All Started With A Forced Marriage

Chapter 7:

Sitting before the meal Holden had carefully reheated, I could only stare at the food without feeling any appetite. The aroma was still as delicious as ever, and I knew Holden had put in a lot of effort to prepare this dinner, but everything seemed tasteless in my mouth.

I forced myself to take a few bites, but each swallow felt like choking down a lump. My heart was heavy, as if every bite added to the guilt I felt. Eventually, I couldn’t continue, placing my chopsticks down in defeat, overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. I just wanted to crawl into bed and forget everything, but I knew I couldn’t.

Holden sat across from me, his concern written all over his face. "You’re not eating anymore? Do you want something else? I can make something else for you."

I shook my head, unable to look directly at him. "I don’t want anything. I’m just tired," I replied, my voice quiet but laced with sadness.

Holden didn’t give up, trying to encourage me. "How about I make something different? What do you want—pizza, steak, or ice cream? You usually like those."

I knew he was trying his best to make me feel better, to comfort me, but I couldn’t respond to his kindness. "No, really, I don’t want anything else," I said, this time my voice sounding colder than I intended. I couldn’t meet his eyes any longer, and I got up, walking sluggishly toward the bedroom.

Holden remained seated, his eyes filled with worry and disappointment, but he didn’t blame me. I knew he only wanted to help, but at this moment, I didn’t even know what to do with myself, let alone how to accept anyone else’s care.

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Lying in bed, I tried to fall asleep, but it was impossible. Everything that had happened today kept spinning around in my head, not giving me a moment’s peace. Images of Alma waking up, my parents’ reproach, and Holden’s tenderness… they all swirled in a relentless loop. I tossed and turned, unable to calm my restless heart.

After a long while, I began to feel suffocated by my own thoughts. I realized that all the emotions I was experiencing tonight weren’t just because of Alma or what happened at the hospital. A big part of it was because I hadn’t been fair to Holden, the one person who had always loved and supported me without asking for anything in return.

I turned to look at Holden. He was fast asleep, his breathing steady and peaceful. And here I was, bringing disappointment on the very day of his birthday. He had waited for me, prepared everything for me, but I had been too caught up in my own chaotic feelings to notice. My heart tightened as I thought about how I had treated him since coming home.

Quietly, I shifted closer, wrapping my arm around Holden from behind, feeling his warmth seep into me. A sense of security washed over me, and I knew I couldn’t lose him. Holden was the only one who made me feel complete, the one I truly loved. His patience and gentleness filled me with more guilt than ever, but it also made me realize one thing: I couldn’t keep living like this.

---

Lying in the darkness, I began to think clearly about everything. Alma’s situation, my relationship with him, and all the responsibilities I had tried to ignore. Alma had once saved my family, and for that, I was burdened with the duty of marrying him. But the truth was, from the beginning, I had never loved him. I had tried to fulfill my obligation, but when Alma fell into the coma, my life took an entirely different path.

I met Holden, fell in love with him, and he became everything to me. I couldn’t keep living tied to a past obligation without love. Alma deserved something better. I knew he had saved my family, but repaying that debt didn’t have to come through marriage. There were other ways to honor him, but not through a love I didn’t have to give. Not like this.

I had to take responsibility for my decisions and face this head-on. I couldn’t let go of Holden. I would find a way to tell Alma and my parents that I couldn’t marry him. I would repay Alma with whatever else was needed, but not with love, because my love was with Holden, and I wasn’t going to give that up.

I tightened my grip around Holden, his breathing still steady, as if he could sense my presence. In the silent darkness, I knew I had made the right decision. I would do whatever it took to protect this love.

The next morning, I woke up as soft sunlight filtered through the curtains. Holden was still sleeping soundly beside me, his breathing calm and peaceful. Looking at him lying there, my heart swelled with love, but also a hint of guilt for last night. I had decided I would make it up to him, to turn today into a beautiful memory for both of us.

I quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Holden, and snuck out of the room. In my mind, a simple yet sincere plan began to take shape. I would start over, prepare a delicious breakfast, decorate the house to create a cheerful atmosphere, and even though I had lost his birthday gift, I could buy a new one later. What mattered now was making Holden happy.

I started in the kitchen, where everything seemed to be waiting to be turned into a special breakfast. Taking a deep breath, I got to work. The clinking of kitchen tools echoed softly, and soon the smell of toasted bread and bacon began to fill the house. I carefully fried eggs, made some pancakes, and brewed coffee—all of Holden’s favorite things. I wanted everything to be perfect, leaving no detail unattended.

While the food cooked, I hurried to decorate the house. I found some old ribbons and flowers I had stored away, using them to adorn the dining table and living room, creating a cozy, colorful atmosphere. It wasn’t fancy or flawless, but it was filled with love and care.

I threw myself into the work, pouring every ounce of effort into making sure Holden would feel my sincerity. My heart raced with anticipation as everything slowly came together. The small house had transformed into something different from the usual morning—warm, fragrant, and shimmering with light. Finally, everything was ready.

---

Just as I finished the final touches, I heard the bedroom door creak open. Holden stepped out, his face lighting up with surprise. He stopped in the doorway, his eyes wide as he took in the sight before him—the breakfast spread on the table, the ribbons and flowers decorating the room. I could see the amazement and joy in his eyes.

“What… is all this?” Holden asked, his voice still sleepy but filled with wonder.

I smiled, blushing slightly with nervousness but also excitement. "I wanted to make it up to you. I didn’t do right by you yesterday… so today, I wanted to make things right."

Holden walked closer, looking around the room with a soft smile. He turned to me, his eyes filled with love. "You didn’t have to do all this, Hazel. I told you, the most important thing is you."

“But I wanted to,” I replied quietly, feeling warmth fill my heart at his smile. “I know I didn’t act well, and I wanted to make it up to you. Even though I lost your gift, I promise I’ll get you another one. Let’s just enjoy today together, okay?”

Holden didn’t say anything more, only looking at me with shining eyes. He smiled softly and pulled me into a tight hug. “You’re amazing, Hazel,” he whispered into my ear. "I don’t need anything more than this."

My heart pounded in my chest as I felt his warmth, knowing that all my efforts had not been in vain. I had done the right thing. This morning wasn’t just about making up for what I’d missed—it was about us enjoying a peaceful, loving moment together.