“I still can’t believe this baby is yours. She’s too angelic for a man of your type.” Austin winks at me and wiggles his body like a worm. I roll my eyes at that.

He’s entertaining my baby without even trying too hard.

They both have the same carefree personality that I’m here wishing I had.

I’m always more serious than everyone else around me.

While that has its good sides, there are also times when I just wish I could relax and unclench my mind.

“She’s definitely my little angel. The light of my world.” I say, meaning every word.

Luna has brightened up my world in ways I cannot have imagined.

Being a doctor and heir apparent to the Gates Hospital Foundation has been a whole lot of responsibility already, but somehow, having such a small human to cater to made me feel empowered and important.

Luna drops her toy and bends her head while Austin bends to pick it up.

As I let a smile play on my face about the moment, the issue that I’ve been pushing back in my mind pops up again.

“What is it? You just got this sour look on your face just now.” Austin, who I didn’t realize was watching me closely, suddenly says.

I hesitate a bit, weighing the option of either opening up to my friend and gaining an ally and a different opinion on things, or just keeping it to myself.

I take a deep breath before I start to answer Austin’s question. “Yeah, I just thought of something right now. It’s been bothering me a bit.”

Austin listens attentively while Luna plays on, oblivious to the change of mood in the room.

“My father just informed me that I have to get married soon.” I sigh and lean forward to continue. I have no idea where to even start from, and he ordered that it has to be soon or else.”

I notice Austin quirking his brow when I trail off.

“Or else...” He repeats.

“Let’s just say, I’ll be better off not seeing that end,” I remark, shaking my head.

“Hmm. Does he have someone in mind for you? Is this going to be like an arranged marriage situation, or do you have a bit of free will when it comes to that?” Austin frowns as he asks the question.

I know which of the two scenarios would be unpleasant.

Not that I prefer either, but having to be forced into a quick marriage with someone I have no idea about will be worse than the other option.

Choosing someone still gives me a semblance of control over my life.

I will not let my father take everything away from me. I want my inheritance and everything that comes with it, even if it means finding someone to marry just for that purpose.I’m not his puppet.

“I must have the option of choosing someone myself even if it is fake, but if the time elapses, then I won’t have a choice, I’ll be left with whomever my father decides to see me married to.”

“Damn.”

“Yeah, trust me, I know.” I chuckle humorlessly.

“Well, you know I’m a silver lining type of guy,” Austin always tries to figure out the good side of every situation.

“It’s much better that you can have your pick, at the very least. It might not be exactly at your own timing, but choosing someone for yourself has to be better than being with a stranger for the rest of your life and theirs as well.”

I scratch the back of my hair and try to focus on the positive side of it.

I know I’m advanced in age, but I prefer not having to be rushed into marriage.