THE WORLD OF THE MARRIED

Forced Marriage

The meeting between Diana and her fiance that was arranged by her father, held during a family dinner. A warm and hopeful atmosphere filled the room as they all sat around the beautiful dining table.

"Diana, you look so beautiful tonight," Diana's mother praised, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Your dress is also very lovely." Actually, Her mother praised the bright red evening dress that Diana was actually reluctant to wear. Even the hairstyle and lipstick color that Diana wears now is her mother's choice. From head to toe, Diana was not allowed to choose for herself what she wanted to wear. As usual, Diana just sat quietly, unable to refuse any of her mother's choices.

Diana smiled stiffly and nodded. "Thank you, Mother," she said flatly.

Because since childhood, everything has always been arranged in everything, Diana felt that it was a natural thing. Diana considers it all as a form of affection of both parents. Although in fact she feels very tired and depressed.

That evening Diana's mood was not very good till she turned her gaze to the young man sitting across from her. "Good evening, my name is Diana," she introduced herself politely.

At first, the young man seemed reluctant. But as soon as Diana spoke, he responded with a smile, although seemed forced, still looked very charming. "Good evening, Diana. My name is Albert," he replied in a deep and calm voice. "I am the CEO of Elysian Heights Group."

Diana was surprised when Albert mentioned the name of the company where she worked. Honestly, she was both surprised and fascinated. The young man in front of her not only held a high position in her company but was also incredibly handsome! Diana felt her heart pound; she fell for Albert at first sight.

After a few moments of warm conversation, Diana felt curious and dared to ask, "Albert, are your parents unable to attend tonight?"

The atmosphere suddenly became silent. Diana's mother quickly nudged her daughter with a sense of unease, signaling her not to continue the question. Diana's father tried to change the subject quickly, but Albert raised his hand, indicating he wanted to answer.

"It's alright," Albert said calmly. "My parents passed away when I was a child due to an accident," he said coldly.

Everyone at the table fell silent, and Diana seemed to feel the deep sorrow in Albert's words. Diana immediately bowed her head, feeling very foolish and guilty for bringing up such a sensitive topic.

**

Jessica was equally shocked when Diana recounted the meeting with her fiancé.

"Jess ... guess what? I just met with the man who will be my husband yesterday."

"Really? That’s amazing, Diana! Tell me everything. How did it go?" Jesicca looks excited to hear Diana's story.

"I guess ... It went really well."Diana spoke flatly.

"Wow, I still can't believe you’re getting married! By the way ... how does your future husband look like?"

Diana sigh."I bet ...You won't believe it, Jessica. He's the CEO of the company I work for!

Jessica looks very surprised. "Wait, what? The CEO? Are you serious? That’s unbelievable! How did you do not know that he's your boss!"

"I know, it sounds crazy, right? I think he kept it pretty low-key ... after all, what difference does it make if he's the boss or not, if my father has asked me to marry the man of his choice right away, what can I do?"

"Uhm. Well ... at least he has a handsome face that can fascinate you, isn't it?" Jessica tries to comfort Diana. "So, when’s the big day?"

Diana smiled as she stared into the distance."That’s the other surprising part. The wedding is in less than a month!"

"What!! Less than a month? Oh my goodness, you must be so busy with all the preparations!"

"Don't joke on me ... Jesicca. I'm just a stupid beautiful doll in my family, this marriage has been arranged by my mother and father, I just need to come as a beautiful and sweet bride."

**

Just one month after that meeting, Diana and Albert got married. However, the wedding was not attended by John, Diana's brother. Diana's mother chose the wedding dress herself, while the guest invitations from the bride's side were determined by her father.

The dress chosen by her mother was actually uncomfortable for Diana to wear. It seemed her mother intentionally chose a wedding dress with a low cut, as if to highlight Diana's naturally large chest. Throughout the wedding, Diana kept adjusting her dress.

Meanwhile, Albert, the handsome young man who was now officially Diana's husband, seemed unconcerned with Diana's appearance. During the wedding reception, Albert focused only on the guests, most of whom were his business associates.

Fortunately, Diana was allowed to invite Jessica. Diana's good friend seemed to understand what Diana was feeling. Jessica sat with Diana, offering various tempting wedding banquet dishes.

"Oh, my dear Diana ... you really look stunning! as your best friend, I sincerely praise. this is the first time I've seen such a beautiful bride! Please don't put on a sad face." Jessica gently rubbed the back of Diana's hand. "Instead of you just sitting around waiting for your husband, let's enjoy your wedding banquet. look at that, all these foods are really number one quality!"

Diana stared blankly at the various dishes mentioned by Jesicca. She couldn't bear to refuse Jesicca's offer, her best friend looked very eager to taste the various dishes presented.

Although her stomach already felt full, Diana tried to hide her discomfort.

Jesicca, with a big smile, raised one of the plates and said, "You have to try this one, it tastes amazing!"

With a forced smile, Diana grabbed a fork and took a little of the dish Jesicca offered. “Thank you, Jes. I'll give it a try," she said in a soft voice, hoping that her best friend didn't notice the reluctance tucked in her eyes.

Diana realized Jessica said is true. Her wedding reception was only attended by a limited invitation, but Diana and Albert's wedding party was quite luxurious.

From a distance, Diana looked at Albert's face, her husband, who was talking to one of the important officials in the government. Jessica is right, at least Albert's handsome face can comfort her sadness.

For Diana, she hoped that her marriage to Albert would be the beginning of a new life for her, a life that she hoped would be full of happiness and love.

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