THE WORLD OF THE MARRIED

Diana worked at a well-known company in the city center as a contract employee. Today is a long-awaited day because her monthly salary has just been received. After the end of working hours, Diana walked home with a light and hopeful heart. In her head she imagined a beautiful dress that she had longed for. She decided to stop by her favorite clothing store to finally buy the clothes. However, on the way home, Diana saw a familiar figure staggering along the sidewalk. It was John, her brother, who looked very drunk. Diana quickened her pace, hoping to avoid a confrontation. However, John saw her and immediately approached her with unsteady steps. "Diana, you have money, right?"John asked in a pushy tone, his eyes red with alcohol. "I don't have any!"Diana was half-screeching. Tightly hold the tote bag to the front of her chest. "Don't joke! I know you're lying!"John staggered towards Diana. Diana tried to retreat, but John managed to pull the strap of her tote bag. "Don't do it!"Diana begged. John doesn't care. She opened her sister's tote bag and scrambled the contents inside Diana's bag. A joyful smile immediately appeared on his face as soon as he saw the envelope containing a certain amount of money. "John, please don't take it ... I just got paid ... the money is for my needs, " Diana replied as she tried to reach for her bag again. But John didn't care. Roughly, he brushed Diana's hand away and took all the money in Diana's bag. Diana tried to hold back tears as she begged, " John, please return the money. I want to buy clothes." John looked at her with an angry look and said, "this money I need to pay gambling debts. Otherwise, I'll get f*cked. You're my sister. You have to help your brother!" Diana could only cry watching her brother leave with her entire salary. She felt hopeless and helpless. With a wistful step, she returned home, tears constantly streaming down his cheeks. ** That night, Diana was called by her father and mother. In the living room, her family members sat with serious faces. Diana already felt that there was something important that they wanted to convey. She continued to worry about the various possibilities that would be presented by his father. But, Diana is sure, there is no way they discussed the problem of gambling debts of her bastard brother! "Diana, "said her father in a firm voice," we want to tell you something very important." Diana looked at her father with mixed feelings. She had never seen her father with such a heavy heart. "What's the matter, dad?" She asked in a worried tone. "Your mother and I have decided to set you up with a man at the request of your late grandfather," her father continued, glancing quickly at her silent mother. Diana was very surprised. "But Dad, I'm not ready to get married. Besides, I don't know who you're talking about." Her father cut in, "it's not a matter if you Ready or not. You must do this as a form of return to us who have taken care of you since childhood."Diana's father glared a little. Diana felt her world collapse. She wanted to rebel, wanted to shout that her life was her own. However, she knows that in this family, her opinion is not considered important. Tears rolled down her cheeks again, but this time not because of the loss of money, but because of the loss of freedom and dreams. ** The next day, Diana went to work with a heavy heart. He could not stop thinking about the matchmaking imposed on her. In the office, her friends noticed a change in her face, but Diana only smiled weakly and said everything was fine. On the afternoon, after finishing work at the office, Diana decided to stop by Jessica's cafe, her best friend. Diana needed someone to give her advice and comfort. As the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, Diana sank into one of the cozy chairs, her favorite latte in hand. Jessica, noticing her friend's troubled expression, sat across from her with a look of concern. "Hey, Diana. You look like you've had a rough day," Jessica began gently. Diana sighed deeply. "You have no idea, Jess. My parents have decided to arrange a marriage for me. I don't even know the guy." Jessica's eyes widened in surprise. "What? That's insane! Have you told them how you feel about it?" Diana shook her head, her eyes downcast. "I can't, Jess. You know how strict they are. They won't listen to me." Jessica reached across the table, placing a comforting hand on Diana's. "But Diana, this is your life we're talking about. You should have a say in it." "I know," Diana whispered, her voice trembling. "But I'm scared. They raised me, and I owe them so much. I just ... can't refuse them. Diana nodded slowly, tears welling up in her eyes. "I just don't want to disappoint them." Jessica took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "Listen, I understand that you feel indebted to them, but that doesn't mean you should sacrifice your happiness. You need to stand up for yourself, even if it's difficult." Diana's eyes welled up with tears. "I just don't know if I have the courage to do it. What if they disown me?" Jessica squeezed Diana's hand reassuringly. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. But you can't live your life in fear of what might happen. You deserve to be happy and to make your own choices." Jessica took a deep breath, trying to suppress her frustration. "Diana, you know I'm here for you, right? I’ll support whatever decision you make." Diana looked up, her eyes filled with helplessness. "Thank you, Jess. I just... I don't know what to do. I'm so scared." Jessica's heart ached for her friend, but a part of her was also irritated by Diana's passivity. "I understand, Diana. It's a tough situation." Jessica forced a supportive smile, even though inside she was fuming. "I get it. Family obligations can be overwhelming. But remember, your happiness matters too." Diana took a shaky breath. "I wish I could be as strong as you, Jess." Jessica bit back her frustration, wanting to shake her friend and make her see her own worth. "You are strong, Diana. You just need to see it for yourself." Diana wiped away a tear. "I hope so. For now, I just need to figure out what to do." Jessica squeezed Diana's hand, silently praying for her friend to find her inner strength. "Whatever you decide, Diana, I'll be here for you. You have my support and my prayers." Diana felt a glimmer of comfort in Jessica's words. "Thank you, Jess. I don’t know what I’d do without you." Jessica nodded, her heart heavy with a mix of empathy and frustration. "That's what friends are for. Remember, you're just as valuable and deserving of happiness as anyone else." As they sat together, sipping their lattes, Jessica hoped that one day Diana would realize her true worth and stand up for herself. Until then, all she could do was offer her unwavering support. -----