my marriage

Tears streamed down Barbara's cheeks as she faced her father. "You can't marry me off like this. He's much older, and his past is questionable. He's a famous pornstar! I'm not property to be traded; I have dreams and feelings. I won't let you discard them," Barbara exclaimed. Mr. Grayson remained stoic, unaffected by her outburst. "Barbara, I understand your concerns, but this marriage is essential for our family. We've already agreed, and the wedding is set," he said with a somber expression. "I don't care! You have another daughter, Ave; she's available. I won't marry a stranger just for your convenience," Barbara retorted. "Consider your brother's condition," her father urged, attempting to appeal to her reason. "Don't bring him into this," she snapped. Mr. Grayson sighed deeply. "You're being selfish. It's not just about you; it's about the family's future." "What family?" Barbara challenged her father. "Our family unity shattered when you brought your mistress into our home." Barbara was unyielding. She couldn't sacrifice her happiness for the sake of the family. "I won't do it, Father. I won't be coerced into this marriage, the man in question doesn't even love me, he doesn't want to see my face." she declared firmly. "You've said enough. I'm your father, and I can influence your decision, and don't forget that soon young lady." "You're heartless, Father, only caring about the family's reputation," she accused. " You don't even care about your own daughter's feelings, My happiness has always meant nothing to you, I doubt if you are truly my father as Mother said." With that, her father left her standing there, heartbroken. Barbara lay on her bed, tears flowing. She thought of her younger brother. He needed her help, but she couldn't give up her happiness. Her father planned to save the family from financial ruin. She'd planned to elope with her boyfriend, Robert, tonight to start a new life far from their families' expectations. Now, those plans were shattered. Forced into a loveless marriage, she felt betrayed by her family and her boyfriend, who had promised to help her escape. She kept calling Robert, but his phone was off. She felt abandoned, facing her nightmare alone. The thought of being tied to someone she didn't love for life was unbearable. She didn't want to endure what her mother had with her father. Her dreams of finding her soulmate seemed distant, replaced by a life she didn't choose. Barbara's turmoil was deepening, torn between family duty and her desires, as the weight of her impending marriage bore down on her. She knew she had to find a way out, not just for herself but for her family's future and her brother's well-being. She cried until no more tears were left and she lay in her bed feeling exhausted and frustrated then she heard a soft knock at the door. " Barbara, are you ok?" It was her younger brother she loved so Much. His voice was filled with concern. She wiped her eyes and sat up trying to compose herself so her brother won't see the tears. " I'm fine Carter, I'm just feeling sick." Carter came forward and sat beside her in the bed, putting his arms around her. " I know everything that is happening, I'm sick doesn't mean I can't hear or see, do not let anyone blackmail you emotionally because of my poor health condition. If you won't be happy in the marriage I won't be happy." Barbara hugged her brother so tightly. "I know Carter but most times we have to make difficult and heartbreaking sacrifices for the ones we truly love, and this might be one of those times." She took a deep breath as she tried to force a smile, She kissed her brother's forehead and Carter used his backhand to wipe off the tears rushing down his cheeks. He couldn't watch Brabara in such a heartbroken and confused condition. "Don't let anyone push you to make a wrong decision." Barbara waited until her brother had left the room before she sprang into action. She quickly gathered the few things she couldn't bear to leave behind, shoving them into a small bag. Her heart pounded as she tiptoed, trying not to get the attention of anyone. She had decided to wait for Robert, her lover, at the bus station as she couldn't reach him but still didn't want to believe that he had abandoned her. She needed to be sure. She needed to give him the benefit of the doubt. As soon as she noticed the house was quiet she opened her back door leading to the gate of her house and she left home. She ran as fast as her legs could carry her. Her heart raced with fear and excitement. She remembered the words her brother spoke to her. She knew he would be alright. She felt she was finally taking control of her own Life which was the best feeling she always desired. She would be free from her nagging stepmother and a side-centered father Barbara arrived at the bus station and gently sat at a quilt corner and waited for her lover Robert. The minutes ticked by and she tried not to think about what might happen to her if her lover didn't show up. She didn't want to think about the reality of being forced into a loveless marriage. She sat with her bag at her feet, her heart weighed down by disappointment. She clung to the hope that her lover would arrive to take her out of the bus station, envisioning an embrace and sweet kisses. However, as the minutes passed, it became evident that he wasn't going to appear She tried calling him on the phone again but this time around he wasn't picking up. She didn't know what was happening but she knew she was all alone in this world. She sat there feeling lost and alone. The thought of going back home but she wasn't sure that was a perfect idea. The sky began to darken and a light rain started to fall. The raindrops mixed with her tears as she sat there and screamed. Her heart was shattered for the third time, she couldn't help but cry loudly. She cared less about what anyone who saw her would say. She thought about the good times they both spent together, the memories of them all broke her the more. The promises he made to her, gave her assurance he would stick to her even in good times and in bad times like this. Just some days back he promised they would leave the city together and start a new life but he is gone now and tomorrow she was supposed to marry the wealthiest and most shameful ex-pornstar in Town. She never dreamt of marrying a man everyone would watch his s*x videos on the phone. She knew she deserved better. The thought of spending the rest of her life with a man who will forever cheat on her. A man who doesn't even treat her as anything, someone who sees her as a possession filled her with dread. She continued to sit in the pouring rain, able to discern even the heaviest downpours. Tears streamed down her face, and there was no one to console her. She was acutely aware of her hopelessness and the recurring disappointments that had befallen her once more. " I thought I had found true love but it seemed like it was a lie." She murmured as she cried out.