Maya Bishop sat in her sleek, modern office overlooking the Seattle skyline, her mind occupied with the intricacies of her latest case. Corporate Law had its ups and downs but she was able to find joy in her career. After all everything in her life was leading up to her taking over her families international company, B4 Inc. She had decided upon a career path as a lawyer to help the family business but had made the unconventional decision to start her career at one of the top corporate law firms on the West Coast rather than start within B4 Inc. A decision her father couldn't seem to understand but was happy to see Maya successfully climbing the ladder and gaining knowledge and wisdom to one day take over the Bishop Family Company.
Being the heir to one of the wealthiest families came with its benefits but also some drawbacks. One drawback being she had been coached from an early age that success was rewarded and everything else was nothing. She had quickly realized that success was all her father recognized and strived to never disappoint him.
After running track in her younger years, she decided to concentrate the last few years of boarding school to prepare academically for college. Having become an outsider growing up, Maya had devoted her time to her studies quickly rising in the academic world. She had access to the best schools around the world and when deciding a career path, the top law schools were all within her reach. Maya graduated as valedictorian in both her undergraduate, masters and Yale law school.
Maya continually felt like she needed to be the best and would not stop until that was achieved. Maya had been born differently. The doctors had originally been taken a back when she was born and offered grim prognosis to her parents. Maya had been born intersex and possessed both male and female genitalia. At first her parents were taken aback as to how their first born, their heir could be such an abomination as one of the doctors had referred to her.
Luckily her parents wealth and her father's need for an heir to show his father his success pushed the Bishop family to research and aid Maya in her special condition. She had access to the best healthcare and grew up confident in her own body and abilities. Even with her confidence the spark of being different drove her to reach for success at every chance to gain the respect and admiration of her family.
Growing up with constant challenges she faced, Maya had resolved that she would not pursue children and a family life but rather devote herself to her work. While academically successful, Maya had at times struggled socially. With a few close lifelong friends she had been able to adjust to most social surrounding but had never been truly successful in relationships.
Just named the youngest partner an international firm, Harris Worldwide, and heir to a very wealthy, influential family, she was no stranger to high-stakes negotiations and complex legal battles. However, nothing could have prepared her for the conversation she was about to have.
The door to her office swung open, and her father, Lane Bishop, walked in, his expression serious. Maya stood, her brow furrowed in concern.
"Father, what brings you here?" she asked, gesturing for him to sit.
Lane took a seat, his eyes fixed on his daughter. "Maya, we need to talk. It's about the future of our family and our business."
Maya's heart sank. Whenever her father spoke in that tone, it meant something significant was about to happen. "What is it?"
Lane took a deep breath. "You know the DeLuca family, correct? They are one of the most influential families in Italy, with extensive connections in the advertising world."
Maya nodded. "Yes, I've heard of them. Why?"
Lane leaned forward, his gaze intense. "We have been negotiating a merger with them for months, and it's crucial for our business. To solidify this alliance, they have proposed a marriage between you and their daughter, Carina DeLuca."
Maya's eyes widened in shock. "What? You're serious? I have only met Carina briefly at official functions."
"I'm afraid so," Lane replied. "This is a strategic move that will benefit both our families immensely. Carina is an accomplished advertising manager and comes from a powerful family. This union will ensure our continued success."
Maya's mind raced. She had always known her family's wealth and influence came with expectations, but she had never anticipated an arranged marriage. "But Father, marriage is not just a business transaction. What about love, compatibility, and personal choice?"
Lane's expression softened slightly. "I understand, Maya. But sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the greater good. You have always been dedicated to our family and our business. I believe you can find a way to make this work."
Maya felt a wave of frustration and helplessness wash over her. She had always valued her independence and had never imagined her life would be dictated by such archaic traditions. Yet, she knew her father's words carried weight, and the future of their family depended on this alliance.
"What about Mason?" Maya pleaded "Why not have Mason marry Carina. He is the next in line after me and a part of B4 Inc. also."
"Now, Maya, we all know your brother and he is definitely not someone Vincenzo DeLuca would trust with his daughter" Lane replied adjusting his tie. Mason had joined into the family business but had not risen above middle management. Mason did not possess the same ambitious qualities Maya did and was happy to stay where he was within the company.
"I need some time to think about this," Maya said, her voice strained.
"Of course," Lane replied. "But remember, the DeLucas are expecting an answer soon. This decision affects all of us."
As her father left the office, Maya sat back in her chair, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. Maya was left to grapple with where she thought her life was heading and the direction in which it was being urged now.
"Sarah" Maya called out to her secretary
"Yes, " Sarah appeared at Maya's office door within seconds.
"Cancel my afternoon, I just had something come up" Maya responded rising to grab her wallet and keys.
"Certainly, it was just the phone call with Mr. Sanders and conference call with the new acquisition department chair. I do hope you are well Ms. Bishop" Sarah replied
"I am well, just too much on my mind to focus right now" Maya responded as she headed toward the firm's garage to retrieve her prized Night Black Mercedes AMG SL Roadster.
— — —
Maya sped out of the garage with a destination already in mind. Running had always been her escape, her sanctuary from the relentless demands of her high-powered legal career and the expectations of her influential family. Today, more than ever, she needed that escape. She kept a gym bag in the trunk always ready for a run.
After making the decision to leave the track team to focus more on her studies, Maya never abandoned the work outs she became accustomed to her. Running was one sure way to quiet her mind and allow her to process all of the things happening at the moment.
She pulled up at the park, jumped out with her gym bag heading to the restrooms to change and begin her workout. Some of her friends had teased at points that with all the gym equipment in her home gym, Maya still chose to run in the park which had become slightly more rundown and the years passed. Maya would always reference the outdoor air and feel of the pavement under her shoes as what made the difference.
She began her normal route going through the gardens, down around the lake, up through the school area, around the monuments and back. Some decisions required one lap others would have her running for hours. Maya knew as she locked her trunk and put her AirPods in that this decision would require the most laps to date more than likely but set off to help make sense of her thoughts.
As her feet pounded the pavement, Maya's mind churned with the weight of her father's proposition. An arranged marriage to Carina DeLuca. The idea was as archaic as it was strategic, a union designed to merge two powerful families and secure their futures. But for Maya, it felt like a prison sentence.
"Marriage should be about love, not business," she thought bitterly, her pace quickening with her frustration. She had always prided herself on her independence, her ability to carve her own path despite the pressures of her family. The thought of being forced into a marriage, regardless of Carina's merits, went against everything she had fought for.
As she ran, memories of her childhood surfaced, unbidden and unwelcome. Growing up as an intersex child in a family that prized perfection and control had been a constant struggle. Her parents had done their best to support her, but the societal pressures and their own high standards had often left her feeling isolated and misunderstood.
"I vowed never to marry, never to have kids," she reminded herself, her breath coming in sharp bursts. The fear of passing on her intersex condition, the fear of subjecting a child to the same struggles she had faced, had always been a powerful deterrent. She had resolved to focus on her career, to channel her energy into becoming the best lawyer she could be, rather than risk the pain of repeating her own childhood.
Yet here she was, being pushed into a marriage that would inevitably come with expectations of starting a family. The thought made her stomach churn. Could she bring a child into the world, knowing they might inherit her condition? Could she subject them to the same fears and uncertainties that had plagued her own youth?
Her mind wandered to Carina. They had only met briefly, but there had been a spark of something—a mutual understanding, perhaps. Carina was intelligent, driven, and seemed to possess a kindness that Maya found intriguing. But was that enough to build a life together? Was it enough to overcome her deeply rooted fears and reservations?
Maya slowed to a walk, her thoughts a tangled web of conflicting emotions. The park was quiet, the early morning joggers few and far between. She found a bench and sat down, her heart still racing from her run and her mind still grappling with the enormity of the decision before her.
"Do I have a choice?" she wondered, her eyes drifting over the serene landscape. The weight of her family's expectations pressed heavily on her shoulders. They had always been there for her, supporting her through her struggles, guiding her career, and now they were asking for this sacrifice in return.
"But what about my own happiness? My own fears?" she questioned, her thoughts a tumultuous sea of doubt. Could she reconcile her desire for independence with her family's demands? Could she find a way to honor their wishes without losing herself in the process?
Taking a deep breath, Maya closed her eyes and tried to envision a future with Carina. A future where they could build a partnership based on mutual respect and understanding, rather than obligation. Could she see herself growing to care for Carina, perhaps even love her in time? And could she find the courage to face her fears about having children, to trust that they could handle whatever challenges came their way together?
As she sat there, Maya felt a flicker of hope amidst the storm of uncertainty. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to make this work. Not just for her family, but for herself as well. It wouldn't be easy, and it would require a leap of faith, but she had always thrived on challenges.
"One step at a time," she told herself, standing up and stretching her legs. She still had much to consider, many fears to confront, but for now, she felt a glimmer of clarity.
With a renewed sense of determination, Maya began to jog again, her pace steady and her mind a little less burdened.
— — —
Carina DeLuca sat in the sunlit garden of her family's house in Washington, her laptop open and her mind focused on an upcoming advertising campaign. The beauty of the Pacific landscape was a stark contrast to the turmoil she felt inside. She had been juggling her demanding career and her relationship with Lucas, trying to maintain a balance that seemed increasingly tenuous.
Carina had been brought up in the best schools in Italy. She had known from an early age that her family had money and influence but nevertheless tried to bring normalcy to her life. Her mother had significantly helped ensuring that both Carina and her bother Andrea had as normal of a school life as possible. In high school, the DeLuca had moved to the West Coast as their business was growing rapidly. The United States offered more opportunities to both Carina and Andrew academically and socially.
Carina had finished her undergraduate degree in biology, originally aspiring to be a doctor. After graduation her family had offered her a position in the family company Deluca International.
She had struggled with the decision to leave medical school behind and focus on the company. She had become drawn to advertising once being immersed in the world and pursued her masters in Marketing. Carina had quickly become one of the top agents within the company and quickly began taking on more management roles.
Carina had a long list of boyfriends and girlfriends. Her best friend, Gabrielle, had referred to her as a serial dater. Carina hated that reference and insisted she just knew what she was looking for and was kissing a bunch of frogs to find her prince.
Andrea had recently joined the family business in the IT department and was starting to learn the inner management workings to help run the company. Vincenzo was hopeful to relinquish control of the company to his children but wanted to make sure he handed down a stable financially sound company.
Her father, Vincenzo DeLuca, approached with his characteristic grace, his presence commanding respect. Carina closed her laptop and looked up, knowing from his expression that this conversation was going to be serious.
"Carina, we need to talk," Vincenzo began, his voice calm but firm. "It's about the arrangement with the Bishop family."
Carina's heart sank. She had been dreading this conversation ever since she learned about the proposed marriage. "Papà, I've told you, I'm not interested in an arranged marriage. I'm focused on my career right now, and besides, I'm with Lucas."
Vincenzo sighed, sitting down beside her. "I know you are, figlia mia, but I worry about your future. You've been in and out of relationships, and none of them seem to be on the same level as you. Lucas, in particular, doesn't seem like he's ready to settle down."
Carina felt a surge of defensiveness. "Lucas and I are happy together. Just because he's not from an influential family doesn't mean he's not good enough for me."
"It's not about his family, Carina. It's about what you deserve and what you want for your future. You've told me many times that you want a family, children. Do you really see Lucas as the person to provide that stability?"
Carina hesitated, the truth she had been avoiding bubbling to the surface. Lucas was fun, adventurous, but he was also unreliable and often more focused on his own pursuits than on building a future together. Deep down, she knew her father was right, but admitting it felt like a betrayal.
"Lucas makes me happy," she said quietly, more to convince herself than her father.
Vincenzo reached out and took her hand, his gaze softening. "I understand that, but happiness in the moment doesn't always translate to long-term fulfillment. The Bishop family is offering an alliance that could benefit both our families immensely. And Maya Bishop is an impressive woman, someone who could match you in ambition and drive."
Carina looked away, her mind racing. She had heard about Maya Bishop, a top lawyer and a formidable presence in her own right. The idea of being with someone who understood her world, who could match her stride for stride, was intriguing. But the thought of an arranged marriage still felt wrong.
"Papà, I've worked hard to build my career, to make my own choices. This feels like going backwards, like giving up my autonomy."
Vincenzo nodded, understanding her struggle. "I know it feels that way, but sometimes, making a strategic choice can open doors to new opportunities. You and Maya could build something powerful together, both personally and professionally. Just consider meeting her, getting to know her before you make a decision."
Carina sighed, torn between her loyalty to Lucas and the potential of what her father was suggesting. "I'll meet her," she said finally, "but I'm not making any promises."
"That's all I ask," Vincenzo replied, squeezing her hand. "Take the time to see if there's a connection. You might be surprised by what you find."
As her father walked away, Carina sat back, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion. She loved Lucas, but their relationship was often tumultuous, lacking the stability she craved. The idea of meeting Maya Bishop for more than just a few moments at official events, someone who might understand her world and her ambitions, was both daunting and exciting.
With a heavy heart, Carina realized she had a difficult decision ahead. She needed to evaluate what she truly wanted for her future and whether Lucas could really be a part of that. Meeting Maya was the first step in finding those answers, and she hoped it would provide some clarity to the storm of emotions within her.
— — —
Carina sat across from Lucas at their favorite café in Rome, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the scent of baked pastries. The bustling city provided a lively backdrop, but her thoughts were far from the vibrant energy surrounding them. She twirled her spoon in her cappuccino, her mind preoccupied with the conversation she needed to have.
Lucas, oblivious to her inner turmoil, leaned back in his chair, recounting a recent adventure he had with his friends. His carefree attitude and infectious smile had always drawn her in, but today, she felt a growing sense of frustration.
"Lucas," Carina interrupted gently, "can we talk about something important?"
He paused, sensing the seriousness in her tone. "Sure, what's on your mind?"
Carina took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "I've been thinking a lot about our future. Where do you see us in the next few years?"
Lucas shrugged, a casual smile still playing on his lips. "I don't know, Carina. I guess I see us having more adventures, enjoying life together. Why the sudden serious talk?"
Her heart sank at his nonchalant response. "I mean more than that, Lucas. Do you see us settling down, maybe starting a family?"
Lucas looked at her, his smile fading slightly. "Carina, you know I love the way things are. Why change it? We're having fun, we're happy. Isn't that enough?"
She felt a pang of disappointment. "But what about the future? Don't you want more than just fun and adventures? Don't you want stability, a home, children?"
Lucas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Carina, I'm not the settling down type. You know that. I thought you understood that about me. I'm not ready for a family or the responsibilities that come with it."
Carina's eyes filled with tears, her frustration boiling over. "Lucas, I need more than just temporary happiness. I need to know that we have a future together, that we're building something lasting. I've been patient, but I can't ignore what I want any longer."
Lucas leaned forward, his expression earnest but unchanged. "Carina, I care about you, but I can't promise you something I'm not sure I can deliver. I don't want to lie to you or give you false hope."
"Si" Carina sighed "Can I ask you to start thinking about our future while we continue to have adventurous fun? She pleaded slightly.
"I will think about it" Lucas said as he leaned in to kiss her "But you can not debate the fun we are having"
"I never said you weren't fun Lucas" Carina looked into Lucas's eyes hoping to hear the answers she wanted but knowing she would more than likely never hear them from him.
"Let's continue this fun back at my apartment," Lucas stood up offering his hand to Carina.
"I have an early meeting tomorrow, I really need to freshen up on the material and get a good nights sleep. Maybe later this week." Carina responded slightly cold hearted. "How has the job search been since you walked out of the job last week Lucas?"
"Well it's going, I need something to speak to me. All the jobs seem the same." Lucas responded "Can I give you a ride home at least?"
"Sure" Carina smiled.