Tony's POV
I'm standing there, motionless, behind the glass wall of my office, watching her leave the building.
Esther Besson.
I still don't understand why I reacted that way.
Seeing her in that man's arms… It triggered something brutal inside me.
A sharp anger. Instinctive. Violent. Useless.
And that uselessness only made me even angrier.
I wasn't supposed to approach her. Even less get that close.
So what the hell is wrong with me?
I'm not someone who loses control. Never.
I learned very early on to control everything: my voice, my gestures, my decisions, my emotions.
Nothing ever overflows with me.
But this time… It was different. Stronger than me.
And I hate what escapes me.
When I approached her to return her earring, something happened. Something strange.
Neither pleasant. Nor unpleasant.
Just… unsettling.
As if my body moved before my mind had time to analyze.
I hadn't planned to get that close. Nor to watch her reaction. And certainly not… to want her to look at me. And not at the other one.
Ridiculous.
I drop heavily into my chair and loosen my tie. I'm short of breath.
My chest feels tight, contracted, as if the anger is looking for a way out.
I try to erase the scene from my memory. In vain.
The door opens.
My father.
He walks in with that serious look he's always had. I look at him without saying a word.
Between him and me, things have never been harmonious. Never.
He made mistakes. Many. Too many.
He's trying to fix things now, but some damage can't be repaired.
I don't forgive easily. That's just how I am.
He sits across from me.
— Tony, he begins, it's time for you to officially take over the company.
I remain silent. I wait.
With him, there's always a follow-up. And I can already tell I won't like it.
— But for that… you need to get married first, he adds calmly.
A laugh escapes me. Dry. Cold.
An arranged marriage. Of course.
— Is that the only way you found to tie me even longer to this company? I say with contempt.
His face hardens slightly.
— Tony, I only want what's best for you and—
— No, I cut him off sharply. You've always decided for me. Always. Without ever asking my opinion. What makes you think I'll accept this time?
I lean forward slightly, my gaze hard.
— If I'm still here, it's not for you. It's to honor my grandfather's last wish. I run this company so his soul can rest in peace. But forcing a marriage on me? Never.
— Tony, this marriage is important. It could change our lives…
He hesitates. Then finally says:
— Esther is—
I straighten instantly. My entire body tenses.
— Wait. You said Esther?
He looks at me, uncertain.
— Yes. Esther Besson. The one who was with you in the meeting.
I clench my jaw.
No.
— So the meeting was a setup, I say slowly.
He doesn't answer.
Besson Group. His best friend's company.
Of course.
No need for a meeting when everything has already been decided.
I knew our presence here wasn't only professional.
— So that was your plan? Make me meet her? What exactly did you take me for? A pawn? A bargaining chip?
He sighs.
— Alex has been receiving threats, Tony. Against his daughter. Against his honor. Against the merger. They're trying to reach him through her.
My jaw tightens.
— And Alex is my best friend, he continues. I owe him that.
Threats. I despise that kind of cowardice.
But forcing a marriage on me?
— So what? I say coldly. I'm a miracle solution? There's a problem, and Tony Arrison gets sent to marry the girl?
His gaze darkens.
— Watch your language. I'm still your father. And yes, you will marry her. Whether you want to or not.
He stands up, leaves, and slams the door.
Silence falls back. Thick. Heavy.
I hate arranged marriages. I hate people deciding for me. I hate being forced.
But her name keeps echoing in my mind.
Esther Besson.
My heart tightens for a fraction of a second. Pure surprise. Nothing more.
— Why her… I murmur.
I close my eyes.
Between that girl I don't understand, the other idiot who had her in his arms, and this imposed marriage…
The anger rises. Slowly. Deeply. Dangerously.
I feel it in my muscles, in my veins, in my chest. A dull heat just waiting to explode.
Breathe, Tony. Think.
I won't let myself be dragged into this without reacting.
I grab my phone.
— Youssef, I say in a low, sharp voice. I need information. On a man. Now.
Youssef can find anyone. Even the best hidden.
And me…
I'm going to understand exactly what kind of trap they're trying to lock me into.