Chapter 0024 ELIJAH . < 8 YEARS AGO > "We have arranged your marriage with Benjamin Miller's daughter , Darla . She's a good girl with a good figure and will be able to bear us heirs . " " You arranged my marriage to who ? " I scolded . Fuck , if I wanted a wife , I was very much capable of getting myself one . " Do you remember that property project that we were discussing while you were in Austria ? We decided to be partners with them and to seal our deal , you're going to have to marry their daughter to ensure that all the wealth that will be generated from the project once we are gone , will still run in our families . " I scoffed as I shook my head in disbelief . I knew that my mother was capable of doing the most outrageous surprises , but this one surpassed them all , and I was shocked . " She's educated and was able to obtain her degree in communication . She will be an important asset when you attend business trips with her . " " Do you mean to tell me that I went to Austria to complete my PhD in Business Studies just to come back here and be told that I have to marry a girl I don't even know and who has a degree in communication ? Who studies communication ? " My mother rolled her eyes as she picked up her glass of juice on the contour next to her couch and took a sip . " That's not the point , " she sighed as she placed down her glass and leaned back on the couch . " She's not just any girl . She's Benjamin Miller's daughter , and that means that her family is loaded and she has so much money that you won't have to take care of her when you agree to the arrangement . " " I'm in a relationship , mother , and you know that . " I frowned because she knew about Abigail and that she was in Japan furthering her journalism studies and doing well for someone who came from a disadvantaged background . " Oh , please . Don't tell me about her . She won't help you with anything but be a liability in your life . I'd be out of my mind if I approve of your relationship with a woman who won't even help you make a dollar . " " Doesn't it matter to you that she's the one that I want , and she's the one who makes me happy ? " I asked . " I'm a man , mother , I don't need a woman to help me provide . She can study and be the most educated woman in the world , and I wouldn't even expect her to add anything to my estate . " I honestly didn't care if she couldn't help me with anything . She was my woman , and my main purpose was to take care of her . " She will suck you dry and take all the money that we've made for her family , " my mother retaliated , insisting on proving her point . " I know girls like her , and she won't love you for anything else but your money . " " I'm not going to marry anyone but Abigail , mother , and that's final . I am your son , and you're not going to force me into anything , " I stood up from the couch and looked down at her . " I hope we won't have this conversation again . " " Are you going to decline your father's dying wish ? " She stood up from the couch and looked at me . I furrowed my eyes in confusion and couldn't believe what she had just said . My father died four years ago , and he never would've forced me into doing anything that was going to cost me my L1 / 2 Chapter 0024 +25 BONUS relationship with Abigail . " My father would've never suggested such a crazy business deal . Not when it meant jeopardizing my happiness with the woman I love ! " I snapped . " Then hear it from him yourself , " she replied as she gave me her cell phone with my father's video in it . She took her glass of juice on the counter and left me . I sat down on the couch and couldn't believe that my father had made a video about me marrying Benjamin's daughter four years ago before he died . " By the time you see this , Elijah , I think I'd be dead , " he laughed and then cleared his throat . " I'm sure your mother has told you about Darla Miller . Her father and I found a land together , and to keep it in our families for generations to come , we made a pact that our children would marry . Darla is a very good girl , and I wouldn't have agreed to the pact if she wasn't going to be a good woman to you . I know this may come as a shock to you , my son , but help me to keep this promise to Benjamin . " After watching the video , I sighed . *** " You can organize everything , Mom . I'll meet with Darla and try to form a friendship with her before the wedding . 11 " That's my boy , " she squealed as she wrapped her arms around me and hugged me . It didn't take long for my mother to set up everything and have Darla brought to the house for dinner . When she walked in , her smile was the first thing that caught my eye and because she was going to be my wife , I had to find one thing to like about her and it was her smile . " Sit down , my dear . Our chefs will bring food very soon . We had them prepare your favorite dish , " my mother couldn't help but make her feel welcome . She sat down opposite me next to Harper , and even though I thought that I would imagine Abigail's face whenever I looked at her , she was incomparable . " Thank you , Mrs. Houston . " She smiled at my mother , and my heart skipped a beat . " I'm sure you haven't met my son , Elijah . " My mother looked at me . I simply smiled at her . " It's nice to meet you , Darla . " " Likewise . " Her parents also arrived and sat next to my mother . They were very happy that we finally agreed to the arrangement and set the date for the wedding . But because my heart was still with Abigail , I pulled Darla to the side and asked to have a word with her before she left with her parents . " I know this is a very crazy arrangement , but I'll be a good wife to you and make our family arrangements successful , " she answered something out of a script , but that was a good thing because it meant that she would understand what I had to say to her . " I know you will be a good wife , but I hope you will also understand that you can not expect anything from me but a business marriage as it is . I'll do my part and be a good husband to you , but I can't promise you love . " " Yes . I understand . " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!