My wealthy parents demanded I get married so I could inherit the family business, so I chose a country girl to please them.
But I soon discovered she was hiding a powerful secret.
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I admit, I’m not proud of how this whole story began. I wasn’t looking for love, nor did I have the slightest idea what it was.
What I wanted was revenge on my parents.
You see, I’d always lived by my own rules, no commitments. Parties, fast cars, lavish vacations.
Why not? My family was rich, and I knew I’d inherit my father’s company someday.
But one day, my parents decided to have a talk with me.
«Listen, Alex,» my father said, leaning forward as if he were negotiating an important deal. «Your mother and I think it’s time you settled down.»
«Settle down?» I laughed and leaned back comfortably in my chair with a smile on my face. «You mean marry me?»
«Exactly,» he nodded, never taking his eyes off me. «You’re almost thirty.
If you want the company, we need to see a commitment. And that means a wife, a family. You can’t run the company on your own.»
My mother added, shaking her head, «Your father has worked his whole life for this company, Alex. We can’t hand it over to someone who treats life like a party.»
I was furious. They want a marriage? Well, I’ll give it to them. If they thought they could manipulate me, I’d prove them wrong.
I’d find someone who would challenge their expectations.
And that’s how I met Mary.
Mary didn’t come from the typical circles where I usually met women. I met her while she was volunteering at a quiet charity event.
She was wearing a simple dress, her hair pulled back. Nothing flashy, no designer clothes, just quiet and… authentic.
When I introduced myself, she nodded and said, «Nice to meet you, Alex.» She barely looked at me, as if she didn’t care.
«So, um, where are you from, Mary?» I asked, trying to piece together her story.
«Oh, I’m from a small town,» she replied with a polite smile. «Nothing special.» Her voice was soft, and her eyes seemed to be elsewhere.
Perfect. Just what I wanted.
«So, Mary,» I began directly. «What are your thoughts on marriage?»
She raised an eyebrow and looked at me in surprise. «Excuse me?»
«I know, it sounds weird,» I said, forcing a confident smile. «But I’m looking for someone to marry. I have… my reasons. But first, you have to pass a couple of ‘tests.'»
Mary looked at me for a moment, her expression hard to read. Then she laughed, which surprised me.
«Well, that’s funny,» she said, and something flashed in her eyes that I didn’t understand. «I was just thinking I could use a little ‘marriage.'»
«Really?» I asked, astonished. «So, we have a deal?»
Mary looked at me, then shrugged. «Okay, Alex. But you have to promise me something.»
«What?»
«Don’t ask me questions about my past, and I’ll ask you. I’m just a small-town girl, that’s all you need to know. Sound good?»
I couldn’t believe my luck and smiled. «Perfect.»
When I introduced Mary to my parents, they were surprised. My mother’s eyebrows rose as she took in Mary’s simple dress and reserved demeanor.
«Oh… Mary, right?» my mother said, trying to hide her disapproval behind a stiff smile.
My father’s brow furrowed. «Alex, this… isn’t what we were expecting.»
“Well, you wanted me to settle down,” I replied, unable to suppress a smile. “And Mary is perfect for me. She’s calm, humble, and doesn’t care about any of this.”
Mary handled it well. Whenever she responded politely or seemed uncomfortable in the conversation, I knew my parents were struggling to keep up appearances.
But then… there was something about her that seemed to hide a secret.
She was perfect for my plan, but every now and then I caught her looking at something in her eyes, something that almost… amused her.
“Are you sure you want this, Alex?” she asked me once after a dinner with my parents.
“More than ever,” I replied, laughing. “They’re shocked, Mary. It’s working.”
“Well,” she said gently, “I’m glad I could help.”
I was so focused on my parents’ reactions that I hadn’t yet paid attention to Mary’s. Not yet.
Finally, the big charity ball arrived.
My parents spared no expense: a huge room with crystal chandeliers, tables covered in white silk tablecloths, and silver cutlery that could feed a small country.
Mary walked in beside me, her understated elegance standing out amidst the glittering gowns and high heels of the others. Just what I wanted.
«Remember,» I whispered, leaning toward her. «Today is the final test.»
She looked at me, her expression still unflappable. «I know the rules.»
As the evening wore on, I stayed close to her, watching how she spoke softly, smiled politely, and never sought the spotlight.
My parents glanced at her from time to time with concern, but I sensed they were hoping she would disappear into the crowd.
Suddenly, without warning, the mayor approached us, his face beaming with a wide smile.
«Mary! It’s so good to see you here,» he exclaimed, extending his hand to greet her.
My parents’ jaws nearly dropped. I blinked, trying to understand. Did the mayor know Mary?
Mary smiled politely, but I could tell she was a little uncomfortable. «It’s so nice to see you, Mr. Mayor,» she replied somewhat stiffly.
«You know, everyone’s still talking about the children’s hospital project you funded,» the mayor continued. «Your family’s contributions still make a huge difference.»
Mary nodded. «I’m glad to hear that. We want to help wherever we can.»
When the mayor finally walked away, we stood there, bewildered. My mother was the first to break the silence, staring at me, wide-eyed. «Alex… what did that mean?»
Before I could answer, Jack, an old family friend, came over, equally surprised.
«Mary! It’s been so long. I didn’t know you were back in town.»
Mary laughed briefly. «Oh, I didn’t make a big deal out of it. I’m here for… my wedding,» she said.
Jack looked at me, his expression half amused, half incredulous. “Alex, you’re marrying Mary, the Princess of Charity? Her family is one of the biggest donors in the state!”
My throat went dry. The Princess of Charity. Of course I’d heard of her. Everyone had. But I never felt the need to meet her or look into her story.
When we finally managed to escape my parents’ prying eyes, I pulled Mary into a quiet corner. “So… the Princess of Charity?” I asked, crossing my arms.
She glanced at me, then looked away. “Yes. My family is one of the biggest backers of the charitable foundation. They move in those circles, but I don’t. I’ve avoided all that for years.”
I ran a hand through my hair, trying to process the situation. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because,” she said slowly, “it’s the same reason you didn’t tell me this marriage was a sham. I had my own reasons, Alex.”
“So… you knew from the beginning that this was all just a game?” I asked, trying to stay calm, but my voice betrayed me.
She sighed deeply. “I was tired of my parents pressuring me to marry for status. I wanted to live my life without those expectations.
When you came along, I thought I could help you and at the same time solve my own problem.”
“So… we both wanted the same thing?” I asked, still confused. “We just wanted to escape our families?”
Mary nodded. “It seems we have something in common.”
I began to realize how little I knew about her. She wasn’t that naive “country girl” who was only in my life to baffle my parents.
She was smart, strong, and just as independent as I was. Maybe even more so.
My original plan now seemed… childish.
While I was caught up in games to annoy my parents,
Mary quietly navigated a world she didn’t want to be a part of, relinquishing her family’s wealth and power to stand on her own two feet.
She agreed to my absurd plan just to gain her freedom.
I couldn’t respect her enough for that.
One night, while we were talking about the charity events my mother kept insisting we do,
