Love Beyond the Stars

Bound by Silence, Broken by Tears

Steve's words left the room in stunned silence. My father glanced at me, but his face remained unreadable. My mother’s sister came to my side, her voice gentle, Don’t worry, sweetheart. If you don’t want to marry him, we’re completely fine with it. Don’t let this weigh on you.

But I shook my head and, with a trembling voice, said, No, I’ve made my decision. I’m ready to marry Steve. My heart pounded as I spoke. Everyone understood the unspoken truth. I was doing it for my family’s honor. Especially my mother, who avoided my gaze but knew exactly why I’d agreed.

That night, the house was filled with music and laughter as everyone celebrated my sister’s marriage to Watson. Their family danced with joy, and Watson was the epitome of kindness and goodness. Seeing my sister so happy gave me a brief moment of peace. But then, my eyes drifted to Steve, standing apart from the crowd, wearing sunglasses indoors, his shoes mismatched. My father noticed but said nothing. Steve's father seemed cheerful, but his mother, her eyes cold and distant, hadn't smiled once since the ceremony began. It felt like a shadow looming over me.

After the wedding, we went to our new homes. My heart raced as I stepped into Steve's house. He stayed outside while his sister took me in, leading me to their mother. There was supposed to be a small cultural tradition where I would search for a ring in a bowl of milk, but Steve’s mother didn’t seem interested. Steve’s sister called for their father to join in the ritual, but he waved her off, chuckling, This is your ladies’ business. You enjoy yourself. I’m going to rest.

Before leaving, he looked at me kindly, his voice low but firm, Kristen, from today, you’re not just Steve’s wife, you’re my daughter. Don’t worry about anything, this is your home now. If anything troubles you, or even if Steve does something wrong, you come to me. I’ll take care of it, alright? Now, go on, enjoy the night.

I nodded, but inside, I felt a growing unease. As the evening wore on, Steve’s sister returned and apologized. Mom wasn’t feeling well. We’ll do the ritual tomorrow morning. Is that okay? I forced a smile and said, Yes, it's fine. She led me to Steve’s room.

When she opened the door, I stood frozen. The room was chaos with clothes strewn across the floor, shoes on the bed, and pillows tossed aside. The only area that wasn’t a disaster was his computer desk. The air felt thick, and I struggled to breathe.

Oh, Steve, his sister muttered, shaking her head as she quickly cleared a spot on the sofa for me. He’s always been like this and never took life seriously.

She left to find Steve, and when he entered, I was in the bathroom, unable to stop the tears. Kristen, are you alright? He called, but I didn’t answer.

Come out, Kristen. This poor man needs to use the bathroom too! He was frustrated.

I wiped my face and opened the door. From now on, he said, we should use the bathroom for what it’s meant for not for crying.

He went in, and I sat in silence, feeling lost in this strange new world. When he returned, the room was eerily quiet. He sat across from me, rubbing his hands together nervously.

So… now what? He asked, breaking the silence with a question I wasn’t ready to answer.

Could I have a glass of water? I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Steve looked at me as if I’d just asked for the impossible, but then he stood up, went downstairs, and returned with a glass. I took it, thanking him softly.

Minutes passed before he asked again, Now what? What are we supposed to do?

I’m hungry, I replied, hesitant but honest. Can you get me something to eat?

His eyes widened in disbelief. It seemed like I had asked him for a feast. After a moment of hesitation, he hurried downstairs. When he came back, he placed the entire dish of wedding food in front of me with a sigh. Here it is. The food of our marriage. Enjoy, he said, trying to smile, though it came off more like a grimace.

I couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the absurdity of it all. Quietly, I ate, and then placed the leftover food outside the room. When I returned, Steve was staring at me, confused and unsure. His eyes seemed to be searching for answers he couldn’t find.

I don’t know what to do either, Steve, I admitted, my voice breaking the silence again. But I’m thankful. I’ll never forget that you saved my family’s respect. I promise, I’ll stand by you no matter what happens. You were there for me when no one else was.

I blinked back tears, holding onto my words. There was sincerity in them that I hadn’t expected. But then, his expression shifted, and he added, almost pleadingly, But I don’t want to be married yet. I want to hang out with my friends, play games. I’m not ready for this.

I nodded slowly. You can do whatever you want. I won’t disturb you. Just… give me a small corner where I can live.

Steve looked at me, worry creeping into his face. This is my bed, he said, pointing to it. You’ll have to find a place to sleep somewhere else. Anywhere, but not here.

Okay, I said quietly, heading to the sofa, my heart sinking with every step.

It was my first night sleeping on a sofa, and as I lay there, memories of my father flooded my mind— how he always treated me like a princess. Now, here I was, in a stranger’s home, married to someone who didn’t even want me. Tears slipped from my eyes, each one a silent testament to the life I had left behind.