MARRIAGE CONTRACT

Brooklyn's POV Tears rolled down my cheeks again, ruining the make up. “Oh no! please, you have to stop,” the makeup artist said, her voice tight with frustration as she dabbed under my eyes. I’m sorry,” I muttered, quickly wiping my face with my hand. "I know you are kinda feeling nervous about the whole marriage thing, but trust me you will enjoy it, I was also like this, on my wedding day, I almost ran away, but look at me now, happy and excited.” She said, looking at my face, smiling. I smiled back trying to cover up the pain in my heart. How was I supposed to tell her that I am only getting married, just to clear off my family's debts?, how was I supposed to tell her that it's a damn contract marriage? no love involved, no emotions, I'm just practically given to him, just like that. It's okay she said, snapping me off my thoughts, while she fixed my makeup again. Now you are ready, she smiled at me. Thank you, I smiled back. I stood up, and she helped me adjust my wedding gown. Your gown is beautiful, she complimented. “Thank you.” I smiled again trying to act normal. Hey baby girl! Mandy, my best friend, rushed in. I'm so sorry, I'm a bit late, she said smiling. I looked at her and smiled, “it's fine.” Oh… you look absolutely gorgeous, she said, noticing my make up. Mandy and I have been best friends since we were kids, so yeah, she is the only friend I have, and I consider her as my sister. She grabbed my hand. “Come on, the priest is already calling for you. Your dad is waiting.” Before I could respond, she pulled me out. We stopped at the entrance to the hall. The doors were slightly open, revealing rows of seated guests, elegant, powerful, influential faces filling one of the biggest wedding halls in Manhattan. Only people like Brian Damson could afford something like this. “Lucky…” I let out a soft, dry chuckle. Mandy turned to me. “What?” “Am I really lucky?” She blinked, surprised. “Of course you are. Definitely.” “I don't think… “Hey, my beautiful princess.” My dad’s voice cut in. I turned to him. “Hey, Dad.” I looked at him without a smile. “I’ll leave you two,” Mandy said softly before walking away. I faced my father. “Dad… I don’t want to do this.” His expression hardened slightly. “There’s no going back, Brooklyn. The deal has already been signed. This is what’s best for us.” I stared at him, speechless. What was I even supposed to say? “Come on,” he said, taking my hand. “Everyone is waiting.” The doors opened wider. And just like that, I was walking beside my dad, who was holding my hand. All eyes were on me, I didn't even look at anyone, my eyes were fixed at the altar. Cameras from the press were all flashing on my face, like I was a celebrity. And at the altar, Brian was already standing there, waiting. We reached him. Then…my dad placed my hand in his. Brian took it without hesitation. We said our vows. Slipped rings onto each other’s fingers. And just like that. We were pronounced married. Applause filled the hall immediately. We went to sit where the couple was supposed to sit. Families, friends, and colleagues came over one after the other, highly dignified personalities from all over the country. For us… no, for Brian. I could bet I didn’t know ninety five percent of the guests at our wedding. While the party continued, I just sat there, unhappy, lost in thoughts about what would become of me after all this. Hey Brook! Why is your face like someone who just lost a loved one? Mandy said, trying to cheer me up, but I wasn’t in the mood. Then…a slim, tall lady walked up to me boldly. “Hey, dummy!” she shouted, loud enough for people around us to hear. “Or should I say… fake Mrs. Brian Damson?” she added with a smile. My chest tightened. Immediately tension was everywhere. “You know you’re just a cheap thing, right? Brian only picked your disgusting self to help your pathetic dad…” “Stop, Linda!” One of Brian's security men immediately covered her mouth from behind and dragged her away. But it was already too late. I sat there, deeply embarrassed. Whispers and gossip spread around me, some people didn't even care if I heard them. “Isn’t that Linda Jefferson, his ex?” one person asked. “Ex? I’m not sure. They might still be together,” another replied. The press and reporters started recording, cameras flashing everywhere, capturing the moment. I sat there, completely ashamed, because she was right. I am just a thing. Security quickly escorted me out and into Brian’s car. I entered and found him already sitting there, completely unbothered. “You should have left earlier,” he said sharply. “You can’t just sit there and let the press record you. Don’t you have any sense?” I looked at him, shocked. I knew he was strict and rude… but I didn’t know he could be this brutal. “I’m sorry,” I found myself saying. “Whatever.” He said looking away. The car started moving. Soon, we arrived at his mansion. The Damson’s mansion. We stepped out immediately, almost the same time. I was completely stunned. All my life, I had never seen a house like this before. Did I just said a house? No… this was paradise. “Hey,” Brian said, pointing at me. “Follow her to your room.” He gestured toward a lady dressed as a member of the domestic staff. “Okay,” I said softly and followed her. We entered one of the living rooms. And it was magnificent. “This is one of the main sitting rooms,” she said, trying to explain the layout for me. “Sorry, what’s your name?” I asked, cutting her off. “I’m Jane Austin,” she replied with a cute smile. She seems like a cool person. “Oh,” I said, smiling back. “Let me take you to your quarters…” she said showing me the way. Then…we both heard a voice. “Stop right there.” We turned immediately. I recognized her immediately I saw her. Mrs. Helen Damson, Brian's mom. She stood behind us, effortlessly elegant. Then, she walked up to me and stopped right in front of me. Expecting maybe a welcome greeting from her…but yeah she welcomed me with a slap. The impact made me stagger. “How dare you?!” she shouted angrily, showing me a video from the wedding, Linda’s scene already trending. I blinked, trying to recover, and also trying to understand what I actually did wrong there. “Do you have any idea the kind of family you’ve married into?” she continued. “And on your very first day, you’re already dragging my son into scandal?” I couldn’t speak, I just stood there completely dumbfounded. “You should be more than grateful that my son even has anything to do with someone like you.” Her words cut deep. “A nonentity, a nobody, a commoner.” “This is a reminder,” she added coldly, “of why you are here, to clear your family’s debt, to save your mother, and to bear children.” Her gaze hardened. “You have absolutely no other reason to be here.” Tears rolled down my cheeks immediately. And in that moment… I fully realized what I had gotten myself into.