Three

Mia Sinclair had been my best friend since we were kids, practically inseparable through every high and low. So when I called her in a panic, she didn’t hesitate to show up at my parents’ house, ditching work with zero regrets.

The moment she walked into my bedroom, balancing a bottle of wine and a basket of snacks, she fixed me with a curious look.

“Girl, what were you saying on the phone?” Mia demanded, setting everything down on my bed.

I rolled my eyes and grabbed a samosa from the basket, dodging her hand as she tried to smack me for being impatient.

“My marriage has been arranged to Reid Callahan,” I said flatly, my voice devoid of any emotion.

Mia blinked. “What the actual fu—”

“Language!” I cut in, frowning.

“Sorry, but WHAT?”

“It’s not happening,” I declared firmly, more to convince myself than her.

Mia’s eyes widened. “Wait… Are you talking about the Reid Callahan?”

“Who else?”

“Oh my God!” she screeched, making me wince and cover my ears.

“This is not good news,” I muttered darkly.

“Yes, it is!” she countered enthusiastically. “That man is loaded, and your family needs the funds right now.”

I froze. “What are you talking about?”

Mia gasped, staring at me like I’d just grown horns. “You don’t know?”

“Know what?”

“You seriously don’t know what’s been happening with your dad’s company? It’s been all over business news for months.”

My stomach sank. “Daddy must’ve kept it from me. I’m not exactly involved in the business.”

Mia gave me a comforting pat before pulling me into a side hug. “He went to my dad for help, but my father has his own struggles. The Callahans are the only ones who can save your dad’s company.”

My heart ached at the weight of those words. Dad was counting on me to help him get back on his feet.

“How long do you think the merger will take to stabilize everything?” I asked.

“Give or take two to three years if things move quickly. The Callahans are efficient.”

A lightbulb went off in my head. “I need to speak to Reid.”

Mia raised an eyebrow. “Do you even have his number?”

I deflated. “No. I guess I’ll have to wait until Sunday.”

“It’s two days away. Plenty of time to practice what you’re going to say,” she encouraged.

“I suppose you’re right.”

Sunday came faster than I wanted it to. My mother and Mia were practically buzzing with excitement as they helped me get ready for lunch with the Callahans.

“It’s just lunch, not an engagement party,” I grumbled as they cinched the waist of the knee-length corset dress that hugged my curves a little too perfectly.

“You look stunning,” Mom gushed.

“Why red, though?” I asked, frowning as the hairstylist curled my hair and the makeup artist added a bold matte red lip to match.

“It’s bold and confident—just like you,” Mia said cheekily.

“They’re here,” Mia announced, peeking through the window.

“I’ll go welcome them with your father,” Mom said, bustling off.

I narrowed my eyes at Mia. “What’s going on?”

“You’ll see,” she said with a mischievous grin.

I didn’t trust that look one bit.

Minutes later, I found myself descending the stairs toward the dining room, Mia trailing behind me with her phone out, recording without my knowledge.

The sight of Reid in broad daylight hit differently. His curly hair was neatly pulled back, and his grey eyes locked onto mine the second I entered.

I felt his gaze trail over me, but I looked away, ignoring how his tailored blue suit complimented my red dress.

As our families exchanged pleasantries and settled in for lunch, I barely touched my food, too preoccupied with finding a way to speak to Reid alone.

Before I could figure it out, Reid suddenly stood up, clearing his throat.

“Good day, everyone,” he said smoothly. “If I may?”

My father beamed, waving for him to continue.

Reid’s eyes found mine. “Fallon.”

My breath caught.

He walked around the table, approaching me with a confident stride. My pulse quickened.

“I wanted to do this in front of your parents and mine because it’s the proper thing to do,” he said, his deep voice sending a strange shiver down my spine.

To my utter shock, he dropped to one knee, holding up a velvet box with a glittering emerald-cut engagement ring inside.

“Will you marry me?”

The air left my lungs.

My gaze darted around the room. Both sets of parents were practically glowing with happiness, as if this were some romantic fairytale and not a business deal. Mia had her phone raised, capturing every second.

I was on the spot.

“Yes,” I finally breathed out, my voice barely audible.