Wedding Bells
851 Words
Arianna stood rooted to the ground, uncertainty flickering in her eyes, born purely from fear of the unknown. What could possibly justify this gathering? It resembled an intimate family dinner, yet the room teemed with unfamiliar faces. Had her father succumbed to one of the witch's schemes?
Left with no other choice, she walked beside her endearing and loving mother, whose sweet smile churned her stomach with unease.
The massive living room’s setting was elaborate, even tasteful; it was obvious someone had gone all out to impress the guests. That meant the visitors were important and could not be offended.
Most were elderly, save for three or four youngsters like herself. She quickly introduced herself politely and excused herself, all eyes following her as she backed away quietly, careful not to draw attention—unaware of the surprise awaiting her.
Arianna hurriedly dressed in a simple, chic black dress paired with silver jewelry and black sandals, styled her hair in a ponytail, and applied a sleek coat of lipstick, keeping it minimal, clueless about the unfolding event downstairs.
Clutching her phone tightly, she returned to the gathering and sat at the farthest seat from her stepmother, offered proper greetings like a courteous lady, and began to dig in, though she had eaten just hours ago.
Just before she swallowed her second bite of the savory meal, she heard glass clink. She looked up as her father began a toast. Uninterested, she glanced back at her plate—but his words tied a knot in her stomach.
"Raise your glass and toast to the unification of our family, to love, partnership, fruitfulness, and marriage. To the future of Hedge Corporation and the Pearson family," he said, grinning ear to ear like a child in a candy store.
She choked!!!!!!
Something was wrong!!!!!!
A young man in his twenties handed her a glass of water, concern etched on his face. Without hesitation, she gulped it down like her life depended on it and asked in a sharp tone, "Who is getting married?"
Arianna had noticed her delightful half-sister’s absence seconds earlier, which seemed unusual—mother and daughter were inseparable.
Her father turned red. "Mind your tone, young lady. We have guests. Is this how you treat your in-laws?" he chided, though his eyes still carried doting warmth.
Turning to the guests, he said, "Pardon the intrusion, my daughter is still young, and you know how youngsters can be."
Laughter rang out immediately, and everyone resumed eating as if nothing had happened.
Bells rang in her head. Knots in her stomach multiplied, her forehead creased, and dizziness crept in. What had happened in the last twelve hours?
The victorious look on her stepmother’s face explained the scenario, yet Arianna did not deliberate further. She stood abruptly and said firmly, "I am not getting married!!!!"
Her stepmother panicked, rushing to her side with feigned concern etched across her face.
"Dear, don’t be silly. Your father and I are simply making arrangements for your future. Don’t get involved," she warned.
Arianna’s ears burned; anger surged. It was a ruse—her stepmother’s true intent was to sell her off, she knew it.
"I will not let that happen," she screamed in her head. Just as she began to negotiate, a soothing yet firm voice interrupted.
"Come here, my child. You have no reason to worry. My grandson is a handsome gentleman, tall, kind, and courteous. Though he isn’t verbally inclined, he is one of the good ones. Besides, you are far too young to marry—you are still a child. Engagement can wait until after your eighteenth birthday; no rush," assured an elderly woman in their midst.
"Hello, Mrs. Pearson. I apologize for my outburst, but you must be mistaken. I am not marrying your grandson, despite what my father may have said. I am only seventeen," Arianna responded.
Mrs. Pearson chuckled. "No need for formality, my dear. Call me Grandma, as everyone does. I know this is sudden, but we have your best interest at heart. Don’t be afraid, my child; we are practically harmless."
"I will not get married!" Arianna blurted. Silence fell, but a thundering voice soon rang out.
"What insolence!!!!!" Who else but her doting future father-in-law?
"Is this how you treat us in your home? Belittled and embarrassed like peasants? How can this alliance work if you cannot contain your household? I demand we call it off immediately!" a man in his fifties declared with eloquence and commanding presence.
"Remain calm, Mr. Pearson. There is no cause for alarm. This alliance will proceed as planned. She is merely a child uttering nonsense. I apologize on her behalf," Arianna’s father replied with careful assurance.
Before she could argue, a strong hand pulled her outside the room. Once the door shut, her expression betrayed the witch before her, basking in triumph.
"If I were you, I would succumb to your fate. There is no escape. This is where your story as a young heiress ends. Stop resisting; accept it while you still can," her stepmother advised, victory evident.
"You're so evil!!!!!!!!"
- Writer
