He had suspected it all along, her constant presence at their dinners, her overly friendly demeanor, her attempts to charm him. It was a carefully orchestrated dance, a plan hatched by his father, a way to ensure that the Birmingham legacy continued in the form of a family he had chosen, a family he had never sought.
 Mr. Birmingham nodded, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. "Yes, son," he said. "She's a fine woman, well-bred, well-mannered. She would be an excellent addition to the family."
 Ezra felt a surge of anger, a bitter taste in his mouth. He couldn't believe this was happening, his life being orchestrated by his father, his future being dictated by a man who had always held him at arm's length.
 "I appreciate your… intentions, Dad," he said, his voice controlled. "But I don't think this is necessary. I'm… I'm happy with my life."
 Mr. Birmingham leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowed. "Ezra," he said, his voice a low rumble. "This is important. You're the heir to the Birmingham fortune, a legacy that deserves to be passed on. You need to think about the future, about your family, about the legacy you will leave behind."
 Ezra's anger simmered beneath the surface. He had always felt a sense of pressure, of obligation, to live up to his father’s expectations. But now, he was being pushed, manipulated, forced into a path he hadn’t chosen, a path that felt more like a cage than a future.
 "I understand what you're saying, Dad," he said, his voice firm. "But this is my life, my decision. I'm not ready to settle down, not now. Not with anyone."
 He stood up, the anger building within him. "I'm leaving," he said, his voice a low growl. "And thank you for the "lovely" dinner."
 He turned and walked towards the door, the heavy oak doors closing behind him with a resounding thud. He had spoken his mind, asserted his will, but the battle wasn't over. He knew his father wouldn't give up so easily. This was just the beginning, a clash of wills, a confrontation that would continue to shape their strained relationship, a battle for control over his life and his future...
 ================================
 The dimly lit bar buzzed with the low hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses, a familiar symphony of city life that always soothed Ezra's nerves. He sat across from Emmett, his best friend since childhood, their usual booth offering a sanctuary from the world outside.
 "I can't believe this is happening," Ezra said, his voice laced with frustration, a mix of anger and bewilderment churning within him. "My own father is trying to force me into marriage with Valerie!"
 He took a long swig of his vodka, the fiery liquid burning a trail down his throat, a temporary relief from the emotional turmoil that had consumed him.
 "You're kidding, right?" Emmett said, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Valerie? Seriously? That's your father's solution for everything?"
 "Apparently so," Ezra said, his jaw tightening. "He thinks she's the perfect candidate for a Mrs. Birmingham."
 "She's a spoiled, entitled brat," Emmett said, his voice laced with disdain. "It's all about controlling the family image, the Birmingham name. It's pathetic."
 Ezra nodded, his anger simmering. "I know. And it was Victoria's idea. She's been pushing this for years, ever since they got married."
 "That woman is a snake," Emmett said, his voice sharp. "She's been maneuvering her way into your father's life, all for the sake of her own ambitions. I bet she's been whispering in his ear about how 'perfect' her daughter would be for you."
 Ezra tightened his grip on his vodka glass, the ice clinking against the sides. "I know. It’s sickening. It’s like I’m some kind of prize, a trophy to be awarded to her daughter. There's no way I would marry Valerie. I wouldn't marry anyone under these circumstances."
 "You need to stand up to your father," Emmett said, his voice firm. "He's not going to back down. You need to be assertive, let him know that you’re not a pawn in his game. This is your life, your choice."
 Ezra took a deep breath, his eyes glinting with determination. "I know," he said, his voice steady. "I’ve already told him. But he’s not giving up. He thinks this is the only way to secure his legacy, his power. He's blinded by his own ambition."
 Emmett placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder, his expression a mix of concern and understanding. "You're not alone in this, Ezra," he said. "I’m here for you, no matter what. We’ll figure this out together."
 Ezra met his friend’s gaze, a flicker of hope warming the corner of his eyes. He knew the battle was far from over, that his father wouldn’t back down easily. But with Emmett by his side, with his unwavering support, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. He was determined to fight for his own freedom, to carve his own path, and to break free from the shackles of his father's expectations. This was his life, and he was finally ready to take control.
 ================================
 It was another day of work for Selena.
 The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the faint scent of lavender from Selena's perfume, creating a comforting aura in the cozy coffee shop. She sat across from Richard, her smile soft and genuine, her voice a low, melodic whisper.
 "So, how are you feeling today, Richard?" she asked, her hand resting gently on her stomach, mimicking the subtle swell of a three-month pregnancy.
 Richard, his face flushed with a mixture of anxiety and relief, met her gaze. "Honestly, Candy, I'm a little nervous," he admitted, his voice hushed. "But excited too. This is all happening so fast."
 Selena, playing the role of Candy, Richard's supposed girlfriend and expectant mother, smiled reassuringly. "It's okay to be nervous, Richard," she said, her hand gently stroking her stomach. "We're in this together. We'll get through it."
 She was hired by Richard to stage a carefully orchestrated performance. Richard, a closeted gay man, had found himself trapped in a loveless engagement with a woman his family had chosen for him. His solution? To create a fake pregnancy, a convincing facade to break off the engagement without causing a scandal.
 "Do you think it will work?" Richard asked, his voice a mix of hope and desperation. "Will she finally understand?"
 "She's smart, Richard," Selena said, her voice steady, her eyes meeting his. "I have a feeling she'll get the message."
 Selena had played many roles in her line of work, but this one was particularly delicate, fraught with emotion and hidden truths. Richard’s vulnerability, his fear of coming out, his desire for freedom, had touched her deeply. She wanted to help him, to give him a chance to be true to himself.
 "It's just... I'm so tired of the lies," Richard admitted, his voice cracking. "I want to be myself, to be free."
 Selena reached across the table, her hand gently covering his. "I understand," she said, her voice soft and compassionate. "It's okay. You're not alone. We'll get through this."
 The coffee shop door chimed as a new customer walked in, and it was none other than Samantha, Richard's fiancée.
 "Alright, it's showtime." Selena whispered, as she gets ready for action.