Obsession With My Forced Wife

Chapter 3

“How mysterious it is, to be in love. For you can be in love with one who knows nothing of you. Perhaps our greatest happiness spring from such longings — being in love with one who is oblivious of you.”


– Joyce Carol Oates

Lance’s POV

"Dear Lance."

As soon as I entered the house, my grandma gave me a warm hug. I kissed her on the cheek. My grandmother was the only person in the world who could make me feel happy.

"What has happened, my dear grandmother, to call me home in such a hurry?"

"Well, there's a big deal, but it's a jolly one."

"What makes you so happy? Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Of course, this is something that only you can do to make me happy."

"That makes me even more curious."

“My dear grandson, you're getting married!”

What?? !!!!!!!!!

I'm getting married, and I don't even know that!

“Don't be so surprised, dear Lance. You're old enough to get married. And now that you're the head of the family, it's time to enjoy your love."

My love?

I had a hunch that there must be something else behind it. Something I don't know about.

"Then who is the bride?"

"As for the bride, she is a beautiful, kind, talented woman, and you will love her."

"Granny, you know, I don't care. Who is the bride?"

"Well, do you remember the McLean family?"

McLean family?

McLean is a word that always been a taboo to me, and although the name was well known, no one dared to mention it in front of me. I have been trying to forget this name for ten years because it have been reminding me of the most painful part of my life.

I remember the day my father and brother got in the car and left home. My father touched my head, promising that he would take me into business when I was 18. At that time, I didn't know the exact meaning of "business" in my father's words, but I was over the moon, praying to grow up quickly, so that I could become my father's helper. But dad never came back. Our rival planted a bomb in the car, causing the death of father and brother. Mother also died of grief when I was 18. I finally became an adult, but had no family anymore.

All of those could have been avoided if the people in charge in McLean had told my father in advance. But he didn't. He chose to be a coward! I will never forgive the McLean, let alone marry a McLean!

Grandma saw the anger and sadness on my face and came up and hugged me.

“Lance, you can't live in hate forever. Our rival kidnapped the son and daughter-in-law of the McLean leader. He had no choice. We shouldn't hate them."

I remained in silence.

"The people who were kidnapped are your bride's parents. Isn't it magical?"

I took a few deep breaths. What did that mean? I lost three important people because of the cowardice of the McLean family, and they thought that sending a woman would make up for my hurt?

No! Absolutely not!

"Grandma, you know, anyone in the world could be my bride, but not a McLean woman."

Disappointment and sadness appeared on Grandma's face, and I began to regret for hurting her feelings. But I really can’t portray the picture of marring a woman from McLean family.

"Actually, there's another reason for you to marry a McLean woman. If you want to turn our Mafia Business to the film industry successful, the McLean family is more than a good choice because they have a strong cultural and artistic history. I don't want you to do anything dangerous. I can't bear to lose you."

Grandma's words got me thinking again. My father said something similar 10 years ago. He said the safety of our family was a top priority, and if there was a chance he would move our business from the Mafia to the film industry.

It was my father's last wish and also my mission to protect the family. But do I have to marry a woman from the McLean family to get there in the short term?

“I wish you to forget hatred. I wish you to live a happy and safe life, my dear Lance. Evelyn McLean is an intelligent and lovely woman, and you will be happy with her."

Looking into grandma's eyes, I couldn't say no. I would hurt anyone in the world except my grandma.

"I'll think about it, Grandma."

Looking at grandma's smile, my heart warmed up.

At night, after a video conference in the study. I called Edgar, my personal assistant.

“If I gave up my Mafia business and went to the movies, how long would it take to make the transition?”

Edgar is one of the few people who won't be intimidated by my cold tone. He has worked with me for many years and is my go-to guy.

"You need money, directors, actors and good scripts. At the moment, we only have the money, but no directors, actors or scrips. To forecast according to current situation, it will take 3 years at the soonest."

3 years? It was too slow. I wanted to finish my father's last wish as soon as possible.

Edgar perceived my dissatisfaction and he said: “Maybe you could think about saying yes to your grandmother. You know the McLean family has a lot of resources of film industry . Even the women of the McLean family are good directors and writers."

“Stop!” I was a little bit angry. This marriage was supposed to be McLean's way of compensating us. Why does it sound like I'm pleading with them now?

"Lance, do you know what I admire most about your grandmother?"

"What? Just say it."

“I admire her forbearing wisdom of life. If you marry a woman from the McLean family, it will not only defuse the hatred between your two families, but also help us get into the movie business quickly. It's a win-win choice and you have no reason to hesitate. And more importantly, Evelyn McLean is a perfect wife."

Evelyn McLean, again! Evelyn McLean. I swear it's my most hated name in the world.

Well, since everyone praised her, my interest was also aroused. I believe I need to see what kind of "perfect" woman Evelyn McLean really is.

She's just a person I use to get revenge.

Thinking of this, I hung up the phone and went downstairs to find grandma.

"Grandma, I can marry Evelyn McLean."

"Great! You will love her, and you will be happy."

Grandma is as happy as a child. But I'm not going to fall in love with this Evelyn McLean. I plan to give her a taste of what I suffered ten years ago.

Evelyn McLean, get ready to be your miserable bride!