Obsession

1. Broken Beginnings

Author's POV

We see a young woman, around 23, sitting on a couch. Her eyes are fixed on her hands, which are holding an engagement ring.

The smile on her face is indescribable, her emotions too many to name. AirPods are tucked into her ears as she speaks softly to someone.

“I can’t explain the feeling, Dan. I’m feeling so many things at once—happy, nervous, sad,” she whispered.

“I know, my love. It’s natural. I’m nervous too, but unlike you, I’m not sad,” his warm voice came through the other side.

“But after the wedding, we’ll move to America… I’ll miss my mom and dad so much. That’s why I’m sad,” she admitted, her voice heavy.

“I know, Alana. But if you want, we can take them with us. They can live with us there,” he said, making her eyes sparkle with hope.

“Really?”

“Of course. I can’t see you sad—you know that, right?”

“But they’ll never agree,” she said, pouting slightly.

“That’s on you then. If you can convince them, we’ll make it happen.”

Before she could respond, a gentle but firm voice called from the staircase.

“Alana, come on, go to your room and sleep. It’s quite late, and tomorrow is the big day. Go have some rest,” her mom said as she walked down.

“Yeah, yeah, I was just going,” Alana replied.

“God, you kids. Can’t you wait just one day? After tomorrow, you’ll have all the time in the world to talk,” Dan chuckled from the other side.

“I think we should sleep now, or else your mom will kill me,” Dan teased.

“Yeah, you’re right,” she agreed with a smile.

“Good night, my love.”

“Good night,” she whispered, and they hung up.

Her mom sat beside her. “Now go to your room and sleep. Tomorrow is a big day.”

Alana rested her head on her mother’s lap. “I’m going to miss you both so much.”

“We’ll miss you too, sweetheart. You’re our only child.”

“Mom, why don’t you both settle with us in America?” she asked hopefully.

“Are you mad, Alana? This can’t happen.”

“Why not? Dan also wants you to stay with us.”

“Alana, we can’t. It’s impossible. Your dad has his business here—he can’t leave it.” Her mother explained patiently.

Alana sighed. “Ufff, you’re so stubborn.”

“Yes, yes, I am. Now go and sleep,” her mom insisted.

Alana got up, kissed her mother’s cheek, and walked toward her room.

---

Meanwhile, in America…

“Mom, what is this? You know I have an office to handle, and you want me to come with you just to attend a wedding? Are you serious?” the boy on call said, his tone filled with frustration.

“But Chris, she’s my best friend’s daughter. You used to play with her in childhood—have you forgotten?” his mother asked calmly.

“Mom, that was 15 years ago. I was a kid. I don’t even remember her properly. I’m sorry, but I can’t come,” Chris said, loosening his tie as he sank into the couch.

“Chris, please. I promised her. She really wants to meet you, and it’s just a matter of one day.”

“Mom—” He stopped mid-sentence as the girl standing beside him snatched the phone from his hand.

“Hello, Aunty! How are you?” the girl chirped.

“Oh, Jannie! I’m fine, dear. How are you doing?”

“Great! Aunty, don’t worry—he’ll come. I’ll make sure he goes.”

Chris widened his eyes at her and tried to grab the phone back, but she raised her hand, stopping him.

“Are you sure?” his mom asked.

“You know me, right?” Jannie winked at Chris, who sighed in defeat.

“Of course, I know you well. Thank you, Jannie.”

“The pleasure’s all mine,” she said, hanging up.

“Jannie, what is this? You know I can’t go—I have so many meetings,” Chris said, frustrated.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and pecked his lips. “I’ll handle everything, Chris. Don’t worry. Just go and enjoy. It’s been so long since you saw your parents—they must be missing you.”

“You’re right. But you know I can’t stay away from you,” he said, pulling her closer.

“I can’t either. But please, go—for me. Look, I promised her,” she pleaded, her eyes soft.

“Fine. Just for you,” he said finally.

She smiled and kissed him deeply, her victory sealed.

---

Alana’s POV

I sat in front of the mirror, staring at myself. Today was the day. Finally, our five-year relationship was going to get a name.

“Alana!” I turned as Mom’s voice came. Her eyes were brimming with tears.

“Mom, what happened? Why are you crying?” I asked, panicked.

“You look so beautiful, dear!” she said, her voice shaky.

I sighed in relief. “Mom, you scared me,” I said, hugging her.

“Anna, where are you—” Dad stopped mid-sentence as he saw me. His eyes softened.

“Alana?” he whispered, almost unable to believe.

“Look at our daughter. She’s glowing,” Mom said, wiping her tears.

“I’m looking at the same girl—my beautiful daughter,” Dad said, hugging me tightly.

“She’s grown up so fast!” Mom whispered, and I felt my cheeks burn.

“Yes, I can’t believe this is my Alana. God bless you, my child,” Dad added, side-hugging me again. Tears welled in my eyes as I realized I was going far away from them.

“You’re making me emotional,” I said, wiping my tears.

“Aww, don’t cry, or else your makeup will ruin—and Dan will run away scared,” Mom teased.

“Mom!” I groaned, chuckling as she laughed.

“Anna, let’s go down. Guests have arrived—we should be there,” Dad said, and they both left.

---

In the hall

Everyone was gathered, chatting and waiting for the groom.

“Anna?”

She turned, recognizing the voice.

“Oh Mary, finally you’re here,” she said, hugging her.

“Yes, sorry for being late. You know Chris—he takes ages to get ready,” Mary teased.

“Chris? He’s here?” Anna asked, glancing around.

“Yes, there he is. Chris!” Mary called.

Chris walked up, tall and composed. “Hello, Aunty. How are you?” he asked, hugging Anna.

“I’m fine, Chris. It’s been so long since I saw you,” she said warmly.

“Yeah, first studies, then business…” Chris trailed off, trying to end the conversation quickly.

“Yes, yes. My son has become very hardworking,” Ronnie, Chris’s father, teased.

“Dad!” Chris muttered, embarrassed.

“Okay, okay, go enjoy,” his father said, laughing.

Anna smiled. “He’s grown into a mature man.”

“Yes, and Alana too. I can’t believe it’s her wedding. You know, I always thought I’d make her my daughter-in-law. But once I learned she was in love with someone else, I had to drop the idea,” Mary admitted.

“I thought the same. But it was Alana’s choice, and we respected it,” Mart, Alana’s father, replied.

---

Back to Alana’s POV

An hour had passed. I was still waiting. I kept calling him, but Dan wasn’t answering. Maybe he was on the way.

“Alana!” I turned to see Stella, my cousin and friend.

“Are they here?” I asked, for the twentieth time.

“No. Mom is calling you. She thinks they’re stuck in traffic. Everyone is asking about you and him—better you come down,” Stella said.

I nodded and walked down slowly with Stella beside me.

“Look, the bride is here!” voices echoed around me. I greeted everyone one by one.

“Aww, Alana, my dear child, you look so beautiful,” Mary Aunty said.

“Mary Aunty, I’m so glad you came. I was waiting for you,” I said, hugging her.

“Of course, how could I miss my daughter’s wedding?” she said, smiling warmly.

But as I looked for my parents, my heart sank. They stood together, tense, holding a piece of paper.

“Mom? Dad?” I asked, worried. They quickly hid the paper.

“Alana, dear, what happened?” they asked, pretending to be normal. But I knew something was wrong.

“What are you hiding?”

“Nothing, it’s just—” Before they could finish, I snatched the paper.

It was a letter.

To Alana,

I’m sorry, but I can’t do this. Yes, I was the one who proposed marriage, but now that the day has come, I’ve lost all my courage. I’m not ready. I hope you’ll understand. I can’t face you… I just can’t. I’m sorry.

~Dan

The words blurred before my eyes. My knees gave way, but someone caught me.

“Watch out!” a voice said. I looked up—it was Chris. A stranger… yet not.

“Chris, please take her to her room,” Mom said quickly. He nodded, holding me steady as I stumbled in shock.