Ariana can love

Ariana was sitting in the bathroom, smiling at her phone as Bright poured out kind words to her during the video call they were on. " I love your voice, baby," she whispered, as she brushed a strand of hair out of her face. Bright laughed softly and said, "I really love all of you, beautiful." Ariana felt her face turn red; she liked the way he spoke to her, as though she were special, and the fact that their conversations caused her to forget all the problems that were waiting for her outside her bedroom door. They met on f*******: a few months ago, and although their conversation had at first been entirely innocent, it soon developed into something more. Every day they talked to one another, sharing secrets and building up an emotional bond that neither of them wanted to end. "You make me miss you even more," Ariana said. Why not come and see me? Ariana sighed and said, "You know it's not that simple." What is the reason? Aren't you wanting to be with me? Certainly I do, Bright, you know that. Then cease asking me to beg for the opportunity to hold you. Ariana laughed as she shook her head. "You and your mouth." "And you love it." "Maybe." Perhaps? He playfully arched an eyebrow. She laughed. "Okay, yes. Happy now?" "Very." For a time they kept making fun of one another, swapped loving remarks, and managed to steal some small moments of intimacy via the screen. After a while, Ariana looked at the time. Oh my goodness, I must be going now. Bright frowned."Already?" Dear me, I've been here for a long time now. They're going to begin searching for me. "Let them look." "Bright!" He laughed. Very well, go and do whatever it is you need to. Just let me know when you've finished. "I will." "Promise?" "I promise." They exchanged a final kiss over the phone before Ariana reluctantly put the call on the end. For a moment longer she looked at her reflection in the mirror, a smile curling her lips as she turned to look over her shoulder. She wasn't able to say why it was so, but every time she talked to Bright the world appeared to be kinder and he made her feel beautiful, important and free to express herself. In her wealthy family, concern was always given to appearances, business matters, and the opinions of other people. She could simply be called Ariana when accompanied by Bright. She put a bit more lipstick on, smoothed her dress, and then left the bathroom. She didn't at all realize that the happiness she was experiencing at that time would be put to the test in ways that she could never imagine. Your father is waiting for you, Ariana! The voice of the housekeeper could be heard in the corridor. "Coming!" Ariana rushed down the stairs and entered the dining room, where the table was beautifully set. The crystal glasses reflected the light from the chandelier and the air was filled with the smell of food. At the end of the table, her father was playing with something on his phone, while her mother was sitting facing him and was unusually quiet. "Sorry I'm late Daddy." He looked at her watch. You never hurry. Ariana pulled her chair out and said, "I was getting ready." Now that everyone has turned up, there's a matter that we need to talk about. She moved towards her glass of water. "What is it?" He put his phone next to his plate and then unfolded his napkin. The wedding will happen in December. For a moment Ariana halted the glass in the air before she realized that she had heard him correctly. For a moment she thought she had misunderstood him, but then it struck her and her fingers started to shake. "My wedding?" "Yes. Your wedding." She placed the glass down slowly, her heart beating loudly in her ears. "To whom?" He looked at her as if the question were the most ridiculous thing in the world. Of course it's Alex—his family have agreed to it and we'll make the announcement next month. Ariana stared at him. Alex. He was the son of the multi-billionaire whom his father had been trying to get into a business partnership with for months. She had once met him on two occasions at formal family gatherings, and he was very handsome, polite and wealthy. Yet they knew very little about each other. Now her father was telling her that they would be married. The room appeared to swivel around her and December ceased to be a distant month on the calendar and became a deadline closing in on her throat. "Daddy, are you serious?" He continued eating. "Do I look like I'm joking?" But you haven't even asked me! The fork that her father had in his mouth stopped halfway through. What are we supposed to ask then? Alex comes from a respectable family; my father and I have known each other for years and this marriage will be beneficial to all concerned. "Everyone except me, apparently." "Ariana." No, Daddy; I'd like to understand. You're referring to my wedding as though you'd arranged a venue for a business meeting. Then her mother raised her eyes. Please, Ariana, don't make the dinner time into an argument. Ariana turned towards her. Dear mum, were you aware of this? Her mother hesitated. The hesitation served as an answer to the question. Ariana experienced a tightness in her chest, after which a wave of panic came over her so intense that she could hardly breathe. Everybody knew. Her parents had talked over what was to be her future, agreed on the arrangement and even chosen a date all without asking her what she had wanted; they had planned every aspect of her life as if she were an asset being passed from one family to another. He put his fork down. Pay close attention; Alex is a good option and you'll lead a comfortable life with both families gaining from the union. "But I never do love him." Love may develop after one has got married. Is it possible that it never does?" At that point you'll come to value the opportunities which have been given to you. Ariana looked at him. She could not believe it. Did he really regard marriage as a series of things that she should appreciate even if she didn't feel any particular way about them? The idea of walking down the aisle and having to go up to a stranger made her stomach feel sick, and the thought of being stuck in a life which she had not chosen was intolerable. I am not going to marry someone simply because his father can help your business. Her father's expression darkened. Take care in the way that you speak to me. I'm telling you that it's true! I'm telling you now that this conversation is ended. He took his fork once more. The finality of what he said destroyed the last possibility she had that he would pay any attention to her; there was no room for discussion, no opportunity to reconsider the situation and no chance for her to alter his decision. Her future had already been decided and her refusal had no significance. Ariana looked at her plate, and at that moment the food seemed impossible to swallow; her throat was closing down and tears were stinging behind her eyes. Previously, she was laughing with Bright, picturing a future in which she could have the life that she wanted. It now seemed to her that life was distant, as though the walls of the house were squeezing her in to keep her out. She left before the dinner was over. No one attempted to prevent her. When she was back in her bedroom she closed the door and at once went to her phone; her hands were shaking so much that she almost dropped it. She had received a message from Bright. Are you finished, sweetheart? I've been waiting for you. Ariana looked at the screen while her heart was pounding and she was trying to keep herself together. As she started to type, her fingers shook a bit. Ariana: Bright, a terrible thing has just happened. Ariana: My dad has now decided that my wedding will take place in December. He remained in silence for a few seconds while reading the message. Then, he replied. Bright: Married? To whom? Alex, the son of his business partner. Another pause. And what did you say to him? Ariana: I don't want to marry him. Bright: What did your father say? Looking in the direction of the bedroom door, she recalled the finality in his voice. Ariana: He stated that the decision has already been made. He did not reply for a long time this time. Ariana read the message twice before replying. Bright: Perhaps it's now time for you to stop having other people decide your life for you. Tears were filling Ariana's eyes. What should she do? The fear of going against her father clashed with the terror of giving up all her future prospects. She pictured herself in a marriage that she hated, having to smile for photographs while her entire world crumbled inside her. Yet she couldn't remain in place and simply wait for December to come and take her life from her. While reading Bright's message, a certain idea started to take root in her mind—though it was both frightening and absurd, it was still more hopeful than any feeling she had experienced since dinner. What if bright was correct? Perhaps she needn't accept the future that her father had chosen. What if there was some other way? She rubbed away the tears and then typed the question that would change everything. Ariana says, "Baby, what if I told you that I wanted to run away?"