Bound by Fate, My Dearest

The bell rang, signaling the end of class.

"Alright everyone, gather round," Kathy called out, clapping her hands. "That's it for today. Practice the combinations we learned. Don't forget the choreography - I'll check next Monday. Have a great weekend!"

"Bye, Miss Harper!" the students chorused.

As Kathy packed up, her colleague Loe poked her head in. "Hey Kathy, dinner with me, Lu and Hoke?"

"Sorry, got plans tonight," Kathy replied, glancing at her watch. "Next time!"

She hurried out, nodding to students on her way to the parking lot. To her dismay, someone had blocked in her car. As she stood there wondering what to do, she overheard a nearby couple:

"You're early! And you brought my favorite yogurt," a girl exclaimed happily.

Kathy recognized her as one of her dance students. The boy with her - tall and handsome in a simple white tee, camera around his neck - gazed at the girl adoringly as he wiped yogurt from her lips.

The tender scene stirred something in Kathy. Had it really been so long since she'd felt that kind of young love?

"Oh Kathy, I'm so sorry!" Professor Z ran up breathlessly. "Left something in my classroom and blocked you in. Let me move my car."

As Z went to move his vehicle, he noticed Kathy's wistful expression. "What's got you so lost in thought?"

Kathy nodded towards the young couple. "Just remembering being that age."

Z chuckled. "Ah yes, to be young again. Though you're still plenty youthful, Kathy! Students often mistake you for one of them."

"Maybe, but can't change my age," Kathy said with a rueful smile. Somehow, she'd crossed that invisible line into "older single woman" territory without noticing.

"You know, I have a cousin just back from France," Jess said helpfully. "Architect - great job, good-looking, the whole package. Want me to set you up?"

"Oh, that's okay," Kathy demurred. Then, feeling awkward, she added: "Actually, seeing someone. Anniversary date tonight."

"Oh, I see! Well, don't let me keep you then." Jess moved his car and bid her farewell.

Traffic was brutal, and Kathy arrived at the upscale restaurant 35 minutes late, flustered and apologetic.

"So sorry to keep you waiting," she said as she was shown to the private dining room.

The man rose to greet her, expression unreadable. "No need to apologize. Please, sit."

As Kathy sat down, she took in her dinner companion. Tall and impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, with aristocratic features and an air of quiet authority. This was Peterson Blackwood, scion of one of the city's most prominent families. And her blind date for the evening.

"I took the liberty of ordering," Peterson said, gesturing to the spread before them. "Hope that's alright."

"Of course, thank you," Kathy murmured, still flustered.

They made polite small talk as they ate, Peterson inquiring about her work as a dance instructor. Kathy found herself relaxing slightly as the meal progressed. While reserved, Peterson was unfailingly courteous.

As the dishes were cleared away, Peterson fixed her with an intent gaze. "Miss Harper, I assume you understand the purpose of this dinner?"

Kathy nodded, her nerves returning. "Yes, of course."

"Good. Then I'll be direct - I find you quite suitable. Your thoughts on me?"

"Oh! Um, you seem very nice," Kathy stammered, caught off guard by his bluntness.

"Excellent. In that case, let's get married."

Kathy nearly choked on her tea. "I'm sorry, what?"

Peterson continued as if proposing marriage was the most natural thing in the world: "We're both here because our families arranged this match. Since we find each other acceptable, why not simply proceed with marriage? It would save us both a great deal of trouble."

Kathy gaped at him, struggling to form words. "Don't you think that's a bit... sudden?"

"I prefer efficiency in all things," Peterson replied matter-of-factly. "Why delay the inevitable?"

"But... but we barely know each other!" Kathy protested.

Peterson raised an eyebrow. "Isn't finding a marriage partner the entire point of this arrangement? We're both satisfied with what we've seen. What is more needed?"

Kathy's mind raced. How had a simple blind date turned into a marriage proposal in one meal? And more importantly - how on earth was she going to respond?

Kathy Harper sat across from Peterson Blackwood, mind reeling from his sudden marriage proposal. She'd come seeking a husband, true, but this was moving faster than she could comprehend.

"Any other questions?" Peterson inquired.

Kathy shook her head. "No."

"Then your decision?" He folded his hands, awaiting her response.

"Isn't this rushed?" Kathy asked, struggling to process the abrupt offer.

Peterson's brow furrowed. "Are you unsatisfied with me as a prospect?"

"No, not at all," Kathy hastily clarified. His outward qualities were certainly appealing. "It's just..."

"Just what?"

"Why me?" Kathy couldn't fathom how she'd caught his eye over all the women in the city.

Peterson raised an eyebrow. "Lack confidence, Miss Harper? You're from a good family, have excellent manners, beauty, taste, no bad habits, and a stable job allowing for family life. Is that not enough?"

Kathy conceded the point.

"I need a stable marriage," Peterson continued. "It'll stop the dating pressure from my family and project a better image for my company's upcoming IPO in England. You know how rare free choice in marriage is in our circles. Isn't choosing someone compatible better than being forced later?"

He assuaged her concerns about living arrangements and finances, emphasizing their union's practicality. "You need a marriage too, don't you?" he concluded, glancing at his watch. "I have a call with Europe soon, so decide quickly."

After an internal struggle, Kathy asked, "Could we postpone the wedding for now?"

"Certainly, though I'll need to announce our engagement publicly," Peterson agreed. "Anything else?"

"Not now," Kathy replied, thoughts in turmoil. "But can I ask more later?"

"Of course, within reason. Here's to a pleasant life together, Mrs. Blackwood." Peterson stood and extended his hand, a slight smile on his lips.

"Oh!" Kathy started at the new title.

"Don't be so surprised. You'll need to get used to it," Peterson said, handing her a key and a black credit card. "Keys for our home. Movers will bring your things in a few days. Card's mine - PIN 060512 - for household purchases. Free next Tuesday at 10 AM?"

Kathy nodded automatically.

"Bring your ID to the civil affairs office then," Peterson instructed. "I have to go for my call now. Can you get home alright?"

"Yes, I drove," Kathy assured him.

They exchanged numbers before Peterson departed, leaving Kathy in a daze. It wasn't until the cool breeze outside hit her that reality sank in. She'd just agreed to marry a man she barely knew. While the arrangement seemed mutually beneficial, it felt surreal. Still, Peterson met her criteria for a husband, and she did need to marry. At least the living situation would be comfortable. She'd have to visit her family this weekend to break the news.

As midnight approached, Kathy's dreams drifted to a pivotal moment from her past...

Kathy drove to the Harper mansion early Sunday morning after breakfast. The vintage house stood out among the neighborhood villas. As she approached, servants quickly opened the gates. She parked next to a Rolls-Royce, frowning slightly at the luxury vehicle before heading inside.

"Welcome home, Miss. Had breakfast?" Miss Elaine, the housekeeper, asked concernedly.

"Thanks, Miss Elaine. Already eaten," Kathy smiled.

"Oh, Kathy, you're back!" A lavishly dressed woman greeted her. "Eaten yet? Stay for lunch if you're not busy. I could make your favorite sweet and sour fish."

"No need, Miss Elaine. Just here to get something from Dad," Kathy replied coolly.

"I see. Your fathers in the study with Grace," Miss Elaine said awkwardly.

Kathy headed upstairs, passing Grace Harper as he left the study. They nodded briefly before she knocked on the half-open door.

"Who is it?" Mr. Harper's authoritative voice called.

"Me, Dad," Kathy said, entering.

Mr. Harper softened instantly. "Ah, Kathy, you're home. Sit." He extinguished his cigar. "Finally visiting your old man, eh?"

"Mm," Kathy mumbled.

Mr. Harper sighed. "What can I do for you? Surely not just a chat."

"Met Peterson on Thursday," Kathy stated.

"Yes, heard that. He was impressed. Excellent young man, good family, humble and driven. Taken his family's company to new heights, started his own business. Rare talent," Mr. Harper nodded approvingly.

"That's why I'm here for my household registration book," Kathy said sarcastically.

"What?" Mr. Harper stood, shocked. "What did you say?"

"I'm here for my household registration book," Kathy repeated firmly, also rising.

"Kathy, isn't this rushed?" Mr. Harper frowned.

"But Dad, you just approved of him. He likes me, I find him acceptable, similar backgrounds. What's the problem?" Kathy's smile was mocking.

Mr. Harper sighed deeply, suddenly aging. "Kathy, still angry with me?"

"Angry? How dare I? Everything you've done is justifiable, right? Bringing them home a year after Mom died, claiming I needed care. Interfering with my relationship, saying he wasn't good enough. Well, now I've found someone you approve of. Satisfied?" Kathy's voice rose emotionally.

She continued, "I'm leaving. Need that book by Tuesday." She walked out, brushing past Miss Elaine at the door with juice.

"Miss, staying for lunch?" Miss Elaine called.

"Not today, have plans. Another time," Kathy managed a weak smile before driving away.

In the study, Mr. Harper slumped in his chair, looking more worried father than powerful CEO. Miss Elaine entered hesitantly. "Alright, dear?"

"I'm fine. Please leave," Mr. Harper composed himself.

"Oh, alright," Miss Elaine replied, dejected.

"Wait. Find the household registration book. Have Grace deliver it to Kathy by Tuesday," Mr. Harper added.

"Of course," Miss Elaine nodded, surprised but not questioning.

Downstairs, Grace Harper looked up from his newspaper. "Mom, what was she here for?"

"Not sure. Your father wants you to give her the family's household registration book by Tuesday," Miss Elaine sighed. "After all these years, she still can't let go. Still resents your father."

"Mom, best not to get involved in her affairs," Grace said, clearly unfavorable towards his half-sister.

"But she's still your father's beloved daughter," Miss Elaine sighed again.

Driving, Kathy's phone rang. She answered via earpiece at a red light.

"Well, what brings our lovely teacher to call so early?" a playful male voice teased.

"And which beauty's bed has the great CEO Chris just rolled out of?" Kathy retorted, turning.

"My own, actually. Want video proof?" Chris replied mischievously.

"No need, I'm driving. Your bed or someone else's, don't care. Dallas, 11:30," Kathy said.

"Oh? What's the occasion? Harper heiress treating me to lunch?" Chris mumbled through toothpaste.

"Indeed, good news. I'm getting married," Kathy dropped the bombshell, satisfied by the choking sounds that followed.

"We'll discuss at Dallas," Chris managed before hanging up.

Kathy grinned, imagining Chris's shocked expression. That's what he got for teasing her.

11:20. Kathy sipped tea at Dallas's Emerald Rose, admiring the balcony's flora. Her mood was great.

She loved these plants but couldn't keep any alive herself. Even cacti died under her care. Puzzling, given her dexterity. That's why she always visited Emerald Rose in Dallas, buying pots for Grace to tend. She'd learned many cooking secrets from Grace too.

"What'll you have today?" Grace, the owner, approached smiling.

"You know me, I'll eat anything you make," Kathy gestured casually.

"So easy to please, not like most young ladies. Whoever marries you's a lucky man," Grace teased.

"Grace, what if I told you I'm getting married?" Kathy tilted her head, cradling her cup.

"No way, you've been hiding that! You're joking, right?" Grace was disbelieving. Everyone knew Kathy was waiting for someone. How could she suddenly talk marriage?

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Kathy shrugged.

"Yes," Grace nodded seriously. "Very much so."

"Ugh," K