The Heir's Secret Marriage

"Kevin, you don't have a choice!" His father's voice was sharp, like he had already decided everything.

Kevin leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms. "You mean I don't get to choose who I marry? That's new, even for you."

Mr. Raymond didn't flinch. "This is about the company. Marrying Evelyn will secure the merger and without it, we lose everything."

Kevin laughed dryly. "So I sell myself off like a property? I'm not a pawn, Dad."

"You will do as I say," his father pressed. "You owe this family. Evelyn is perfect, she is rich, stable, and she'll hold the shareholders together."

Kevin shook his head slowly. "You don't care who I actually want, do you?"

"You don't get the luxury of wanting," his father snapped.

The words sat heavy between them. Kevin's jaw tightened. He stood, pushing his chair back with a scrape. "If you think I'll crawl into marriage with Evelyn like a good little soldier, you're wrong."

His father's eyes narrowed. "You think you can rebel against me?"

Kevin didn't answer. He walked out of the office, his chest tight.

***

Clara's tiny apartment smelled faintly of cleaning detergent and medicine. She opened the door halfway, frowning when she saw him.

"What are you doing here?" she asked sharply.

Kevin shoved his hands into his pockets. "I need to talk."

"We don't have anything to talk about," Clara said, her voice cold. "Not after what your family did to mine."

Kevin nodded, as if he expected that. "I know. That's why I'm here."

Clara sighed. "You should leave."

"Clara, listen," he pressed, stepping closer. "I don't want to marry Evelyn. My father is forcing me and I figured... maybe we could help each other."

Clara's brows drew together. "Help each other? How could I possibly help you?"

"Marry me," Kevin said plainly.

Clara stared at him like he had lost his mind. "Are you insane?"

"Maybe," Kevin admitted, "but think about it. If I marry you, my father can't make me marry Evelyn and you... you'll get protection, money and stability. I can pay off your debts."

Her chest rose and fell quickly. "You think I'd marry the son of the man who ruined us? Do you even hear yourself?"

"I hear myself," Kevin said. "And I'm serious, this isn't about romance. It's business."

Clara shook her head furiously. "No, Absolutely not. Get out now."

He didn't move. "Clara, your mom needs treatment and i can cover it. You don't have to worry anymore."

Her lips trembled for a moment before she tightened them. "You don't get to use my mother as leverage."

"I'm not," Kevin said softly. "I'm offering a way out."

Silence hung between them. Clara's hands curled into fists at her sides. "You think money fixes everything."

"No," Kevin said. "But I know you're drowning and I'm the only one throwing a rope, let me help you."

Clara swallowed hard, her throat tight. She wanted to scream at him, slam the door