"Amelia, I don't know what to do anymore. I can't marry a guy I don't even know or love," Derya said, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Honestly, I hadn't realized just how serious Mom and Dad were when they said they'd found a "perfect match" for Derya—simply because they didn't approve of the guy she was currently dating.
"Girl, don't tell me about that lower-class guy you're seeing. That guy won't take you anywhere; he's just a mechanic," Mom had said, trying to justify what they were doing.
I hugged Derya, trying to comfort her. "Don't worry, we'll come up with a plan. I'm your sister, and I won't let you suffer at the hands of our selfish parents."
Well, I'm Amelia Watson, and Derya is my sister. We're the only children of Mary and Jude Watson. Dad owns Watson Firm, a prestigious law company, and the only thing more important to him than money is… well, nothing else really. He doesn't socialize with middle- or lower-class people. Money changes people, they say—and Dad is proof. He even forgets where he came from, because he wasn't born rich. He worked hard to get here, and now he looks down on anyone who hasn't.
Then there's the Jackson family—so-called family friends because they also have wealth and connections. They have one son, Shane Jackson, heir to their empire. Shane has been living away with his grandparents, and he's coming back in three days. That's why Mom and Dad arranged this marriage for Derya. Apparently, Shane needs a wife to help him take over the family business. Love? Forget about it. This marriage is entirely based on our parents' decisions, and Shane probably has dozens of admirers, most of them gold-diggers.
Three days later…
"Amelia, go check if Derya is ready. We have to leave soon!" Mom shouted from her room.
I went to Derya's room and froze. She looked stunning in a long, black, tight dress that hugged her curves perfectly. Her gold heels and flawless makeup made her look like an angel.
"Girl, are you really sure you don't want to marry this guy?" I teased. "Because you look fire—totally irresistible."
Derya shrugged. "Nick broke up with me two days ago, and I was sad. But I have to make this Shane thing work. I can't be caught up with that loser."
I hugged her again. "Don't worry about him. You're amazing, and anyone who can't see that is a fool. You deserve someone who'll keep you on your toes all night."
Later, we went down to find Mom and Dad waiting for us. Mom complimented both of us, but I reminded her, "Today is Derya's day; she should shine."
We drove to the Jackson estate, and I couldn't help but wonder what Shane would be like. When we arrived, everyone greeted us warmly, and then I saw him. Shane. Dressed in a tuxedo, polished shoes, a charming, slightly mischievous smile that made it impossible to look away.
Derya lit up instantly, and I felt a pang of jealousy I tried to ignore. Then I met Noah, Shane's cousin. Handsome, yes—but calm and approachable. I enjoyed talking with him, but he wasn't Shane.
Derya, however, was smitten. Every word Shane said, every glance he gave her, drew her further in. And me? I couldn't deny the spark I felt when he looked my way, even if I forced myself to pretend nothing was happening.
The day ended with a mix of excitement and tension. Derya was falling for Shane, and I… I had no idea how to handle the feelings growing inside me. But one thing was clear: nothing would ever be the same again.