A wealthy tycoon made his son tie the knot with a down-to-earth farmer as a tough lesson. But he was blown away by what his son pulled off…

The heavy silence in Henry Thompson’s office was suffocating.

The polished mahogany desk, the walls lined with awards and certificates, and the soft ticking of the grandfather clock all added to the oppressive atmosphere. Richard sat across from his father, his jaw clenched, refusing to meet Henry’s cold, calculating gaze. I’m done with your games, Richard, Henry finally said, his voice as firm as steel.

Your reckless behavior, the parties, the women, the money wasted on God knows what. It ends now. Richard shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

He’d heard his father give speeches like this a dozen times before, but this time, something felt different. There was a finality in Henry’s tone that sent a shiver down his spine. You think I’m just going to sit back and let you ruin everything I’ve built? Henry continued, leaning forward.

His sharp, ice blue eyes were fixed on Richard’s. No more trust fund, no more endless credit cards, and no more freedom. Richard scoffed, trying to mask the unease creeping up his throat.

What? You’re going to ground me, dad? I’m not a teenager anymore. Henry’s lips curled into a smile, but it wasn’t warm or kind. It was cold, almost cruel.

No, Richard, I’m not going to ground you. I’m going to fix you. Richard’s brow furrowed in confusion.

Fix me? What the hell are you talking about? You’re going to get married, Henry said simply, his tone leaving no room for debate. The words hit Richard like a punch to the gut. Married.

This had to be some kind of twisted joke. He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. You’ve lost it, old man.

There’s no way I’m getting married. Not to anyone. Henry sat back in his chair, completely unfazed by Richard’s defiance.

You don’t have a choice. Richard’s heart pounded in his chest. His father had always been controlling, but this was a new level of manipulation.

Who the hell do you think you are? Richard spat, rising from his chair. You can’t just… I can, Henry interrupted, his voice calm and composed. And I will.

Richard’s fists clenched at his sides, the anger boiling just beneath the surface. Who is she, huh? Some high society debutante you picked out from one of your fancy parties. Henry’s expression remained impassive.

Her name is Emma. She’s a farmer. A farmer? Richard’s voice cracked with disbelief.

This had to be a joke. A sick, twisted joke. Yes, Henry said, his voice cold.

She lives in Vermont. She’s hardworking, honorable, and she lives a life that you desperately need to understand. Richard stared at his father, speechless.

He had expected a lot of things from Henry. Disappointment, anger, even punishment. But this, this was beyond anything he could have imagined.

You can’t be serious. Richard finally managed to say, his voice shaky. A farmer? In Vermont? You want me to marry someone I’ve never even met and live in the middle of nowhere? Henry didn’t flinch.

Yes, consider it a fresh start. This is insane, Richard yelled, his frustration pouring out. You think you can control my life like this? Henry stood up, towering over Richard.

I’m giving you one last chance, Richard. One last chance to prove that you’re capable of being something more than a spoiled, irresponsible waste of space. You’re going to marry Emma, and you’re going to live with her on that farm.

You’re going to learn what it means to work for something, to build something. And if I don’t, Richard challenged, his voice low and dangerous. Henry’s eyes narrowed.

Then you’re done. No more money. No more support.

You’ll be cut off completely. And believe me, Richard, without my help, you won’t last a month. The silence that followed was deafening.

Richard’s mind raced as he tried to process the ultimatum his father had just laid out. He could walk away, forget Emma, forget Vermont. But that would mean losing everything.

No money, no safety net. He’d be on his own, for the first time in his life. Or he could go along with this insane plan.

Marry some random woman from the middle of nowhere and live on a farm like some commoner. It was humiliating. It was absurd.

And yet, the cold certainty in his father’s eyes told Richard that this was real. There was no backing out. Richard slumped back into his chair, the weight of the decision crushing him.

He didn’t have a choice. Not really. Henry watched his son with a look of satisfaction.

You leave in two days. I suggest you get your affairs in order. Richard didn’t respond…