{"id":3359,"date":"2025-07-02T08:29:37","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T07:29:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/?p=3359"},"modified":"2025-07-02T08:29:38","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T07:29:38","slug":"my-parents-demanded-that-i-get-married-to-keep-the-family-business-so-i-chose-a-fresh-off-the-farm-girl-to-spite-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/?p=3359","title":{"rendered":"My Parents Demanded That I Get Married to Keep the Family Business, So I Chose a \u2018Fresh-off-the-Farm\u2019 Girl to Spite Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ll admit it. I\u2019m not proud of how I started all this. I wasn\u2019t looking for love, not even close. I just wanted to get back at my parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You see, I\u2019ve always lived the way I wanted, with no strings. Parties, fast cars, expensive vacations. And why not? My family was wealthy, and I knew I\u2019d inherit my father\u2019s business one day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A serious young man | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But then my parents sat me down for \u201cthe talk.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cListen, Alex,\u201d my father said, leaning forward like he was discussing a business deal. \u201cYour mother and I feel it\u2019s time you settle down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSettle down?\u201d I scoffed, leaning back with a smirk. \u201cYou mean get married?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrecisely,\u201d he said with a nod, not breaking eye contact. \u201cYou\u2019re almost 30. If you want the company, we need to see some commitment. That means a wife, a family. You can\u2019t run a business like this alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A serious man talking to his son | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My mother chimed in, shaking her head. \u201cYour father worked his entire life for this, Alex. We can\u2019t trust the future of the business to someone who treats life like a party.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was fuming. They wanted a marriage, so I\u2019d give them one. If they thought they could push me around, I\u2019d prove them wrong. I\u2019d find someone who\u2019d make them question their own demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s when I met Mary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A country woman | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary wasn\u2019t from the usual places where I met women. I found her volunteering at a quiet charity event. She looked modest, maybe even shy, with a simple dress and her hair tied back. Nothing flashy, no designer clothes, just calm and\u2026 real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I introduced myself, she just nodded and said, \u201cNice to meet you, Alex.\u201d She barely looked at me, like she wasn\u2019t impressed at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A couple meeting for the first time | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, uh, where are you from, Mary?\u201d I asked, trying to gauge her story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m just from a small town,\u201d she replied with a polite smile. \u201cNothing fancy.\u201d Her voice was soft, and her eyes seemed guarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perfect. Just perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, Mary,\u201d I began, cutting right to the chase. \u201cHow do you feel about marriage?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She raised an eyebrow, looking surprised. \u201cExcuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know it sounds strange,\u201d I said, forcing a confident smile. \u201cBut I\u2019m looking for someone to marry. I\u2026 have my reasons. But you will need to pass several \u2018tests\u2019 first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A black and white photo of a serious man | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary looked at me, expression unreadable. Then she laughed, surprising me. \u201cWell, isn\u2019t that funny,\u201d she said, her eyes gleaming with something I couldn\u2019t place. \u201cI was just thinking I could use a little \u2018marriage\u2019 myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cReally?\u201d I said, surprised. \u201cSo, is it a deal?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary studied me, then shrugged. \u201cAlright, Alex. But you have to promise one thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A young woman talking to a man at a charitable event | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo questions about my past, and I\u2019ll keep it simple. Just a girl from a small town, that\u2019s all they need to know. You good with that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I grinned, hardly believing my luck. \u201cPerfect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I introduced Mary to my parents, they were horrified. My mother\u2019s eyebrows shot up as she took in Mary\u2019s plain dress and quiet demeanor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A shocked middle-aged woman | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh\u2026 Mary, is it?\u201d Mom said, trying to mask her disapproval with a tight smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dad\u2019s frown deepened. \u201cAlex, this\u2026 this isn\u2019t exactly what we had in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, you wanted me to settle down,\u201d I replied, unable to hide my grin. \u201cAnd Mary\u2019s perfect for me. She\u2019s calm, humble, and doesn\u2019t care about all this fancy stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A smiling relaxed man | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary was pulling it off. Every time she answered politely, every time she acted uncertain around our \u201csociety talk,\u201d I knew my parents were dying inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But then\u2026 something about her stayed a mystery. She was perfect for my plan, yet every so often, I\u2019d catch a look in her eye, something almost\u2026 amused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you sure this is what you want, Alex?\u201d she\u2019d asked me once after dinner with my parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A concerned woman talking to a man at a dinner party | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMore than ever,\u201d I said, laughing. \u201cThey\u2019re horrified, Mary. This is working.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell,\u201d she said, her voice soft, almost too soft. \u201cGlad I could help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was so busy watching my parents\u2019 reactions that I didn\u2019t look too closely at Mary\u2019s. Not yet, anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

An arrogant young man at a dinner table | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The night of the charity ball finally arrived. My parents had spared no expense: a grand hall glittered with chandeliers, tables lined with white silk cloths, and silverware that could feed a small country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary walked in beside me, her simple dress and quiet elegance making her look out of place among the sequins and high heels around her. Exactly what I\u2019d wanted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A woman in a simple dress | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust remember,\u201d I whispered, leaning close to her. \u201cTonight\u2019s the final test.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She looked up at me, her expression unreadable. \u201cI know the drill.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the night went on, I stayed close to her, watching as she spoke softly, smiled politely, and never called attention to herself. My parents threw her a few concerned glances now and then, but I could tell they were hoping she\u2019d just blend into the background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"People<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

People at a charity event | Source: Freepik<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, out of nowhere, the mayor himself approached us, his face breaking into a broad smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMary! I\u2019m delighted to see you here!\u201d he exclaimed, reaching out to shake her hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My parents\u2019 jaws nearly hit the floor. I blinked, trying to make sense of it. The mayor knew Mary?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary\u2019s smile was polite, but I noticed her discomfort. \u201cGood to see you too, Mayor,\u201d she replied, a little stiffly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A woman talking to the Mayor of the city | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know, everyone\u2019s still talking about that children\u2019s hospital project you funded,\u201d the mayor continued. \u201cYour family\u2019s contributions are still making a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary nodded. \u201cI\u2019m glad to hear that. We just want to help where we can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mayor finally moved on, leaving us in stunned silence. My mother was the first to break it, looking at me with wide eyes. \u201cAlex\u2026 what was that about?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A skeptical woman at an event | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before I could respond, Jack, an old family friend, walked over with an astonished expression. \u201cMary! It\u2019s been ages since I last saw you. I didn\u2019t know you were back in town.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary forced a small laugh. \u201cI, uh, didn\u2019t exactly announce it. I came back for my\u2026 wedding,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jack turned to me, his face half-amused, half-incredulous. \u201cAlex, you\u2019re marrying Mary the Charity Princess? Her family\u2019s one of the largest philanthropists in the state!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

An amused man at a charity event | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My mouth went dry. Charity Princess. I\u2019d heard the name, of course. Everyone had. But I had never bothered to meet her or even look her up.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The moment we could slip away from my parents\u2019 glares, I pulled Mary aside to a quiet corner. \u201cSo\u2026 Charity Princess?\u201d I asked, crossing my arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She sighed, glancing away. \u201cYes. My family owns the biggest charity fund. They run in these circles, but I don\u2019t. I\u2019ve been avoiding all this for years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

An awkward woman talking to a man | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I ran a hand through my hair, still trying to wrap my head around it. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause,\u201d she said slowly, \u201cit\u2019s the same reason you didn\u2019t tell me you wanted a \u2018fake\u2019 marriage to spite your parents. I have my own reasons, Alex.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou knew this was fake all along?\u201d I asked, trying to sound calm, but my voice gave me away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A shocked man in a suit | Source: Freepik<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She took a deep breath. \u201cI got sick of my parents pushing me to marry someone for status. I wanted my own life, without all the expectations. When you came along, I figured I could help you and solve my own problem at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet me get this straight,\u201d I said, still amazed. \u201cYou agreed to this whole thing because you\u2019re trying to escape your family\u2019s expectations, just like I am?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary nodded. \u201cGuess that\u2019s one thing we have in common.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A young man talking to a woman at an event | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I stared at her, realizing for the first time how much I didn\u2019t know about her. This wasn\u2019t some naive \u201ccountry girl\u201d here to make my parents uncomfortable. She was intelligent, strong, and just as independent as I was. Maybe more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My original plan suddenly felt childish. While I\u2019d been playing games to annoy my parents, Mary had been quietly navigating a world she didn\u2019t want to be part of, giving up her family\u2019s wealth and influence to stand on her own two feet. She\u2019d agreed to my ridiculous scheme just to win her freedom. I couldn\u2019t help but respect her for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One evening, as we were going over some plans for the charity events my mother insisted we attend, I caught myself watching her. She looked up, catching my gaze. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A couple in love | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI just\u2026 I guess I didn\u2019t realize how strong you were,\u201d I admitted, feeling surprisingly nervous. \u201cYou put up with all this, and you never once complained. You\u2019ve done more than I would\u2019ve in your position.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary smiled, a little softer than I\u2019d ever seen. \u201cI\u2019m not doing it for them,\u201d she replied. \u201cI\u2019m doing it for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

a smiling young woman writing in her journal | Source: Midjourney<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And in that moment, I realized my feelings had shifted. What started as a plan to shock my parents had become something else entirely. I respected and admired her, and, yes, I wanted to be with her for real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMary,\u201d I said slowly, \u201cmaybe it\u2019s time we told them the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A couple holding hands | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded, understanding exactly what I meant. We weren\u2019t just playing a game anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next day, we asked our parents to sit down with us. As we prepared to reveal everything, I felt a strange calm. I wasn\u2019t worried about what they\u2019d say. I just knew that, for once, I was ready to do things honestly and with Mary by my side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A happy couple | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided \u201cas is,\u201d and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I\u2019ll admit it. I\u2019m not proud of how I started all this. I wasn\u2019t looking for love, not even close. I just wanted to get […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3360,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3359","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3359"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3359\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3361,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3359\/revisions\/3361"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}