Chapter 1: The Unexpected Arrangement
"Akira, we've arranged a marriage for you!!"
Akira woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing on the table. She rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the sleep. It was her best friend, Mika, texting her to meet up at their favorite cafƩ. Akira smiled, feeling a spark of excitement. She loved mornings like this, when the city was still waking up, and anything felt possible.
As she got out of bed, Akira noticed a piece of paper on her desk. It was a note from her family, scribbled in a hurry. "Akira, we've arranged a marriage for you. You'll be moving in with Liam today. Don't embarrass us."
Akira's heart sank in shock as she tried to understand if what she had read was correct. Marriage? What was her family thinking? She didn't even know this Liam guy. Panic set in as she frantically called Mika, needing advice. Mika answered on the first ring. "What's wrong?" Akira blurted out while still in shock, trying to believe what she had just read and trying not to cry.
"Slow down, what's going on? You don't sound okay?" Mika asked, concern in her voice. Akira explained the situation and the note she got from her family, feeling like she was trapped in a nightmare. Mika listened, then said, "Meet me at the cafƩ. We'll figure this out."
Akira hurriedly prepared to go to the cafƩ, her mind racing. Mika was already there, sipping a latte. Akira slid into the chair, feeling like she was about to lose control. "What do I do, Mika? I can't just marry some stranger."
Mika took her hand. "You need to talk to your family. This is crazy." But Akira knew her family wouldn't listen. They never did.
As they talked, Akira's phone buzzed again. A text from an unknown number. "Akira, it's Liam. I think we should meet before you move in. Can you meet me at my place?"
Akira's heart skipped a beat as she looked at the phone in disbelief. What did this guy look like? What if he was crazy? Mika read her expression. "You don't have to go alone. I'll"Come with you, ask him to share his address," Mika said.
Akira hesitated, then agreed. They made plans to meet Liam at his place. Akira felt a mix of fear and curiosity. What was this guy like?
Akira and Mika arrived at Liam's place, a sleek apartment in a posh area. The door opened, and Akira's breath caught. Liam was... different. Tall, with a sharp jaw and piercing blue eyes. Not what she expected.
Liam smiled politely. "Akira. Nice to finally meet you." Akira's voice stuck in her throat. Mika elbowed her. "Hi," Akira managed.
Liam's expression turned serious. "I think we should talk about this... arrangement." Akira nodded, feeling like she was walking into a trap.
As they sat down, Akira realized Liam was just as unsure about this marriage as she was. Maybe they could work something out. But for now, she'd play along. "So, what do you think?" Liam asked, his eyes locked on hers.Akira shrugged. "I don't know. I guess we can try." Liam nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "Sounds like a plan."
Akira left with Mika, feeling a tiny spark of hope. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. But as they walked out, Akira knew she was lying to herself. This was a disaster waiting to happen.
