CHAPTER 2

Arlo stormed into Silas's office, his eyes blazing with fury. "I refuse to compete with that... person," he spat. "How could you even consider it?"

Silas remained calm, his voice soothing. "Please, Arlo, hear me out. Dad came up with this idea so I could give you both a fair chance."

Arlo's anger intensified. "A fair chance? What does that even mean? I have the upper hand in everything – education, looks, financial status... I'm the obvious choice. Why do I have to be an option?"

Silas's expression turned introspective. "So, you're saying if I'd considered all that, I would've chosen you already?"

Arlo's gaze narrowed, his voice laced with emotion. "That's not what I meant."

Silas approached him, his eyes locked on Arlo's. "If you claim to love me, you'll stay and fight for me."

Arlo's jaw clenched. "Why does this feel like a contest?"

Silas's voice was gentle. "Love isn't a contest, Arlo. It's how you see it."

Arlo shook his head, his anger simmering. "I'll get back to you. I can't believe I'm even considering this."

Arlo sat across from his sister Mandy at a cozy coffee shop, his frustration simmering. "I can't back down now, Mandy. I love Silas so much, and I'll do whatever it takes."

Mandy raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like desperation, Arlo."

Arlo's jaw clenched. "You haven't been in love. If Caspian can agree to this, then I must show Silas I love him more."

Mandy's expression turned thoughtful. "Caspian's trying to figure himself out – it's no big deal for him to cling to Silas. But you're... influential, well-done. You deserve someone who'll love you without competition."

Arlo shook his head. "You don't get it. If I quit, Caspian gets Silas's heart. I can't risk that."

Mandy sighed. "Arlo, I've tried to reason with you, but if you're set on this... I'll support you."

Arlo's lips curved into a faint smile. "Thanks, sis."

Mandy's voice turned determined. "You'll get Silas, no matter what."

Arlo's grin grew. "That's my sis."

Mandy leaned in. "You must marry Silas – I'll fight with you."

Silas stood at the door, watching as Arlo and Caspian brought in the last of their boxes. The day had finally arrived, and it didn't sit well with him. He knew it was for the best – he had to take any chance to be with either of them. The whole situation felt like a work of fiction, and he was already wondering how they'd cope when he eventually left one for the other. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes as he turned away, not wanting to let them see. He wouldn't be the cause of their suffering.

In that moment, Silas made a promise to himself – he'd give both men equal attention and see where fate took them. Deep down, he knew it was chaos, but he'd choose this for the peace of his conscience.

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