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…

I did what I had to do to survive. Richard’s chest tightened, anger and betrayal swirling in his mind. He felt blindsided, like the ground had just been ripped out from under him.

All this time, he had believed that Henry had orchestrated everything, that he had been the one pulling the strings. But now, hearing that Emma had been part of it, it changed everything. You should have told me, Richard said, his voice shaking with emotion.

You should have been honest. Emma’s eyes filled with regret, but she didn’t back down. I know, I should have, but I didn’t know how.

I was scared you’d leave, and the farm would be lost. I thought if we could just get through it, maybe, maybe things would change. Henry watched the exchange with a smug expression, clearly enjoying the chaos he had caused.

See, Richard, this was never about love or building a new life. It was about survival, just like everything else in this world. Richard turned back to his father, his anger bubbling to the surface.

You don’t get to walk in here and act like you’re the hero in this. You pushed me into this life. You set all of this up, knowing how it would play out.

You don’t care about me. You never have. Henry’s face hardened, the smugness gone.

I was trying to save you from yourself, Richard. You’ve always been weak, always chasing after things that don’t matter. This was supposed to be a lesson.

Richard shook his head, stepping forward. I’m not weak, not anymore. You might have set this up, but I stayed because I wanted to, and now I’m choosing to stay.

Henry’s eyes narrowed, his voice sharp. You’re making a mistake. Maybe, Richard replied, his voice firm, but it’s mine to make.

For a moment, the silence between them was deafening. Henry stood there, his jaw clenched, clearly furious that Richard wasn’t backing down. But Richard didn’t care anymore.

For the first time, he felt like he was in control of his own life. Henry finally turned and walked back to his car without another word. The sound of the engine revving to life filled the quiet, and within moments, he was gone, leaving Richard and Emma standing there in the fading light.

Richard turned to Emma, his chest still tight with emotion. Why didn’t you tell me? Emma looked at him, her eyes filled with regret. Because I was afraid, afraid that if you knew the truth, you’d leave, and I didn’t want you to go.

Richard took a deep breath, the anger slowly melting away. He stepped forward, taking her hand. I’m not leaving Emma, not now, not ever.

She looked up at him, her eyes searching his. Even after everything? Richard nodded, his voice soft but sure. Even after everything? The days after Henry’s visit passed quietly, but the weight of his revelation still lingered between Richard and Emma…