Chapter 2

• I couldn't hear anything else while I tried to comprehend what I had just heard.
• Did she just say I'm getting harried or was it parried, I could have sworn it sounded just like married. I looked up to see the three of them staring at me.
• "Ahhaaaaaa." I laughed so hard to the point of tears. I mean, I always knew my mum was a prankster and I was her favourite victim. That's what I loved more about her, and I must say this tops it all.
• "Seriously, mum, wow," I wiped my eyes, "nice one, you almost got me there for a second," I smiled.
• "It's not a joke, sweetie. You are getting married." I looked at three of them, confused. My head started to buzz. I tried to make a connection between the words coming out of her mouth and what they meant.
• " You're joking right." When I spoke again, the smile was wiped off my face. I noticed the look on their faces. I couldn't help but wonder. It made no sense. Me? Getting married? To whom? Why? I just recently turned 21 and just graduated from college. I'm too young to get married.
• "Honey, it's an arranged marriage," my father finally spoke, looking at me with a pained expression.
• “Why?” I managed to whisper it out, not trusting my voice.
• "The company isn't doing well and is close to bankruptcy. This was the only way," he said.
• "So you're selling me off." I cried out. I couldn’t control the tears that fell from my eyes. I turned to my mom, who was close to tears, then to my brother, who couldn't even look me in the eyes.
• " No, sweetie, never. If we had any other choice, we would never have thought of this, "my mom spoke out softly as she cried. I stood up slowly, staring down at them, hurt and disappointed."
• "You want to marry me off to a stranger?"
• "No honey, we would never do that." My dad said, and he and the rest of my family stood.
• " You might not remember because you were little, but you have met before when you were eight. His father was a good friend of mine till he passed away. "
• "Who is it?"
• "Giovanni Reeves," he replied.
• Giovanni Reeves, I thought to myself. His name sounded so familiar, but I couldn't picture a face or anything else.
• " Can I think about it?, I'm tired and I just want to rest, "I said before climbing up the stairs, walking towards the direction of my old room."
• "Sure, take your time, sweetie."
• I closed the door of my room and I lay on the bed as more tears fell from my eyes and I slowly fell asleep.
• ♤♤♤
• I groaned loudly when the sun rays hit my face. I rolled over on the bed to face the other side. Today was the day I was finally going to meet my so-called soon-to-be husband and family. It's been a week since I found out I was getting married. I decided to go with it because I know how important this is to my family. Right now I'm at my parents' because my mum thought it was better if I got ready here.
• "Hey Buttercup, wake up." My brother sat beside me, shaking me awake.
• "Five more minutes," I whined, covering myself with a pillow and grumbling again.
• "Breakfast is almost ready, and I want to talk to you."
• I got up to sit up straight, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Then, letting out a lazy yawn, I turned to look at my brother. I could see he was stressed out by this situation.
• " I know this is wrong and I wish there was another way." He sighed before he continued talking. “ You aren't alone. I just want you to know that I will always be there for you every step of the way”.
• “ I know, you have always been my hero and nothing will change that”. I hugged him tightly.
• “If it's too difficult for you, please let me know. "
• "I will. Thanks big bro." I gave him a kiss on the cheek.
• He stood up. "Now go shower, you stink”.
• "Hey..."I whined, which was received with laughter as he closed the door.
• I stood up, walking past the mirror. My hair was a mess. I looked like I got hit by a train. I walked into the bathroom for a quick shower. I tied my hair into a messy bun as it took me ages to dry it up. I wore a pair of black jeans with my white tank top and Snickers, not bothering to do any makeup. I walked downstairs only to be welcomed with an amazing aroma; it smelled heavenly.
• Ahh... my love for food.
• "Good morning." I kissed my mum on the cheek, then my dad. I stared at the food on the table; toast, bacon, scrambled eggs, and don't forget coffee.
• "Mhm," I muttered, my mouth watering, eager to stuff myself with food.
• "What time are we going to the Reeves?" I asked my mum while eating.
• "Around 6, sweetie, and swallow before you talk," she scolded.
• "Yes ma", I saluted , making my brother and dad laugh and shake their heads.
• "Mum, you are aware of Roy's personality. Using food, you could essentially kidnap her "Richard added. We began making faces at each other while our parents giggled as I poked my tongue out at him and he did the same.