"That's quite alright, Emma. We can order drinks first," Anya said.
They began chatting casually — business, vacation plans, this and that. Kayla listened quietly, chiming in with a comment only when someone directed a question her way. Just as the server arrived with their drinks, the door to the private room swung open and a tall man with a commanding build stepped inside.
Kayla turned instinctively toward the door. The man had a chiseled face, a strong jawline, and eyes so sharp they could cut glass. He wore a navy blue dress shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbows, revealing muscular forearms.
"Sorry I'm late, Dad, Mom," the man said in a deep baritone.
"No worries, Arthur. Come, sit down and say hello," Bastian said, gesturing toward the table.
The man — Arthur — walked over. His gaze happened to meet Kayla's for a brief moment, and an inexplicable wave of nervousness and fear washed over her.
"Everyone, this is Arthur. And Arthur — this is Uncle Demian, Aunt Anya, and this is Kayla," Bastian said by way of introduction.
Arthur shook hands with Demian and Anya respectfully, then turned to Kayla. The handshake was brief, but it was enough to terrify her half to death.
They enjoyed the food the restaurant had prepared, followed by lively conversation between the two families — until Bastian's voice brought everything to a halt.
"So, what do we think about the wedding between Kayla and Arthur?" Bastian asked.
"Let's do it as soon as possible. They've already been introduced, after all," Demian replied.
Kayla froze. As far as she knew, this meeting was supposed to be a simple introduction to Arthur — not a discussion about a wedding.
"Wait — what do you mean, Uncle?" Kayla asked.
"Oh? Your father didn't tell you? This whole dinner is about arranging your marriage to Arthur. You two are going to be married," Bastian said.
"I did tell her. But it seems Kayla forgot," Demian answered smoothly.
Kayla stared at her father in bewilderment. Demian met her gaze and responded with a nod and an encouraging smile.
"So, what do you say? I can barely contain my excitement about having a daughter-in-law as lovely as you, Kayla," Emma said warmly.
"What about you, Arthur?" Bastian asked his son.
"I've already agreed to the arrangement. So it's up to Kayla — whether she's willing or not," Arthur replied, his expression perfectly flat.
"How about it, Kayla?" Bastian asked.
The question hit Kayla like a freight train. She wasn't ready for marriage. She still had a future to chase.
Sensing Kayla's hesitation, Bastian smiled with understanding. "I know this must be overwhelming. You're still pursuing your education, and that's important. But you don't need to worry — Arthur will fully support you. You can keep following your dreams even after you're married. Isn't that right, Arthur?"
"Yes," Arthur said.
"So, sweetheart — what do you think?" Emma asked gently.
What am I supposed to do? Accept or refuse? But I'm not ready for this, Kayla thought desperately.
She drew in a deep breath and let her gaze sweep over Bastian and Emma, both watching her with such hopeful eyes.
"Kayla?" Anya said softly, as if lending quiet support without pushing.
Kayla understood. Refusing an arrangement like this — right here, in front of two families who had clearly already agreed and were brimming with enthusiasm — would be unbearably awkward. Especially for her father, who had misled her about the purpose of this dinner. Then she saw Demian's smile, full of conviction and hope, and she exhaled in surrender, forcing herself to smile back.
"Alright, Uncle, Aunt. I accept," Kayla said in a voice barely above a whisper — but clear enough in the silent room.
Wide smiles bloomed on Anya's, Bastian's, and Emma's faces. The tension evaporated instantly, replaced by warmth and cheer.
Emma rose from her chair, walked over to Kayla, and wrapped her in a tight embrace. "Welcome to our family, sweetheart. I already think of you as my own daughter," she whispered sincerely.
Arthur, who had been silent the entire time, gave his father the faintest nod. A minimal reaction — but enough for Bastian.
"Wonderful. Now that everyone's on board, how about we discuss the wedding date and preparations?" Demian suggested, visibly relieved and happy.
The conversation moved to wedding plans. They decided to hold the ceremony within a month, the reasoning being that when Kayla started her clinical rotation in Country A, she would have someone to look after her. Kayla mostly listened. She'd just learned that Arthur was a doctor at one of the hospitals in Country A, but she didn't ask for details — she was still too intimidated by him.
Just before the dinner ended, as everyone was gathering their things, Anya pulled Kayla slightly aside.
"Kayla, sweetheart. Why did you look so scared when you saw Arthur?" her mother asked, concern threading through her voice.
Kayla froze. She couldn't explain the fear that had hit her out of nowhere, as if Arthur radiated some kind of dangerous aura.
"N-no, Mom. I was probably just nervous because it's the first time meeting him," Kayla lied, plastering on a smile.
Anya cupped Kayla's cheek gently. "I hope you're not hiding anything. Arthur may look serious and intimidating, but he's a good person. Don't be afraid, okay?"
Kayla nodded.
After saying their goodbyes and thank-yous, Kayla and her parents left the restaurant. In the car, both Demian and Anya were practically glowing with happiness.
"Thank you, Kayla, for agreeing to this arrangement," Demian said.
"Why didn't you just tell me from the beginning that this was an arranged marriage, not just an introduction?" Kayla asked, unable to hide the disappointment in her voice.
Demian sighed. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I knew you'd refuse if I told you the truth, so I had to bend it a little."
"But why does it have to be so rushed? Can't it wait until after I finish my degree?" Kayla asked.
"Your mom and I can't keep watching over you forever. The best thing we can do is give you a husband we trust completely — a man we believe is the right one for you. And that man is Arthur. Besides, he lives in Country A too, so when you start your rotation there, you'll have someone to take care of you. Your mom and I won't have to worry anymore," Demian said.
Kayla went quiet. "Where are you and Mom going? Why can't you look after me?"
"Kayla, I've told you before — your mom and I want to move to the countryside and enjoy our time there. I want to make that dream come true for both of us. You and Adrian are settled now. It's our turn to have some time to ourselves," Demian said.
Hearing her father's answer, Kayla understood. She made her peace with the arrangement.
.
.
.
To be continued...
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