How To Survive An Arranged Marriage

Façade and Marriage

Have you ever wondered why women take too much time to pick a dress? Well, I will give you the answer that you have been waiting for. We, girls, needed to make a statement. Whether that is to show people who's the boss or to seem like an innocent little lamb. And today I need to look like an innocent little lamb, so they can show their truest intention to me. So they would not be wary of my presence. Most of the time people underestimate little lambs, hence, they let their walls crumble. Making them vulnerable to any attack. The attack that they least expect to happen, cause Mary's little lamb can't do anything against the big bad wolf. At least that's what they'll think.

Stoic and extremely professional, that is what Damon Winston is commonly called. Being stoic is extremely helpful in his career, not being able to tell what goes through his mind, often makes business associates wary of his presence. His stoic facade makes them careful of their actions, afraid to offend the wolf who could destroy years of hard work in a snap.  As I sit across him in this restaurant, I can see how he managed to hold the business world in the palm of his hands. With his gray shirt, tucked inside his crisp black trousers and coat. No single wrinkle in sight. His hair combed back, stiff and shiny with hair gel. His eyes held indifference and extreme professionalism, despite talking about his marriage. Looking at him right now makes me understand why big companies are fighting for a place in his empire.

"My dear, Marissa here, is excellent in every single class she has had ever since she was a kid." My mom said proudly, and that is my cue to smile shyly, tucking a few strands on my hair. Slightly looking down, and fidgeting with my hands.

"Mom, you are overdoing it," I said softly, forcing a blush to my cheeks. Making the guest in front of us chuckle. Fantastic.  "Am I? I just couldn't help but brag about my little angel's achievements." She said, smiling warmly at me. 

I smiled back at her, before averting my gaze forward. As I did so, I caught Damon Winston staring intently at my face, as if scrutinizing me for something I did not do. His gaze made me extremely uncomfortable that it made me, clear my throat and sip on my juice, just to hide my face a bit from his stare. My Lord. That man, Damon Winston, never removed his intense stare from my face, that my mother could not help herself, but comment on it when she noticed him. 

"My, My! My daughter might melt from your stare, hun. See! You are making her squirm!" At last, Damon removed his gaze from me and avert it to my mom. 

"I did not mean to make her uncomfortable, Mrs. Benson. I just can't help myself from staring at my future wife." He said, smiling politely at my mom, which shocked both of us. 

 With his overall aura, we never thought that he could smile, moreover, make a comment as such so casually like it is in his nature. I highly doubt it is in his nature, though. 

Our parents continued in discussing our marriage after that. Damon and I rarely had the chance to voice our opinions. But I think Damon discussed with his parents beforehand, as he made no objections over the conditions stated by his parents. On my side though, I don't have much to say. Considering all my parents ever knew about parenting is looming and controlling over their child. 

 As I observe our table, I can see that despite having control over the marriage of their child, Mr. and Mrs. Winston still silently asks for Damon's approval whenever my parents offer a few changes to the contract of marriage. They would often exchange looks before his parents would agree or disagree on certain matters that my parents suggests. 

At last, the meeting has ended. As my parents bid their goodbyes with the Winstons, I excused myself to the comfort rooms to freshen up before we leave. I did my business and was on my way back to my parents when I came across Damon in the hallway. I stopped in front of him and gave him a small smile, making sure not to break out of my character. "Do you need anything, Damon?" I said softly. 

He stared for a few seconds, again, trying to find fault at my smile. I only smiled even more widely at him and raised my eyebrows more to express my inquiry. "You can't fool me, Benson." My smile wavered at his statement. Although I have an idea what he meant by that, I can't break my character now, not when he did not clearly state what he meant. 

"Stop playing innocent, I already saw through your facade."