The ties that bind

everywhere cold. A loud knock jolted her awake from he

and come have breakfast with us." Maya

rs." Maya replied as she turned the pillow over her head b

wnstairs and have breakfast with us,"

irs," Maya replied, flipping the pillow over her head, j

e gazing at Maya, who had a pillow over her head, creating a silence that had lingered moments

like that. You scared me for a moment," May

" Maya's mom announced, her determination clear as she re

bed and trailed behind her mom, wrappin

greeted as she pulled a

ce. He glanced back at his wife, Maya's mother, who wrapped her hand aroun

only by the clinking of plates and utensils. Maya's father finally finished his meal, washing it down wi

ork," Maya's father said, adjusting his tie to ensu

d and took their seats, fixing their gaze on Maya's dad. He

aya," he paused, glancing at his wife whose expression urged him to continue. On the other

didn't inform me?" Maya's voice carried a se

fering a consoling pat on her b

, concluded, his gaze resting on Maya, who found herself momentarily confused and her p

ng between her parents, both poised

r own..." Maya's mother, Lila, began t

is he? Why on earth should I marry him?" Maya's words came out in a rush, a tone of voice she hadn't used with her parents sinc

, causing me to lose everything. The only path to salvage our house, my company, and our entire livelihood – considering I've maintained the fifth most successful company in our community – is to take this route. Robert

ctioned me off to a man for the sake of your business. Mom? Dad?" Maya's voice quivered with a mixture of anger and hurt. She abruptly r

ll crumble," Maya's father, Manuel, turned to her mother, planting a

lf in a state of bewilderment

ur mother. open the door. Let's talk," Lila

d Dad orchestrated my life without even discussing it with me. It's just not fair," Maya's respons

moments of waiting, the door slowly creaked open, revealing Maya with disheveled hair and tears streaming d

dged the need to sever her ties with her former boyfriend, even though thoughts of him persisted. Embracing the reality of a

nd establish a rapport. Despite her hopes for a gradual progression, Maya's expectations w

tual consent and Maya's acquaintance with Robert, it seems we need

d at her mother, her expression a mix of surprise and disbelief, then shifted her gaze back to Ro

at?" Maya

rker inquired, shifting his gaze between them. "In

ack and interrupted,

he decision isn't yours to make. Yo

. Parker's words echoed in the air. She was on the bri