I married a stranger

Chapter three: The conversation

Rose’s POV

“Oh my God.” Samantha says, looking shocked. We are at her bakery where I’m telling them about the marriage.

“That is insane, I thought stuff like this only happens in movies.” Isabella says shaking her head in disbelief.

“ I know right, I was not expecting this at all, marriage is the last thing I would think of happening to me.” I say while taking a bite of my cake. After what happened yesterday, I cannot help but tell them about it. They are my best friends and I need their input on this.

“if we are being fair I think this is a dumb idea but at the same time is not, the Blackwoods are like one of the richest families in the United States.” Isabella says while touching her chin which is a habit she has when she’s thinking.

I frown, and stare down at the half-eaten slice of cake in front of me. Somehow, hearing how wealthy his family is made the whole situation feel even more unreal. I know my parents are serious about the marriage, but hearing his name and how powerful his family is makes me realize just how much I actually did not know about the man I’m supposedly going to marry.

“So you are getting married,” Samantha says.

I glare at her.

“Do not say it like that.”

“How am I supposed to say it?”

Isabella leans forward. “Have you at least met him?”

“Not yet.”

“You are marrying a man you have not met?”

“Apparently.”

Samantha stares at me for a moment.

“And you are okay with this?”

I look down at my cake.

“I do not know if okay is the word.”

“Do you even know his name?” Samantha asks.

“I did not bother asking.” I say with a shrug.

The truth was, I did not want to know anything about him. Asking questions would only make everything feel more real, and I wasn’t ready for that yet.

“It’s Christopher Blackwood,” Isabella says.

I look at her.

“You know him?”

“Not personally. But everyone knows the Blackwoods.”

Isabella gives me a look. “Rose, they own companies all over the country.” She tells me about their family and how powerful they are.

I listen quietly.

Somehow, hearing about him from someone else makes tomorrow feel even more real.

I still do not know anything about Christopher Blackwood.

I look around the bakery hoping no one is listening to our conversation. “Is he that big of a deal.”

Samantha shakes her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “You really have no idea who you are about to marry, do you?”

“No,” I admit to her taking another bite of my cake. “And honestly, I’m not sure I want to know.”

“Why not?” Isabella asks.

“Because knowing more about him is not going to change anything.” I place my fork down and sigh. “My parents have already made up their minds. What difference does it make?”

Samantha leans forward, resting her elbows on the table. “It makes a difference if you are going to marry him.”

I stare at her.

She has a point.

I hate that she has a point.

Yesterday, the idea of marrying a complete stranger had felt impossible. Today, sitting here and listening to my friends talk about Christopher Blackwood like he was someone everyone knows, it somehow felt even more real.

And I’m not sure I am ready for that

“Anyways I’m meeting up with him this weekend.” I tell them knowing I’m going to get a reaction from them.

They both look at me shocked. “Have you picked an outfit?” Isabella asks immediately.

“Which part of the arranged marriage did you not hear, if I had a choice I would not even go.” I reply.

“You should have told me and I could have picked out a dress for you, this is why I’m your assistant.” Isabella says while rolling her eyes.

I laugh. Somehow Isabella could turn almost anything into an excuse to play dress up. It feels great getting to talk to them like this.

“How did he even reach out to you?” Samantha asks curiously.

“ I got an email from him, I’m still wondering how he got my private email.”

“Wait.” Isabella straightens in her seat. “You are telling me your future husband emailed you?”

I nod.

“And you did not even reply yourself?”

“I did.”

She stare at me for a moment before shaking her head. “Rose, you are about to marry Christopher Blackwood. You should at least try to make a good first impression.”

I sigh and lean back in my chair. “I’m not trying to make an impression on anyone. I’m just going to get through the meeting and come back home.”

At least, that is what I keep telling myself.

“it’s technically a date.” Samantha replies.

“Where will you guys be meeting?” Isabella asks while taking a sip from her drink.

“I do not know yet. He said he would send me the details.”

Isabella groaned. “You need to find out what you’re wearing.”

“Bella...”

“I’m serious, Rose. You can not show up looking like you just came from painting class.”

I look down at my clothes and frown. “What is wrong with what I’m wearing?”

“Nothing. But this is different.”

Samantha smiles. “I have to agree with her on this one.”

I roll my eyes. “You two are unbelievable.”

Samantha suddenly stops talking.

For a moment, none of us says anything. I take another bite of my cake. The conversation is so lighthearted, but my thoughts slowly drift back to everything that has happened.

Lily would have had a lot to say about all of this.

Probably too much.

A small smile touches my lips.

Then it disappears.

“What?” Samantha asks, noticing my expression.

“Nothing.” I shake my head. “I was just thinking about Lily.”

“God, she would have had so much to say about all of this,” Isabella says softly.

I let out a small laugh. “She definitely would have.”

“She probably would have forced you to try on twenty different dresses before letting you pick one.”

“And she would have complained about every single one,” I add.

We all laugh quietly.

For a moment, it almost feels like she is sitting here with us.

Then the laughter fades, leaving behind the familiar silence that always seems to come whenever we talk about her.

I hate how quickly every happy thought seems to lead back to her.