OUR MARRIAGE DEAL

BE

al chandeliers hanging from the ceiling reflected a warm glow throughout the room,

ut in my heart, there was just a tension hanging

was nothing to enjoy. All my eyes were on Grandpa Vincent

ention he was getting, as if the

n his glass, breaking the heate

im, and I felt my

ble offer

of this family, I want to give you something more

of time, he s

" He smiled, as if this was

I want to give you a gift. A house. A big house,

Vincent's who was staring at me with

rest of the family looked at me with hope, as if

animate object-it was a symbol, a bond, and more important

creeping up my cheeks. All eyes were

a firm voice, though my heart trem

was suddenly quiet. I could feel the tension in t

I couldn't guess. The smile

tone surprised, but there w

ily, a token of acceptance. You kn

ing myself from expres

a home to feel accepted in this family. I want our relationshi

lent for a moment, the

ought a little gift from our family would m

mily members exchanged glances, some with ex

had to stand on my principles. I could not accept suc

nally sighed and spoke softly, a

but remember, refusing these kinds of things

. I prefer to build a true relationship, without

s face growing serious. "You will learn, Amber.

ting the decision hang in the air. Home or not, I would sta

*

cious backyard, where the shady trees seem

gently waving. But inside me, there was a shaking anxiety. Ju

been waiting for the right time to speak. There was no frien

dn't come from a family of their class, or maybe it was just because I was

r ahead with an expression that was hard to read. Th

ng from his lips like poison, "I

surprised by the differen

, but it wasn't a warm smile. It wa

ly. You're just a means to an end. Don't think my s

ost unable to be

ked, trying to keep myse

es were piercing, and instantly I felt a wave of hatred so

't ever expect my son to love you. That will never happen.

to defend myself, to say that I didn't need his love, but somehow the words woul

inued, her voice

on wants. So stop thinking that you're anything more than a tool. You'

How could he be so cruel? Why did everything feel like a game

me once more, as if sa

al marriage? Happy?" She

feel pain, Amber. Pain that you created

although I wanted to fight bac

was in-a marriage without love, without hope. I knew that even if I f

p. I may not be able to change it now, but I will defin

cent's mother's mouth. We were in a luxurious living room, yet my heart

ving me with his mother and extended family. From

ciding whether I was worthy of acceptance or not. Her cold, calculating smile

's life," Madam Jenna said in a voic

'm not sure you would make a goo

verything without giving me a chance to defend m

asked, even though I a

wasn't worthy of understanding

We have very high standards. Not everyone can conform to th

mbering how much dislike for me

t I always try to be myself. Vincent and I are tog

, as if I didn't understan

his isn't just about you two. It's about our family, our he

a son-in-law who is accepted wi

the anger and pain that began to radiate through my body. However, I

of this family?" I asked, voice a little shaky

replied in a very flat tone, almost as i

never be suitable by this family's standards. So, you

s a blow, and I knew that she would do everything possible to separate us. But I couldn

ly's standards, Mother, but I believe Vincent chose me not because I am

g to gauge how strong I was. However, I already k

anyone she wants, but