Married strangers

fect blend of nature and architecture. Yet, his mind was elsewhere, consumed by the weight of the conversation he was about to have. At twenty-seven, Aaron was one of the youngest multimillionai

t commanded respect in both social and business circles. She had practically raised Aaron after the tragic death of his parents when he was a teenager, m

oft but firm, "there's something im

e window to his grandmother. "O

efully. "You've accomplished so much at such a young a

y suspecting where this conversa

eer that you've neglected the other aspects of your life. You're not ge

er off gently. "Before what, Gra

Aaron. And before I leave this world, I want to see you with someone who wi

andma, I'm not ready for marriage. My business is still

ords. "I understand that, but there's something you should know. My best friend,

ued despite himself. "

y to unite them. Lydia's granddaughter, Lily, is a wonderful young woman. She's

in disbelief. "You want me to m

thing for both of you. You're both too busy with your lives to find s

im. "Before you say no, just think about it. Meet her. If you don't li

im and how much this meant to her. As much as the idea of an arranged marriage seemed outdated and ridiculous t

n finally said, his voice

she reached out to squeeze his hand. "

mple, no-frills encounter-just the two of them, away from the pressures of their families. But Evelyn and Lydia had other plans. The moment Aaron agreed to meet L

r the way she had spoken so highly of Lydia's granddaughter. Or maybe it was the subtle pressure of his own sen

eautiful, no doubt about that-tall and slender, with dark hair that cascaded down her back in soft waves. She wore a simple white dress tha

er, trying to calm hi

ering a small sm

gauge what kind of person she was. She seemed calm, composed, bu

s. "But I want you to know that I didn't come to this decision lightly

le warmer. "My grandmothe

e for the first time and knowing that, in a few moments, they would be married. But there was also a sen

lly said, gesturing tow

onotone voice. Aaron barely registered the words as he repeated them, his mind still grappling with the reality of what was happ

nderson were now husband and wife. They exchanged polite smiles, but there was an unspoken u

Lily, his expression serious. "Lily, I need to be honest with you. I have to leave the country for a yea

r eyes widening slightl

it for me. We can figure out what to do when I get back. But for now, I think

understand. I have my own life to focus on as

s simple and detached as possible. With that, Aaron hailed a cab for Lily and wa

elief, uncertainty, and a hint of something he couldn't quite define. But there was no

Aaron turned and walked away, leaving beh