Chapter 1 - Getting Wed to a Stranger
_______________ Jia's POV :
Dad would always say to me.
"Listen Jia. Women - are only good for two things " He would begin before pausing to say
"pleasure... and Bearing kids. Nothing more. Remember it and you will please your future husband immensely." He never forgot to add that part.
And as much as I hated to admit it...he was right.
That was how today's society saw women. Especially here in Grey City. Women were seen as just Tools for pleasure and a kids production factory.
Now here I was, in a wedding dress, about to go in front of a thousand people I had never met before.
And worst of all... Say 'i do' to a stranger whose name I didn't even know. Dad said it didn't matter. All he cared about was that he was well to do. A new connection to his already booming business.
"Young Ms. The procession is ready for you" I heard Nala say as she added the finishing touches to my hair.
I stared at myself in the mirror, eyes widened in surprise. She had done my hair wonderfully and made me look very pretty. So pretty I could barely recognize myself.
"Nala?" I turned up to the mirror to stare at her.
"Mmm" she smiled at me.
"How does...Umm" I found myself stuttering as I let out.
"the...You know" I gulped, trying to finish what I was trying to ask.
"the mating process between a man and a woman happen" I closed one of my eyes in awkwardness as I tilted back, waiting for her response.
She laughed, her hand on her stomach as she stared at me, surprised.
For as long as I can remember, Nala has been my maid and the closest person to me. The only one I could easily share things with. It pained me so much that now I had to part with her.
She was also forced out of home and got married off at young age. Now she had kids and worked menial jobs for my family.
I had no one else to ask besides her. I mean.. I was getting married so I should definitely know.
A gentle knock on the door interrupted us as Nala was about answering.
We turned to the door.
"Come in - it's unlocked. Ms Colton is ready" Nala said, helping me get up.
The door opened. It was one of my mother's older maids.
"So mum couldn't come see me off herself" I huffed under my breath as she came in.
"Instead she sent her maid"
Nala stared at me one last time. She smiled and hugged me.
"You'll be fine, Jia. Your future husband is lucky to have you"
Tears began forming on my eyes as she said that.
I honestly didn't want to go anywhere. I already hated my life as it was. What more could be waiting for me as someone else's wife.
The older maid who was behind me gently took my hand and led me gently down the stairs. The great grande hall.
As expected, Dad was going to use the occasion to engage as much business partners as he could.
And just as anticipated, there he was - exchanging fake smiles with one of them. My mom clung to his arm, her expression vain. You could tell she didn't want to be here.
The maid helped me down the stairs and Dad instantly sighted me as I alighted.
"Now that's my priceless jewel" He smiled as he let out his hand to help me down the stairs.
"You know, I heard she was beautiful, Henry but I could be never have imagined she would be such a beauty. Takes after her mother, I guess" the potbellied man who he had been speaking with, let out.
They both exchanged their fake smiles once more as Dad turned to face me.
"Your groom awaits dear" He extended his arm and I gently placed mine in his as he led me to the altar.
Guests began with their drama. You could hear gasps and murmurs every where as a slow song began playing in the background.
Mom followed us quietly. Nothing pierced me more today than her silence. Her daughter was getting married today and all she could do was stare?
Eyes followed us as we headed towards the altar where the priest was waiting for us.
I looked back and saw Mom was no longer following us. She stopped and dad led me in.
Beads of sweats had already begun forming on my forehead as I clenched my fists nervously.
Dad brought me face to face with the priest and stood aside as we waited in awkward silence.
I stood there, drenched in sweat for what felt like an eternity before one of my Dad's men came in and whispered something to him.
He furrowed his brows as his once smiling lips were now curled up into a snarling frown.
He turned to look at the guy who had whispered to him.
"What do you mean he isn't coming" He sneered.
The entire hall flew into a loud gasp as murmurs from every angle began filling the room.
I stood there, my eyes widened at what I had just heard.
An arranged marriage was one thing - but getting left at an altar? I doubt I could ever recover from that!
