Building a Conglomerate in Another World

Matthew Hesh straightened, the quilt slipping slightly from his chest, but he didn't flinch under Charles Fitzwilliam's piercing gaze. The room remained silent except for the faint ticking of a clock on the wall, each second stretching the tension.

Charles's words hung in the air, heavy and unrelenting: You are going to have to marry her.

"I'll do it," Matthew said without hesitation, his voice calm and steady.

Amber's eyes widened, and she turned to Matthew, her expression a mixture of shock and confusion.

"You'll... do it? Just like that?"

Matthew met her gaze, his expression softening. "Yes. I meant what I said, Amber. I care about you, deeply. If marrying you is the next step, then so be it."

Charles raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable, though a flicker of surprise crossed his face. He hadn't expected such a swift and decisive response.

"Good," Charles said after a pause, folding his arms. "Then we'll make the necessary arrangements. The ceremony will take place next week. There's no time to waste."

"Next week?" Amber repeated, her voice rising slightly. "Father, don't you think that's a bit—soon?"

Charles turned to her, his tone firm. "It's better this way, Amber. The longer we wait, the more room there is for gossip to spread. We must act quickly to ensure the family's reputation remains intact."

Amber looked back at Matthew, searching his face for any sign of doubt. Instead, she found unwavering resolve.

"Are you really okay with this, Matthew? A week isn't much time."

Matthew reached for her hand, his touch reassuring. "Amber, I'll admit it's sudden, but I'm not backing down. If this is what it takes to be with you, then I'm all in."

Amber's lips parted as if to argue, but then she closed them, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "You're really something else," she murmured, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Charles cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to him. "I'll speak to the estate staff immediately. There's much to prepare—guests to invite, arrangements to finalize. And Matthew," he added, fixing him with a sharp look, "you'll need to meet with my lawyer to discuss the terms of the marriage contract."

"Understood," Matthew said simply, his tone respectful but firm.

Charles nodded curtly. "Good. I expect you both to take this seriously. This is not just about the two of you—it's about the Fitzwilliam name."

With that, Charles turned on his heel and left the room, the door clicking shut behind him. The tension lingered for a moment before Amber let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

"Well," she said, turning back to Matthew, "that was... a lot."

Matthew chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair. "That's one way to put it."

Amber sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers fiddling with the edge of the quilt. "I didn't think you'd agree so quickly. I thought you'd at least try to talk him out of it."

Matthew shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "I could've argued, but what would that have accomplished? Your father was set on this, and honestly... I don't mind. If marrying you means being able to stay by your side, then it's worth it."

Amber looked at him, her eyes softening. "You really mean that, don't you?"

"I do," Matthew said, his voice firm. "Amber, last night wasn't just a moment for me. It meant something. And if this is how we move forward, then I'm ready for it."

Amber smiled, a genuine warmth spreading across her face. "You're full of surprises, Matthew Hesh."

He grinned. "I try."

The two sat in companionable silence for a moment before Amber's smile turned wry. "You know, we only have a week. That's hardly enough time to plan a wedding."

Matthew raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure your father's staff will handle most of it. He seems... determined."

Amber laughed softly. "You're not wrong. But still, it's going to be chaotic."

Matthew leaned closer, his expression mischievous. "Well, I've always thrived in chaos. It keeps things interesting."

Amber rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her grin. "Just promise me one thing."

"Anything."

"Don't let my father steamroll you into doing something ridiculous. He has a way of making everything ten times more extravagant than it needs to be."

Matthew laughed, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. "I'll do my best to keep him in check. But no promises—it is his daughter's wedding, after all."

Amber's cheeks flushed, but she didn't pull away. "His daughter's wedding," she repeated softly, as if testing the words. She looked at Matthew, her eyes filled with a mix of nervousness and excitement. "That's really happening, isn't it?" Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire

Matthew nodded, his hand still lingering near her face. "It is. And we'll make it through together."

Amber rested her head against Matthew's shoulder, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on the quilt. "Together," she repeated, the word a quiet promise as much to herself as to him.

Matthew glanced down at her, his heart swelling with an emotion he couldn't quite put into words. For someone so used to controlling every aspect of his life, surrendering to this unexpected turn felt oddly freeing. He placed a gentle kiss on her hair, letting the moment linger before speaking.

"We'll figure it out," he said softly. "No matter how chaotic it gets."

Amber tilted her head to look up at him, her eyes sparkling. "You sound so sure."

"I have to be," Matthew replied with a small smile. "Your father isn't exactly the kind of man you want to disappoint."

Amber laughed at that, her expression lightening. "You've handled him better than most, I'll give you that. But he'll still push you to your limits."

Matthew smirked. "Good thing I'm not easily pushed over."

Amber sat up, stretching slightly as she adjusted the quilt around her. "Well, you might regret saying that by the time this week is over."

Matthew chuckled. "I'll take my chances."

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation, causing both of them to glance toward it. Amber's hand tightened slightly on Matthew's arm as a maid's voice came from the other side.

"Miss Fitzwilliam, breakfast is ready, and Mr. Fitzwilliam requests your presence in the dining room."

Amber exhaled, a mix of nerves and determination crossing her face. "Looks like the day begins," she murmured.

Matthew reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "You don't have to face it alone. I'm right here."

Amber smiled, a flicker of relief softening her features. "Thank you, Matthew. That means more than you know."

They rose together, the weight of the morning already settling on their shoulders. As they stepped out of the room and into the grand hallway of the Fitzwilliam estate, a sense of purpose united them. The days ahead promised to be challenging, but for the first time in a long while, neither felt alone.