Agreement

My name is Kiera Rose, and I am 19 years old. I am the eldest daughter of my esteemed parents who are the proprietors of the Kingdom Company. Sadly, my father met with a tragic accident when my twin sister and I were merely 8 years old. Since then, our mother has taken on a more authoritative role in our lives.One morning, I was awakened by my phone's alarm. I reluctantly stirred from my sleep, but it wasn't the alarm that ultimately roused me; it was the voices resonating from downstairs. I suddenly recalled that my mother had mentioned her friends were visiting us that day.Swiftly, I freshened up and donned a pink frock embellished with intricate rose embroidery, one of my favorites as I aimed to make a good impression. Once attired, I descended the stairs.In the living room, I found my mother's friend, Mrs. Han, along with her daughter, Miss Lily Jae, and her son, Lance Jae. Lance was a prominent CEO in the city of Franis, possessing undeniable charm and an impressive sense of fashion. His charismatic demeanor, coupled with his remarkable intelligence and physique, caught my attention. He was undeniably someone I found intriguing.Upon entering the room, my mother graciously introduced me to our guests. "Kiera, this is Mrs. Han and her children, Lily and Lance," she said with a warm smile. I greeted them courteously, although my focus kept returning to Lance.Throughout the morning, I endeavored to engage in conversation, but I couldn't help stealing glances at Lance. His presence was captivating, and I found myself drawn to him. We exchanged a few words, and I was pleasantly surprised by his wit and intelligence. Despite his affluent background, he remained down-to-earth and approachable.As the visit progressed, I observed the rapport between our families. My mother and Mrs. Han shared fond memories and discussed business ventures, while Lily proved to be charming and delightful to converse with. Nevertheless, it was Lance who left a lasting impression on me. There was an intriguing quality about him that piqued my curiosity, and I found myself looking forward to our next encounter. Little did I know, this meeting would herald the beginning of an unexpected and exciting chapter in my life.During the day, I noticed silent exchanges between my mother and Mrs. Han, hinting at some undisclosed plan. Although I observed their unspoken communication, I didn't dwell on it and instead focused on extending polite courtesies to our guests. After the formalities concluded, I proceeded to the refrigerator to quench my thirst with a can of Coke.As the hours passed and evening descended, Mrs. Han and her family bid us farewell and departed from our home. I retired to my room, passing time thoughtlessly until I heard footsteps approaching and a soft knock on my door. It was my mother, her expression serious as she seated herself beside me on the bed.She began to speak, her words seeming distant at first, but gradually coalescing into a coherent message. I endeavored to concentrate, and her final sentence pierced through my reverie: "You must marry Lance."Taken aback, I responded, "What? Why would I?"Marriage was the farthest thing from my mind at this stage, a sentiment my mother was well aware of. Her unusual behavior throughout the evening now made sense. Despite my initial astonishment and reluctance, I realized I couldn't simply dismiss her request. Refusal would create an awkward situation with her friend.My mother had tirelessly supported us in the absence of our father, making numerous sacrifices for our well-being. This was an opportunity for me to demonstrate my gratitude for everything she had done. Although the idea of marrying Lance so abruptly was daunting, I couldn't ignore her earnest plea. It was time to prioritize her happiness and peace of mind, even if it meant venturing into an unforeseen future.As we sat together, I comprehended the depth of her concerns and the weight of her sacrifices. Despite my reservations and personal aspirations, I acknowledged this moment as pivotal. Sometimes, love entails making difficult choices for those who have given us everything. And in that moment, I resolved to honor my mother's wishes, trusting that together, we could navigate whatever challenges lay ahead.A week elapsed since my mother and Mrs. Han arranged a meeting with Lance. The appointed day arrived, and I found myself awaiting him in a cozy coffee shop, my mind abuzz with thoughts and emotions.As I sipped my coffee, the door swung open, revealing a man whose appearance took my breath away. He was remarkably handsome, prompting me to question if he could indeed be my future husband.For a moment, I regretted agreeing to this meeting as I observed other women in the coffee shop vying for his attention.Approaching me with a warm smile and a gentle voice, Lance asked, "Have I kept you waiting long?"My mind raced. Did he even ask? His handsome appearance and gentle demeanor were captivating.Although I managed to reply, "No, I just arrived," my inner thoughts betrayed my true sentiments: Did he ask me? Oh my God, he is so handsome and his voice is so gentle!Despite my initial apprehension, our conversation flowed effortlessly. Lance proved not only to be handsome but also kind and attentive, expressing genuine interest in my interests and sharing anecdotes from his own life. Each word he spoke put me at ease, and I found myself laughing and enjoying our time together.As the evening progressed, I realized that perhaps this arranged meeting wasn't as dreadful as I had imagined. Lance's charm and sincerity gradually alleviated my initial reservations. Maybe, just maybe, this unexpected turn could lead to something remarkable. Perhaps my mother and Mrs. Han's secretive plans had merit after all.Time passed, and I began feeling a glimmer of excitement at the prospect of this remarkable man becoming my husband. However, I kept these feelings to myself, hoping for a conversation that would offer deeper insight into his character. Yet, my anticipation turned to dismay when he abruptly presented me with papers, instructing me to sign them if I agreed to marry him."Seriously?" I exclaimed, taken aback by the suddenness of his request.(My thoughts: This is absurd. I don't want to marry this rude individual.)The papers outlined three stringent rules:The wife cannot initiate divorce unless the husband agrees.The wife cannot engage in relationships with other men.The wife must obey the husband and refrain from interfering in his private matters.Shocked by the severity and inequity of these conditions, I hesitated. However, considering the importance of this arrangement to my mother and Mrs. Han, I felt compelled to comply. I signed the contract, although it contradicted my beliefs.As I affixed my signature, I contemplated how I would navigate this new chapter in my life. Despite my initial resentment, I resolved to make the best of the situation. I hoped that beneath Lance's stern exterior, there lay a more compassionate and understanding individual.Little did I know, this marked the inception of a journey that would test my resilience and reveal strengths I never knew I possessed. Through trials and tribulations, I would learn that life's unexpected twists often pave the path for profound personal growth. Perhaps, with time, I could bridge our differences and cultivate a meaningful relationship with Lance._ROSE_...