Chương 2: Arranged Marriage
The serene ambiance of the room was punctuated only by the crisp clinking of silverware against porcelain plates as the Dawn and Blackwell families gathered to celebrate their successful union. With each bite savored in pride and quiet appreciation, every movement conveyed the poise and confidence of a group of people who had achieved a higher status in society.
It was a life where money made everything easy, a life that everyone wished to have, worth sacrificing and dying for. However, behind the stability it granted, only a few were aware of the underlying consequences that awaited. Money could reward hard work but also extract a heavy price if taken for granted. Give and take, it was the law of the universe. Everything you do will always find its way back to you. And before you realized it, you were doomed.
"To a successful union of our families and a brighter future!" Rogan Blackwell, a respectable businessman in his 50s and the head of the Blackwell family initiated the first step to raising his glass—a triumphant and prideful gleam filtered throughout his entire visage.
As a response, everyone at the table gladly moved and joined. "To a better future and opportunities!"
"And to the incoming engagement party of my eldest daughter, Anastacia." Mrs. Seraphina Dawn, with her widespread smile, dropped the news like a bomb, bringing the conversation to a halt.
"She—what, mother? I thought I would be the one getting married this year?" Twenty-two years old, Sabrina Dawn was the first to recover, exclaiming her surprise—a hint of annoyance filtered through her voice despite her well-maintained, presentable expression.
The dinner ended so early that they spared the time to discuss the matter. But before anything else, the Blackwell family gave their blessings before leaving, looking forward to the wedding.
On the contrary, Anastacia had her fingers gripped tightly around the wine glass' leg. It was too tight that she could feel the same suffocation starting to strangle her, consuming her breath out of nowhere, leaving her speechless. Her mother had planned it so well that she never saw it coming, leaving her unable to protest the setup.
"An arranged marriage? Why did I never hear of this first, Seraphina?" Mr. Dawn questioned with authority. His facial expression displayed confusion as he waited for his wife to explain further.
"This arrangement will soon occur, nonetheless. We aim to give the best future to our children, and as a mother, I wanted to make sure she'll be in good hands."
"What about me, mother? Don't I deserve a better future, too?" It was then Sabrina's voice came out bitterly.
"The perfect timing for you will come, sweetheart. As of now, let's focus on your sister's marriage first." Mrs. Dawn confronted, giving her daughter a look of do-not-try-to-ruin-everything. She then turned to look at her husband as reassuringly as she could. "Don't you think it's the best way we could secure her future, honey?"
"That makes sense," Anastacia's father commented soon, making her feel even more helpless. "But we shall hear her opinion—"
"I'm sure your daughter couldn't wish for anything better than this, Harry."
"Wish what, mother? How could I possibly wish for something I never wanted? Isn't it a selfish decision to make?" After what seemed like an eternity, Anastacia finally found the strength to voice out.
"Do not talk to your mother like that, Anastasia. This marriage will not only be for your good but could also benefit our family."
However, no matter how strong her disapproval sounded, a glance at her mother's smirk conquered her courage. It tore down the hope she had built for the future she wanted.
Swallowing hard, Anastacia fought the urge not to shout. "B-But dad... I don't want to marry someone I don't even know. Please..." She pleaded with all her might, knowing that it was her last chance to change her mother's plan. It might not solve all her problems, but it could give her some control over her own future.
"Don't be such a crybaby, Anastacia. How could I send you off to someone we don't know? I have you paired with one of your father's business partner's sons."
Yeah, someone who will be beneficial for you, Anastacia thought bitterly, gritting her teeth as she observed her mother's acting skills. She had no choice but to play along, to appear helpless for now, just as her mother wanted.
"I wouldn't oppose this setup, Dad," she mumbled softly, trying to sound meek. "But please, give me an option."
Silence fell between them, each passing second torturing Anastacia's hope while her father was deep in thought. She could feel her mother's piercing gaze as if she were a threat to her existence—something she couldn't quite understand.
After a deep sigh, Anastacia's father finally looked in her direction. "What is it that you want to imply?"
"I will not decline this marriage," she answered, meeting her mother's gaze with determination. "But I will choose whom I want to marry."
"That's just ridiculous, Anastacia. How can you find someone as suitable as the one I've chosen for you? You don't even have friends - it will be a waste of time!" Mrs. Dawn retorted.
"How would you know if I'm not given the chance?" Anastacia responded, her voice eager to end her mother's charade. "Give me the time to search for myself, Dad. Then I'll have the marriage you wish for."
"We don't have much time, Anastacia. I'll give you three days to find someone of your own choosing. If you fail to bring me a husband with the same stability as us, you'll have the marriage your mother picked for you."
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