The Fiance Dilemma

Ava summoned the courage to confront the undeniable tension that hung thickly in the air between them. She lifted her gaze to meet Nathaniel's intense stare head-on.

"Nathaniel," she began, making an effort to control her emotions, “it’s been days since you mentioned having something to discuss regarding our marriage.”

He shunned her.

Her curiosity grew, and moisture gathered in her palms, causing her hands to tremble. “Does it go beyond just the arranged marriage?" she questioned.

An awkward silence lingered between them.

“Okay! This arrangement feels suffocating. We barely know each other, and yet we're expected to act as if we're in a genuine relationship. How do I achieve that when the so-called husband is cold to me?"

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, his confidence unwavering in his expression. "It was your father who pushed for this arrangement, not me. I have my benefits, and he has his," he replied coolly.

Ava's heart sank at his unapologetic response, but she refused to back down.

She giggled.

“You are callous. Do you have human feelings at all? What about me? What would I gain from all of these?" she inquired, trying to convey her discontent.

Nathaniel's response was filled with arrogance as he said, "You have the honor of being associated with someone of my figure. Do you know what that means? I doubt you know how much influence and power I control. I can provide you with a life of luxury and comfort that you could never have dreamt of."

She shook her head in disgust and disbelief. Her frustration grew, like a brewing storm eager to be unleashed.

“But I had a life before this,” she insisted, her voice a crescendo of emotions breaking against the shores of his indifference. “Dreams, plans—they all vanished into thin air.

Nathaniel leaned back in his chair, stretching forth his legs.

"Sometimes in life, sacrifices must be made for the greater good. Your father made his decision, and now you must live with the consequences," he stated firmly.

Her eyes widened "Consequences?”

Her fists clenched tightly with her face showing how frustrated she was. She wanted to scream at him, to tell him that she was more than just a puppet in his business game.

She unfisted and calmed her nerves, she knew deep down that her efforts would be in vain.

***

Under the gentle moonlight that flowed through the room, Ava lay there, her heart heavy with the weight of an arranged marriage.

She had married Nathaniel out of duty and structure, but deep down, her heart yearned for something more profound.

Love was what she truly desired. It consumed her thoughts, this longing for intimacy and a connection that transcended the formalities of their marriage.

"Nathaniel," she whispered, her voice barely audible, her vulnerability laid bare. "Can we talk?"

He turned to her, his eyes meeting hers with a distant look. "What is it again, Ava?" he replied, his tone guarded.