Arranged Marriage
Alana's POV.
I glared at my parents wondering why they were so selfish, I couldn't believe they gave me up for marriage so they could become part of the top socialites in the city, they didn't even consider my opinion.
"You better smile, I don't want Mr Alejandro to think you're not happy about this." My dad warned sternly.
"I'm definitely not happy dad, how could you?" I could barely keep the anger out of my voice, and my eyes began to sting with hot tears.
My mom looked away, refusing to stare at me, her gaze was fixed firmly on a corner of the restaurant.
Dad was watching me intently trying to guess what I was thinking. The last thing he needed was for me to mess up his plans.
"Behave yourself." He warned again, he clenched his jaw tightly, "This is an excellent opportunity for me to make some money and also be among the circle of people I want to associate with."
"Then what about me?" I asked.
"How about my future, it certainly wasn't being the wife of someone I don't know a thing about except that his family is the richest and I really don't care." I snapped, I hated this whole situation already.
"It is a very good opportunity for you, and all of us and the decision is final, you'll marry him." My dad stated firmly.
I wanted to argue but I couldn't bring myself to say anything else. What could I do against his wishes anyway? He's my dad, and my mom who normally backed me up said nothing this time.
I sat straight when I heard footsteps, my anger barely kept in check.
The Alejandro's walked in, I could see the man I was about to marry and his parents walking in. They sat directly opposite us, I glanced down at my hands gripping the table edge.
"It's wonderful that you came." My mom finally spoke, her eyes still avoiding mine.
"Your daughter is really beautiful, and is the best bride we could think of for my son." Mrs Alejandro stated.
"Thank you, she's my only one though, I wouldn't have had it any other way." My father replied, smiling proudly.
"Oh," Mrs Alejandro's smile grew wider, "she's also well mannered."
"Yes, she is, she won't do anything stupid." My dad replied, I could hear the underlying threat in his words, I didn't appreciate it.
They continued to speak and talk about wedding arrangements and the guest list, all the while I sat back trying to ignore them and focus on the food. But the more I ate the more my stomach twisted and I felt sick to my stomach.
"Wouldn't you like something else darling?" My mom finally spoke to me.
"Nothing." I gritted my teeth, my eyes finally moving to the man I would be marrying.
His brown hair matched well with his skin, his blue eyes were focused on me completely,he wasn't bad looking, he's handsome, but I really don't care if he was handsome or not, I just didn't like the idea of marrying when I'm not ready.
A small frown appeared on his face as he noticed I wasn't eating. "Why aren't you eating?" He questioned quietly. "Do you not like what we ordered?" He asked more loudly, making me flinch at the loudness.
"No, I like everything." I grumbled quietly, I took a sip of water hoping that would calm me down. But it didn't, the water felt like acid on my tongue. It made me swallow harshly in hopes of soothing the burning feeling inside.
He seemed satisfied with my answer, so he picked up his fork and continued eating his dinner.
It took everything within me not to slam my fork down and run away. Instead I waited anxiously for our dessert which was going to come shortly.
The whole meal was finally over, "The marriage will be this week, we want to speed things over." Mrs Alejandro announced.
"Of course, we'll make haste preparations." My dad nodded eagerly, "And thank you for coming today."
They finally left the room, I sighed in relief and stood up from my chair. I turned around to leave when I was stopped by my dad holding onto my arm.
"Don't do anything stupid, just behave, and prepare for the wedding, it's already Wednesday, on Saturday the wedding will be held."
I thought he even cared about how I felt when I was about to leave, but all that mattered to him was me not ruining his plans to get me married.
"I won't." I forced a smile, "I'll be leaving first dad."
He let go of my arm letting me walk out of the building.
I tried hard to not cry, but it was pointless because soon enough my emotions got the best of me and I burst into tears.
I ran off in a random direction, hoping to stop the tears, and my phone suddenly rang. I wiped my cheeks quickly and answered without bothering to look at the caller ID, a smile immediately formed on my lips.
"Hello?" I managed to choke out.
"Alana are you okay?" My best friend's voice filtered through.
"Yeah I am, the marriage is definitely happening." I sniffled and laughed weakly.
"I wish I could do anything, but my dad is also planning my wedding soon, we have the same fate." She said sadly.
"Let's celebrate." Cara said after a long pause.
"Celebrate what?"I asked, confused.
"I'm not exactly happy about all that's happening."
"Let's celebrate our last day as free single ladies who just finished college." Cara suggested excitedly.
"A club, you've never gone there unlike me, a spontaneous club where you'll just unwind for the whole night." She added.
"I'll text you the address."
"Alright alright, let's do it!" I agreed ending the call.
I stared at the dress I'm wearing, hoping it'll be alright for a club. I've never been to a club, sighing I ordered a ride to the club.