**Diary Entry**
I cant shake the conversation I overheard last night. Father and Nikolaisorry, *Nicholas*were at it again, discussing that wretched housing development.
“Listen, Archibald,” Nicholas said, swirling his whisky, “you still set on building your lavender-themed estate?”
“You know I am,” Father replied. “Its my dream. My firm has the resources, the expertise. Ill make it the crown jewel of Manchesterpeople will flock to see it. Just get me that land. Fancy a flat for your boy, Peter, while were at it?”
“So I can be accused of taking bribes and booted from city council? I can buy Peter a flathell, a whole bloody house. What I need is a wife for him.”
“Not this again. My Emilys already seeing someone. And lets be honestyour Peters a layabout. Dropped out of uni, despite you pulling strings to get him in. No offence, but I wouldnt wish him on my worst enemy, let alone my daughter. You think Id drag her down the aisle at gunpoint?”
“You might have to. That lands in high demand”
Theyve known each other for years, climbing the ranks togethera councilman and a property developer, a match made in mutual profit. Countless projects, new neighbourhoods, historic restorations. Well, Father built them; Nicholas “facilitated” permits and contracts. Now, this lavender estatea gated community with a park, underground parking, shops on the ground floor. A guaranteed income stream, if they leased those shops to the right people.
But it all hinges on uniting their families.
Emilys graduating this year, keen to start her own landscape design firm. Peter, though? A spoiled brat with no ambition beyond clubbing in London. Nicholas spoils himguilt money, I suppose. He thinks marrying Peter off to Emily might straighten him out.
Yesterday, Nicholas found Peter preening before a night out.
“Off to another rave?” Nicholas scoffed.
“Music festival. Everyones going.”
“Everyone? You lot are useless. Emilys building a career while you burn through my money.”
“Bankroll me, then. Ill start a business too.”
“A pub? Youd run it into the ground in a fortnight. Stick with Emily. Shes clever, pretty. Might knock some sense into you.”
“Shes got a bloke. And shes dullno idea how to enjoy life.”
“Steal her, then. Take her out, show her a good time. Money talks.”
Meanwhile, Father cornered Emily at dinner.
“Your plans after graduation?”
“You promised to fund my firm. Ill pay you back.”
“Keep it. But what about marriage?”
“Kicking me out?” She laughed. “Ive told MumIm seeing Alex. No rush for weddings.”
“In business, stability matters. Married people are taken seriously. And not just any marriageconnections matter.”
“Not to Peter, surely? Lets drop this.”
Emily knows the stakes. Nicholas holds the permits. Without them, Fathers firm could collapse. I overheard him confess as much to Mum on the patio last night.
“Youd sacrifice Emily for a business deal?” Mum hissed.
“Would you rather we lose everything? Remember our first flat? One window, a shared kitchen. We laughed about it.”
A twig snapped under my foot. The conversation died.
Alex was furious when Emily told him.
“Youd marry that idiot to save your father? I dont care if you choose someone elsebut *him*? My parents live in a council flat. Theyre happy. Why sell yourself?”
“You dont understand. This estateits Fathers passion. Lavender in the courtyards, the façades itd be beautiful.”
“And worth your happiness?”
Peter started hoveringdinners, concerts. Emily humoured him. Maybe he wasnt hopeless. Well-dressed, knew his music, even had a vinyl collection. Charming, attentive.
Then, the expected: a proposal.
Emily came home, gathered us in the parlour.
“Peter proposed. Im thinking of accepting.”
Silence. Then Father:
“Do you love him?”
“Dunno. But they say love grows, dont they?”
Father stood, staring out the window.
“Alex came to see me. Said trading your daughter is vile. That hell never shake my hand again.”
Mum covered her face. “What now?”
Father turned, exhalingrelieved, I think.
“Nothing. I told Nicholas no. There are other projects. Emily? Hold on to Alex. Hes a good man.”
