don't worry. I've met James a few times. Sure, he has a leg impairment, but he's a decent guy. He won't treat you badly."

Emily forced a smile and stayed quiet. She knew her parents were trying to comfort her, but this marriage was a business deal from the start. How could there be any real happiness in that?

"Emily, your dad and I think this marriage might not be so bad for you," Mia continued. "You know James's situation. He probably won't push you into anything, and with the Smith Family's reputation, even if things don't work out between you two, they won't make it hard for you."

Aiden chimed in, "Yeah, James has a leg impairment, so you probably won't have kids after getting married. Plus, the Smith Family is a big deal in Emerald City. They care a lot about their image. If you and James can't make it work, they'll respect your wishes. Even if it comes to divorce, they won't fight it."

Mia sighed, her voice full of helplessness, "Emily, your dad and I are getting old. The only thing we can leave you and your sister is the Johnson Group. If it goes under, what will you and your sister do?"

"Mom, I get it. I'll think about it," Emily took a deep breath, trying to push down the bitterness in her heart.

In the end, Emily agreed to the marriage, not for herself, but for her family and the Johnson Group.

She felt like a caged bird, giving up her freedom and happiness for the sake of her family.

Seeing Emily's forced smile, Mia hugged Aiden, choking up, "Aiden, are we being too selfish? Emily is still so young. How can we..."

Aiden patted Mia's back and sighed deeply, "We don't want this either. But you know the Johnson Group's situation. If we don't agree to the Smith Family's terms, the company is done for. All our years of hard work will be wasted. What about the hundreds of employees, and Emily and Bianca's future?"

Mia had no words, just silent tears.

The next moment, Mia wiped her tears, held Emily's hand, and spoke firmly, "Our family may not be as rich as the Smiths, but we won't be looked down upon! Emily, let's go to the mall and buy the most beautiful clothes and the most expensive jewelry. We need to show the Smith Family that you deserve to be valued."

So, under Mia's direction, Emily was taken to the fanciest mall in Emerald City. Looking at all the luxury goods, Emily felt no interest at all. She was like a puppet, letting Mia guide her.

Mia picked out a pale pink champagne-colored dress for Emily, covered in sparkling rhinestones, making her look like a fairy tale princess. She also brought out a set of emerald jewelry from the safe. The green gems were as fresh as spring buds, crystal clear, making Emily look even more stunning.

"You look beautiful no matter what, Emily," Mia said, looking at her daughter with a mix of pride and sadness.

Meanwhile, at the Smith Manor.

"What did you say? The Johnson Family agreed?" Hayden Smith, the head of the Smith Family, jumped up from his chair, excitement clear in his voice.

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