Refusing to back down, Zane stood his ground, his voice calm and resolute as he addressed the room. “If you insist on forcing Ava to marry me, I will walk away this instant and never look back. I have no interest in a woman like her.” His words cut through the tense atmosphere, sending shockwaves of anger through Ava and her parents.

The room fell into a heavy silence as Ava’s parents struggled to process Zane’s audacity. The old man, Ava’s grandfather, sat quietly, his expression unreadable as he contemplated the situation before him.

Ava’s anger swirled within her, her mind racing with indignation and defiance. How could Zane, this arrogant man, dare to reject her so openly? The thought of being tied to him for life only deepened her resentment.

In the midst of the tense standoff, the old man finally spoke, his voice filled with a mixture of wisdom and resolution. “Enough! This bickering will get us nowhere. Ava, Zane, I understand your concerns, but it is time for both of you to set aside your differences and find a way to coexist. I have made my decision, and it will not be swayed by petty arguments.”

Ava’s heart sank as her grandfather’s words settled in. She had hoped for a different outcome, for her voice to be heard and her wishes to be respected. But it seemed her fate had been sealed, bound to a man she despised.

Zane, on the other hand, remained composed, his expression unyielding. He understood the significance of this moment and the impact it would have on both their lives. With a newfound determination, he vowed to make the best of the situation, to find a way to bridge the gap between them and perhaps even uncover a hidden connection.

As the room filled with a heavy silence, Ava and Zane locked eyes, each recognizing the challenging path that lay ahead. Their journey towards acceptance and understanding had just begun, and only time would reveal what awaited them on this tumultuous path of arranged matrimony.