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Chapter 4:Tough Decision

Mr. Ethan murmured and rubbed his tired confrontation with his hand.

"You've got to form yourself unavailable to him. Over time, he'll realise that you're not curious about him any longer. That's for the most, Grace."

Grace started, a severe snicker getting away from her lips. "Are you serious, Father? You're telling me to... take him off? To desert the individual I cherish for a bargain with a man who considers he can purchase me?"

"I'm doing this for us, Grace," Mr. Ethan said discreetly. "For our future. A steady life, a steady work, everything you've ever needed. I know Lucas isn't idealised, but he's effective, and having him will allow you openings you wouldn't have anyplace else."

Grace took a profound breath and attempted to control her feelings. "This isn't an opportunity, Father. It's about my life, my joy. And you're asking me to allow everything."

Mr. Ethan's shoulders drooped. "I know that's a part to inquire about, but if you don't mind... Fair think about it. You may offer assistance to us both."

Tears filled Grace's eyes as she looked at her father, and her heart felt like it was breaking. Without another word, she turned on her heel and raged out of the kitchen, walking heavy-footedly to her room. She hammered the entryway behind her and bolted it, blocking out the world.

She stood there momentarily, her breath coming in temperamental wheezes as she attempted to prepare everything. Her father's words rang in her ears--his supplications for her to wed Lucas, his proposal to break up with Jason, the man she adored.

Grace collapsed on her bed and buried her face in her hands as tears gushed down her cheeks. Within minutes, it felt like her entire world had disintegrated around her. She had continuously known her father's business was inconvenient, but she never envisioned he would go to such lengths to spare it.

Her heart beat at the thought of Lucas, the self-important man who had talked so annoyingly to her during her interview the past week. She recalled the coldness in his voice, the way he scarcely looked at her, and the feeling that she was underneath him. The thought of marrying him sent goosebumps down her spine.

But at that point, her considerations turned to the reality of their circumstance. The obligation, the looming business liquidation, and the vulnerability of what would happen if they missed it all. She knew her father had battled since her mother's passing. She had observed him work energetically to keep his life from falling apart. And presently, this was the as-it-were thing he inquired of her, the as-it-were thing that may spare them both.

Grace got up and wiped the tears from her face, attempting to reason. On the other hand, marrying Lucas would cruelly secure her father's business and give him the peace of mind he needed. She could work at Lucas Counseling Firm, a legitimate firm that might open entryways for her career.

But at that point once more, Grace had the thought that she might not wed a man she didn't love, a man she scarcely knew. And to think that she adored Jason so much, the thought of leaving him behind, of finishing their relationship, harmed her heart more than words seem to portray.

Grace moaned significantly and, confused, considered her choices. She thought of the benefits: solidness, work, and a chance to make strides in her life. But at that point, she recalled Lucas's confrontation, the presumption in his voice, and how effortlessly he had rejected her.

"No, I can't do that. I can't wed somebody I scarcely know, somebody who doesn't regard me. It just wasn't worth it. Not because of business or any other reason," Grace thought.

She made up her mind—she wouldn't accept it. She would find another way to assist her father and find a job. But marrying Lucas was not a choice for her.

After choosing, Grace lay in bed, gazing at the ceiling, her intellect meandering. She didn't know how to tell her father, but one thing she was beyond any doubt of,

She couldn't let her father drive her into a marriage she didn't need. She would find a way to create everything right on her terms.

And with that last thought, Grace closed her eyes, settling to stand her ground no matter what happened the following day.

Grace woke up with her choice still weighing intensely on her chest. She hurled and turned all night, attempting to accommodate the choice with her self-worth and future.


The following day, Grace went to another interview but was rejected again. She returned home sad, and her dreams of a rewarding career appeared increasingly removed.

After another two weeks of job-hunting, dissatisfaction and a loss of hope finally broke her resolve. She abhorred the thought of working for Lucas, but her father's obligations and the weight on her family left her with no other choice.

"Good morning, Dad," Grace greeted her father as she entered the living room. Her voice was firm, indeed tiny, less eager than regular.

Mr. Ethan looked up from his daily paper and quickly detected the alter in her.

"Good morning, Princess. Are you okay?

Grace took a profound breath and gave a little grin. "I've been considering the offer," she said, attempting to keep her voice consistent. "I'll accept it."

Mr. Ethan looked at her quickly; at that point, an enormous grin spread over his face, and help washed over him like a tidal wave. He stood and crossed the room, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"Really? Thank you so much, my daughter. I love you so much, you're the finest," he said in a thankful voice. It was as if on the off chance a gigantic weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Grace stood stiff in his embrace, her head still heavy with the reality of the decision she had just made. She stepped back a little and looked her father in the eyes.

"However," she began carefully, "at this point, it is only a secretary's role, not a wife's. I need to get to know him before I accept anything more."

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