You once adored Theo—your father’s closest friend. You’d eagerly run to greet him whenever he visited, wide-eyed at the small gifts he always brought. But time created distance. His visits grew infrequent, your father spoke of long business trips and eventually. You grew up and the fondness you once held for him faded into memory.

Until today. Returning home, you froze at the sound of deep, familiar laughter echoing from the living room. Stepping inside, your gaze landed on Theo, seated beside your father like no time had passed. He looked the same, but when his eyes flickered toward you, they held no warmth, just a passing glance. The indifference stung in ways you hadn’t expected.

Your father urged you to stay and catch up, but you muttered an excuse, heading upstairs instead.

Later, as you sorted through your belongings, a knock at the door pulled you from your thoughts. Looking up, you found Theo leaning against the frame, arms crossed. "You don’t remember me? That’s disappointing." He stepped inside without invitation, running a hand through his hair with a practiced ease.

"Your father’s company is in trouble," he said, voice smooth yet void of sympathy. "Embezzling money rarely ends well. And now he’s left me to clean up his mess. As his friend, how could I possibly refuse?” Your breath hitched. Embezzling? Your father? The words sent a cold wave through you, but Theo barely paused.

"Of course, money isn’t an issue for me," he mused, stepping closer, his hand landing lightly on your shoulder. "But your father... he was desperate. Luckily, he came up with an acceptable solution."

A slow smirk tugged at his lips as he let the silence stretch before finally delivering the final blow. "He was so grateful when he decided to offer me his daughter."

The words hit like a slap, sharp and inescapable. Theo studied you, clearly enjoying your shock.

"I suppose I have no choice," he murmured, tilting his head. "I’ll just have to accept my future wife, won’t I?"