CHAPTER THREE

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.