The Unexpected Bride
The early morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Jane's room, a stark reminder of the new reality that had descended upon her life. It was a stark contrast to the carefree days of her youth, a stark reminder of the cruel hand fate had dealt her. As per the agreement made by her overbearing parents, Amelia and Mathew, Uncle Arthur, their driver, was waiting to take her to school. A wave of shyness washed over her as she stepped into the luxurious car, but she knew there was no escaping their wishes. Her life was now dictated by their whims, a puppet dancing to their tune.
Her heart ached as she made her way to their usual hangout spot, a small café where Stella and Owen, her closest friends since high school, often gathered. Stella, a daughter of a wealthy family herself, lived a life of privilege, her parents residing in America. Owen, the son of the current leader of their town, hailed from a family deeply rooted in business and politics. Jane was fortunate to have them as friends. Despite their backgrounds, they treated her with kindness and unwavering loyalty. They were more like siblings, sharing their secrets and offering each other unwavering support.
Owen, a man of gentle nature, possessed a heart that was surprisingly sensitive. Only Stella and Jane knew about his secret - a secret he guarded fiercely, fearing his father's disapproval. Owen, tall, handsome, and kind, was a thoughtful soul, a protector for Stella and Jane, especially when anyone dared to speak ill of them. He was fiercely loyal, a source of comfort and strength.
They had no plans to go out that day, and Jane was content to simply enjoy their company. Owen had strongly requested that he keep his secret under wraps, fearing his father's wrath. He was an only child, and his parents had high expectations of him, particularly regarding the prospect of grandchildren. He was a walking contradiction - a gentle giant with a heart of gold, yet capable of fierce anger when provoked.
When Jane arrived at the café, they were not yet there. A wave of sadness washed over her. She knew they wouldn't be happy to hear what had transpired over the weekend.
Five minutes later, they both arrived, their laughter filling the air. "Hey, witch, your morning is a miracle, huh?" Stella exclaimed, her voice laced with amusement. "It's your first time here at our hangout, huh?" she chuckled. "Yes, girl, why are you so early today? Besides, wait, what's on your face? Why do you have bruises again?" Owen asked, his voice laced with concern.
Jane met their gazes with a mixture of sadness and apprehension. She didn't know how to begin to explain.
"Heyst!?! Have you been hurt again, right? Who is your mom again? You know I'm really wondering about your family. I don't know if you're really their child because of the way they treat you," Stella said, her voice laced with exasperation.
Jane was speechless. Sometimes she questioned her place in her own family. It felt like she was constantly being pushed aside, disregarded.
"What the hell is that? Just run away. Stella and I are here to help you because that's how you always get hurt. Did you have a bruise last month too? Maybe later your beautiful lace will be damaged when your Mommy slaps you," Owen said, his voice laced with suppressed anger. He reached out and gently caressed her palm. He was so sweet to her, treating her like a little sister.
Jane's tears began to flow. She felt the love and concern of her friends, a comforting balm to her wounded spirit. They had promised to be friends forever, and in their embrace, she had finally felt loved and accepted.
"Guys, I'm married," she choked out, her voice scratchy. She covered her face with her hands, her tears cascading down her cheeks.
"What???" they exclaimed in unison, their shock palpable.
"Are you kidding, Jane?" Stella asked, her voice filled with disbelief. "It was just a weekend, and then suddenly you got married? What kind of magic is this?" Owen asked, his voice filled with wonder.
"It's a long story, eh? I can't believe it either," Jane said, her voice thick with tears. "I don't know why this happened."
"And who the hell is your husband? You don't have a boyfriend. How did that happen? Was it an arranged marriage? Oh, I'm really saying it. I really don't trust your family. You should have run away long ago," Stella said, her voice filled with concern.
"It's Robert," Jane sobbed.
"I'm scared, guys," she whispered. "I'm already living in their house."
"What???? Who??? Robert your sister's boyfriend?" Owen asked, his voice filled with astonishment. "What the hell is going on?? Can you explain what happened?" Owen asked.
"I don't know either. I have no idea what happened after Alice's birthday. We end up in bed together the next morning."
"Gosh, Bestie... He's the same age as my brother Nathan. I think they're 28 years old, and you're only 18. Gosh, Jane, that's a well-known womanizer, and your sister's boyfriend. What the heck??," Stella explained.
"Women chase him because he's rich and handsome. Don't you have a crush on him, Bestie?" Owen asked, his voice tinged with amusement.
"Wait, how did you get married? Shouldn't it be your sister? They play—" Stella asked, her voice filled with surprise.
"That's it... They caught us in bed next to each other in bed," Jane explained, her voice trembling. "But Besties, even I'm confused. Because I don't remember anything. The last thing I remember is that I drank apple juice, and then it was gone. I just woke up next to him in bed the next morning," Jane said, her voice breaking.
Her friends were shocked by her words. Jane could see pity in their eyes. Stella reached out and rubbed her back.
"Then we got married right away. The speed of the event," Jane added.
"And then Robert blames me. He says that I manipulated him so that Alice would break up with him... But no... I'm not guilty. I don't know, even though I'm wondering what happened. You and Robert are the same. But what is the motive of the perpetrator? Wasn't it just your family that was with you that night?" Owen asked.
Owen's words sent a jolt through Jane. The only people in the house that night were Mom, Alice, and two servants. Dad wasn't there, and she knew Robert had come to visit Alice. It was actually Alice's birthday, but she didn't want a celebration. She wanted to spend it with just them. Mommy made her drink apple juice. God, couldn't they have just agreed with her? But why? Why did they do that to her, and to Robert?
"Oh, Bestie, huh? I doubt what happened to you, huh? So you've given up your youth to that old man, Robert? And is he furious? Wow! He's lucky for you... You are so fresh and young," Stella said, her voice laced with annoyance. Jane shook her head. "I don't know. I didn't feel anything strange when we woke up the next morning."
"You mean there's no blood on your bed? I mean, you have no experience with s*x yet, right? So there must be blood because it hurts, Bestie," Stella said. Jane shook her head again. There was no blood on her bed that morning.
It was possible that nothing had really happened between Robert and her. Jane sighed, her mind racing, trying to understand why Mom had done this to her. She couldn't fathom their motives.
She decided not to go to class. She needed to go home and confront Mom and Alice. It didn't matter that they didn't care about her. She had to know why they had done this. They had blamed her for everything, but they were the ones who had orchestrated this entire scheme. It wasn't fair.
"I won't go in now. I'll go home first," Jane said, her voice choked with tears.
"Let's go together and turn away from them," Stella said, her voice filled with concern. Jane could hear her calling out to her, but she ignored her. She kept walking until she found a taxi. She needed to get home, to confront her family. The tears continued to flow, a relentless torrent of sorrow.
When she arrived home, she found Mom and Alice in the living room, engrossed in a TV show. They were laughing, and Alice didn't seem heartbroken at all. It was as if none of this had ever happened.
"Mom," Jane called out, her voice trembling. They didn't notice her, lost in their entertainment. "Oh, why are you here? Don't tell me that Robert kicked you out right away? It didn't even take you a week, and you were kicked out?" Alice asked, her voice laced with amusement and a hint of disdain.
Jane ignored her, focusing her attention on Mom. "Mommy, did you put sleeping pills in our juice that night?" Jane asked, her voice breaking.
"Am I excellent enough to accuse you of the prank you did?" Mom shouted, her voice sharp with anger.
"Mom, I'm just asking. I'm the one Robert blames me for what happened," Jane explained.
Alice grinned. She stood up and walked towards Jane. "Mom, let's tell the truth to that fool. He totally looks like she knows the truth. It's better that she knows now what the plan is so that when the day comes, he won't be surprised anymore," Alice said, her grin widening.
"Yes, we planned everything. Your sister is not ready to marry Robert. Your sister still wants to be an international model before getting married. Your sister has great dreams, that's why I have to support him in everything she wants," Mom explained.
"What do you mean? Why do Robert and I have to get married?" Jane asked, her voice filled with confusion and pain.
"Is it obvious? There were many women hovering around Robert. Maybe if I insisted on my dream rather than being his wife, he would find someone else. That's why Mom and I thought, why not you?" Alice said, her voice light and carefree.
"What do you mean?" Jane asked, her confusion deepening. "Why me?"
"I'm going to Europe to make my dream come true, but when I go home, I'll take Robert back from you," Alice giggled. "At least when you become his wife, I know for myself that I can quickly take him away from you because you will be a fool... Hahhahahhahah!!!!" Alice said, her laughter echoing through the room. "And Robert loves me," she added.
Alice's words hit Jane like a physical blow. She couldn't believe it. She was shocked, hurt, and betrayed. Her chest tightened with a suffocating pain. She didn't understand why they were doing this to her.
"Mom, Hu hu hu hu!!!! Why me??? Do you really have no love for me?" Jane cried, her voice breaking.
"A good future awaits your sister, so we should support her in everything she wants," Mom explained, her voice devoid of remorse.
"And what about me, Mom? Why do I have to sacrifice? What about my future? !!!" Jane cried, her voice filled with anguish.
"Jane, that will end too. When your sister returns, you will be free. Robert will surely return to your sister when she is ready to get married," Mom said, her smile cold and calculating.
"Yes, little Sissy," Alice whispered to Jane. "For now, enjoy being Mrs. William. What else are you looking for in him? his good in bed. But when I return, I can claim him easily to me again... We will continue our dreams. Right now, he needs to be tied to a marriage, and that's with you, so I'll definitely have someone to come back to," she said with a giggle.
"For now, I'll lend him to you. But you will also return him to me when I am ready," Alice added.
"Is it that easy for you, Sister? I don't know if I'm part of this family. !!!!!" Jane exclaimed, her voice filled with anger.
"Why are you torturing me?" Jane asked, her voice rising in frustration.
"What a m***** you are. Are you fighting now? What are you talking about? I know you will enjoy it too. Didn't you like Robert for a long time? That's your chance.
"No, Mommy. You want to destroy my life, don't you? Because you always favor Alice... What about me?! I'm your daughter too?" Jane cried, her emotions finally breaking. She couldn't hold back the pain and resentment any longer.
"Shut up!!??? Janeeee," Mom shouted, her voice laced with fury.
"Don't question how I treat you. You are my only child, and everything I want to do for you, I will do!!!! Why don't you understand that we have to help your sister with her dreams?" Mom said angrily.
"But I hope, Mom, you don't do it this way. ," Jane cried, her tears flowing freely.
"This talk is enough, and it will only stress me out. Go away now. I told you, no, you can go home until you are Robert's wife!" Mom said. Jane couldn't respond. She just continued to cry, her eyes fixed on her.
"Go away, little Sissy," Alice said, her voice laced with annoyance.
"I hate you, Mom," Jane exclaimed, turning her back on them, her eyes filled with tears.
As she walked out of the gate, she heard someone yell, "Jane!!!" She turned to see Stella and Owen running towards her. Stella grabbed her shoulder, her touch a comforting presence.
"Oh, Bestie, what happened? Let's go to Owen's car. We followed you. It's like you're out of your mind," Stella said, her voice filled with worry.
Jane was struggling to breathe, her chest constricted by sobs. She was coughing, her lungs burning. Her eyes were swollen, but she didn't want to stop crying. She was overwhelmed by grief, anger, and confusion.
Her friends led her to Owen's car. She sat down, letting the tears flow freely as Stella rubbed her back.
"We're here. Please stop crying," Stella said, her own eyes welling up with tears. Jane knew she felt her pain.
Owen remained silent, his furrowed brow and clenched fists a testament to his sympathy.
"Get him to drink some water first, Stella. She might suddenly pass out. What a pity, our Jane. I think he has all the sorrow in the world. If only we could do something," Owen said sadly. He started the car.
"Let's go to your condo first, Owen. Let's wait for Jane to feel better," Stella said.
"No, I'll go home first. I am now living there at their house, Robert's house. Can I take you there?" Jane sobbed.
"Are you sure, ? You can just stay at the condo. Relax before going home. Maybe that's how you feel," answered Owen.
"I'm fine, thanks to you," Jane said.
"Just always remember we're here for you. We're your ally at all times. Don't be shy to tell us, huh?" Owen said passionately.
"We're always here for you, you're not alone. Always remember that. You need to be strong," Stella said.
"Thank you, . Thank you, and there you are. I hope you don't get tired of listening to my problems," Jane said sadly.