Twisted Vows, Hidden Desire

The glass doors of Insight Daily Media slid open with a quiet hiss, letting in the faint hum of the city's noise. The reception area was modern, with sleek gray floors and minimalist decor. The cool air-conditioning sent a slight chill down Amelia's spine as she stepped inside. Her eyes scanned the room, searching for someone — anyone — to give her direction.

A receptionist sat behind a curved marble desk, typing briskly on her computer. Her name tag read Rachel. Amelia took a steady breath and approached, her heels clicking softly against the floor.

"Good morning," Amelia said, putting on her most polite smile. "I'm looking for Claire Bennett. I believe she works here."

The receptionist glanced up, her eyes shifting from Amelia's face to her outfit — a cream blouse tucked into high-waisted black pants. Professional but not overdone.

"Do you have an appointment with her?" Rachel asked, her tone polite but firm.

"No, I don't," Amelia admitted. "But it's important. I just need a few minutes of her time."

The receptionist tilted her head, giving Amelia a brief once-over before picking up the phone. "Hold on." She dialed a number and waited, tapping her pen lightly on the desk.

"Hi, Claire. There's someone here to see you," Rachel said into the receiver, her gaze flicking toward Amelia. "She says it's important." A short pause. "Her name? One second." Rachel lowered the phone. "Your name?"

"Amelia Reed," she replied.

"Amelia Reed," Rachel repeated, eyes narrowing slightly as if the name sparked recognition. After another pause, she frowned and said, "Alright, I'll let her know." She hung up the phone, her lips pursed. "She'll meet you in the lobby."

Amelia nodded in thanks, stepping aside to wait. Her heart thudded in her chest, steady but firm. She knew this wasn't going to be easy.

Five minutes later, Claire appeared.

She was striking. Her wavy auburn hair framed her face perfectly, and she wore a fitted emerald-green blouse tucked into a black pencil skirt. Her heels clicked with precision, each step deliberate. But it wasn't her appearance that caught Amelia's attention — it was her eyes. Sharp. Guarded. And not at all happy to see her.

Claire stopped a few paces away, folding her arms across her chest. "Amelia Reed, right?" Her voice was cool, her tone edged with suspicion. "What do you want?"

Amelia stepped forward, her hands clasped in front of her. "I know you probably don't want to see me right now, but I just wanted to talk. Five minutes — that's all I'm asking for."

Claire raised a brow, her eyes narrowing further. "Talk? About what? How you're about to marry Ethan because your families think it's a great idea?" Her words dripped with bitterness.

Amelia winced but held her ground. "I'm not here to rub anything in your face, Claire. I just want to be clear about where I stand."

"Where you stand?" Claire scoffed, tilting her head in disbelief. "You're standing in my workplace, acting like you're the victim." She shook her head, letting out a dry laugh. "If you've come here to justify yourself, I'm not interested."

Amelia's jaw tightened, but she stayed calm. "Look, I get it. You love him. I'm not here to take that away from you."

"Really?" Claire said, stepping closer. "Because from where I'm standing, that's exactly what you're doing."

Amelia's gaze softened. "You think I want this? You think I'm thrilled to be shoved into an arranged marriage with a man I barely know?" She let out a short breath, eyes locked with Claire's. "I don't. I'm just as trapped in this as Ethan is."

Claire's eyes flickered with something — hesitation, doubt, maybe even understanding. But she kept her arms crossed. "Then why go along with it? Why not walk away?"

"Because it's not that simple," Amelia replied, her voice steady but firm. "Our parents have control over more than you realize. It's not just about love. It's about expectations, family reputation, and power." She let out a frustrated sigh. "But Ethan and I have a plan. We're not falling for this. We're just... playing along for now."

"Playing along?" Claire repeated, her tone laced with doubt.

"Yes," Amelia said. "We agreed to act like we're cooperating. It gives us time to figure out a way out of this mess without causing a war between our families."

Claire blinked, the tension in her shoulders loosening just a little. "So, you're telling me this whole thing is a performance?"

"Exactly," Amelia said, her eyes unwavering. "A performance. No love. No feelings. Just strategy." She tilted her head, her voice soft but sincere. "I'm not your enemy, Claire."

Silence hung between them, heavy but not suffocating. Claire's lips pressed into a thin line as she studied Amelia's face, searching for signs of deceit.

"You could've just stayed out of it," Claire muttered, her voice quieter now but still sharp. "If you know he loves me, why even play along?"

"Because I'm tired of fighting battles I can't win," Amelia replied, her voice carrying a quiet strength. "If you think I want to marry Ethan, you're wrong. But if I'm being forced into it, I'd rather do it on my terms."

Claire's eyes dropped to the floor, her fingers fidgeting with the bracelet on her wrist. Her voice was low but firm. "He called me, you know. Multiple times. I didn't answer."

"I know," Amelia said. "He told me."

Claire let out a shaky breath, her gaze still on the floor. "I love him, Amelia." Her voice cracked just a little. "I love him so much it hurts."

Amelia's heart clenched at the raw pain in Claire's voice. She knew that feeling — to want something so deeply but feel it slipping away.

"I'm not asking you to give up on him," Amelia said gently. "But I think you should talk to him. Ignoring him isn't going to help either of you."

Claire raised her head slowly, her eyes glassy but fierce. "And what if talking to him changes nothing?"

"Then you'll at least know you tried," Amelia replied. "And maybe, just maybe, you'll find some peace in that."

Another moment of silence stretched between them. Claire stared at Amelia like she was trying to solve a puzzle with too many missing pieces. But there was no malice in her gaze now — just exhaustion.

Finally, Claire sighed, dropping her arms to her sides. "Fine. I'll think about it."

Amelia nodded, relief washing over her. "That's all I'm asking."

Claire glanced around the lobby, then back at Amelia. "You're braver than I thought," she admitted reluctantly.

"Not brave," Amelia said with a small smile. "Just tired of being told what to do."

Claire snorted, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, I get that." She glanced at the elevator behind her, then back at Amelia. "I have to get back to work."

"I know," Amelia said, taking a step back. "Thanks for giving me a chance to talk."

"Don't thank me yet," Claire muttered. "I'm still mad at you."

Amelia chuckled softly. "Fair enough."

With that, Claire turned and walked away, her steps slower than before. Amelia watched her go, shoulders relaxing for the first time all day. She knew this wasn't over, not by a long shot. But at least now, there was a chance for understanding.

She turned and headed for the exit, her mind already bracing for the next battle she'd have to face.