“W-what clicked into place?” I stammered.
Dakota leaned in, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and understanding. “The son of a prominent senator running for president, dating the daughter of his most generous benefactor. Seems pretty convenient, doesn’t it?”
For some reason, I found myself wanting to prop up the lie. “I mean … our dads are friends, and so Leo and Ihaveknown each other since we were kids … is it really that impossible to believe?”
“But you’re not actually dating him. Right? That’s what you were trying to tell me—that he’s not really your boyfriend.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Ottavia, are you stuck in some kind of weird political, arranged marriage thing with Leo?”
“I … I …” My breaths grew shallow. Again, I was conflicted—part of me was relieved he’d figured it out, but another part of me felt exposed and vulnerable and wanted to run.
But Dakota grabbed my hand and held it, his eyes on mine. “It’s okay, Ottavia. I’m not going to tell anyone.”
I swallowed hard, unable to meet Dakota’s penetrating gaze. The truth hung heavy in the air, and I knew I couldn’t deny it any longer. My lips moved, and the word came out in a hushed whisper, “Yes.”
“Yes? Holy fuck!” His eyes bulged. “I mean, I thought I’d figured it out, sure, but I guess I still didn’t believe it’d actually betrue,or that you’d admit it.”
“Pleasedon’t tell anyone—” I pleaded, my eyes wide with fear.
“I promise I won’t.” Dakota resolutely shook his head. “But can I ask … why? What’s the point? How’d it come about?”
“It’s complicated, and I don’t pretend to understand even half of it,” I began, my voice tinged with resignation. “But our dads have been allies for decades. They believe our marriage would strengthen their influence and secure both our families’ long-term interests.”
“Okay, buthow?”
“You know how sports gambling used to be really taboo and illegal in most states?”
“Yeah. Now it’s everywhere. When you watch a game on TV, there are like, fifty-thousand gambling ads. It’s crazy.” Dakota chuckled, but then the realization crossed his face. “Wait a minute—are you saying your dad and Leo’s dad had something to do with that?”
“All I know is that my dad has been lobbying for laxer gambling laws for decades. Because gambling is how he makes his money.”
Understanding flickered in Dakota’s eyes. “And your dad’s financial success benefits Lancaster, too.”
“Exactly. They’ve made each other a lot of money and power over the years.”
“Well, I can understand why your dads would be allies,” Dakota said, bobbing his head. “But why do they need theirkidsto marry? That’s the part that doesn’t make sense to me. Like, whocareswhat your kids do? It shouldn’t matter at all to them.”
“That’s because you’re not thinking about family like the rich do.”
“Explain it to me, then.”
“Our dads see their children as extensions of themselves. We are tools that further their own agendas. My dad desires power, and Leo’s dad desires wealth. By merging the two families through marriage, each solidify their own position, and ensure their legacies will continue for generations to come.”
Dakota’s brow furrowed as he tried to grasp the concept. “But … can’t they just achieve all that without forcing you into an arranged marriage?”
“You’d think so.” I let out a bitter laugh. “But an arranged marriage is like the ultimate handshake between families. It guarantees both parties’ continued cooperation, control, and guards against potential loss of influence. It’s the most effective way to secure their interests.” I cleared my throat. “That’s what they think, anyway.”
Dakota’s expression hardened, a hint of anger simmering beneath his surface. “And so they expect you and Leo to go along with it? To sacrifice your personal happiness fortheirambition?”
“More than that, they believe it’s our duty to do so. To serve the greater good of the family.”
“That’ssofucked up and backwards,” he said, his fist tightening. “It’s like they think we’re living in the medieval ages or something. What the hell?”
Truth was, I could see the argument from both sides.
Dakota sensed my hesitation. His gaze bore into mine. “Youknowthis is unfair, right, Ottavia?”
I hesitated, torn between the familiar burden of familial expectations and my own happiness. “Yes, but like my dad always says, life isn’t fair.” A heavy sigh escaped me. “Then again, who am I to complain about what’s fair or not? I’m so privileged, and—”
“No.” Dakota sternly shook his head, refusing to entertain any justification. “Just because you were born into a family with money doesn’t mean you have to settle for a life that isn’t truly yours. Don’t letanyonetell you that.”
