Unwanted Wife

The grandeur of the wedding venue stands in stark contrast to the turmoil in Lucas Bry Dior's heart. He stands at the altar, his eyes fixed on the entrance, his inner turmoil evident. Sapphire Magica, adorned in bridal attire, walks down the aisle toward him. Her heart is a storm of emotions, her eyes filled with longing. She knows that this moment is not what she had always dreamed of. As Sapphire reaches Lucas, they exchange a strained smile. OFFICIANT (to the couple) Do you, Lucas Bry Dior, take Sapphire Magica to be your lawfully wedded wife? Lucas hesitates for a moment, the weight of his dreams and aspirations pressing down on him. LUCAS (voice shaky) I... I do. Sapphire's eyes glisten with unshed tears as she gazes at him, her heart heavy with the knowledge that his "I do" isn't filled with the same enthusiasm as hers. OFFICIANT (to Sapphire) And do you, Sapphire Magica, take Lucas Bry Dior to be your lawfully wedded husband? Sapphire's voice quivers, but determination shines in her eyes. SAPPHIRE (teary-eyed) I... I do. The officiant continues with the ceremony, but as the vows are exchanged, a sense of melancholy hangs in the air. LUCAS (whispering to Sapphire) Sapphire, I have dreams I need to pursue, and I can't let this marriage interfere. Sapphire nods, her voice equally low. SAPPHIRE I understand, Lucas. I won't stand in your way. The officiant pronounces them husband and wife, and the audience applauds, unaware of the complex emotions at play. In the evening... Lucas and Sapphire sit in an opulent living room, an air of tension palpable between them. Lucas, struggling with his emotions, clears his throat. LUCAS (awkwardly) Sapphire, we need to talk. Sapphire, her eyes filled with hope, nods. SAPPHIRE (softly) Yes, Lucas? Lucas took a deep breath, his gaze distant. LUCAS (bluntly) Sapphire, I need you to understand something. This marriage, is not something I wanted. It's what our parents expect of us, not what we wanted for ourselves. Sapphire's face falls, and her voice trembles as she responds. SAPPHIRE (quietly) I... I know, Lucas. I've sensed it all along. Lucas continues, his words heavy with the weight of truth. LUCAS (earnestly) I don't love you, Sapphire. I can't pretend that I do. I have dreams and ambitions, and I can't let this marriage stand in the way. Tears well up in Sapphire's eyes, but she maintains her composure. SAPPHIRE (teary-eyed) I appreciate your honesty, Lucas. I've known it in my heart, too. Lucas nods, relieved that the truth is out, but the pain lingers. LUCAS (resolute) So, let's make this work, but on our terms. We'll have rules - no shared rooms, no physical intimacy. We'll give each other space to pursue what we truly want. Sapphire looks at him, her voice trembling but determined. SAPPHIRE (agrees) Agreed, Lucas. We'll navigate this together, even if it's not the love story we envisioned. Lucas and Sapphire sit facing each other, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of their arranged marriage. Lucas, his tone firm, breaks the silence. LUCAS (resolute) Sapphire, we've been honest about our feelings, and we've set our rules. But I need you to understand something very clearly. I have dreams, ambitions, and a life path I've charted for myself, and you are not a part of it. Sapphire, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and determination, nods. SAPPHIRE (softly) I understand, Lucas. I, too, have dreams and a life I want to create for myself. I won't stand in your way. Lucas's gaze remains fixed, unwavering. LUCAS (determined) Good. Then we're in agreement. Do whatever you want with your life, Sapphire. I won't interfere. And as for mine, don't expect me to change my plans or make sacrifices for this marriage. It's not what I wanted. Sapphire took a deep breath, her voice steady. SAPPHIRE (resolute) I won't ask you to change, Lucas. I'll pursue my own dreams and ambitions, and I won't let this marriage hinder me. Lucas turns to Sapphire, his voice cold and distant. LUCAS (clearly) Good night, Sapphire. Sapphire, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination, responds in kind. SAPPHIRE (softly) Good night, Lucas. Lucas steps into his room, closing the door behind him. The silence in the room is deafening, and he's left alone with his thoughts. He glances at the empty side of the bed, a stark reminder of the arrangement he'd chosen. GARDEN - NIGHT Sapphire stands in the moonlit garden, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of nearby trees. The night air is cool against her skin as she gazes up at the starry sky. Her tears fall freely now, and her heart aches with the weight of her decisions. SAPPHIRE (to herself, choked up) What have I done? Is this the right path? Can I find happiness in this arrangement? She questions herself, the uncertainty of her future bearing down on her. The night's tranquility provides a moment of solace, but the tears keep flowing as she grapples with the reality of her choices. SAPPHIRE (resolute, to herself) I won't give up. I'll make Lucas fall in love with me, little by little. It won't be easy, but I'll find a way to bridge the gap between us. She knows that their arrangement was born out of duty, not love, but her heart refuses to accept defeat. She is determined to create a connection with Lucas, even if it takes time and effort. Sapphire gazes up at the stars, her resolve firm, and her heart ready for the challenge that lies ahead. She is determined to slowly unravel the layers of Lucas's heart and, in the process, discover if love can truly blossom in their unconventional union. She went to her room and slept. Sapphire (Whispering to herself) How did I enter up in a marriage with someone who doesn't love me? is this the path i'm meant to follow? suddenly sapphire closes her eyes and sleep.