The arranged marriage

ittle to no effect. "Watch your tone, girl," his father's voice cut through the air. "You are a nobody to speak to me," he added. The faces of Lucas and Bella were still unreadable as they wat

dfather, kissing his hands before dismissing himself. "I will be on my way now, Grandpa," Lucas retorted. "Big bro," he said as he playfully ruffled Ray's hair. I could feel Ray's grip on my hand tighten, making me flinch a bit. "Congratulations, bro. If only you could see your wife," he said as he glared at me, lust in his eyes. He was indeed handsome, but his look made my skin crawl. "Can I keep her as an inheritance in case something bad happens to you?" He gave a little chuckle. "Well, nothing bad will happen to my husband," I quickly responded, sensing Rayian was about to lose it. I could feel his grip loosen a bit. "Well, I'm just saying. Just in case," he smiled before finally moving out, the sound of his car crushing the silence. "Good night, Grandpa," Bella said as she took a plate of food with her. "I'm not going to let an ugly gold digger spoil my mood," she retorted and went upstairs. Why was everyone calling me names? I never asked for this in the first place. This marriage, this meeting-everything. So if they were displeased, then we were even. Ray sighed as he walked briskly to his grandpa, dragging me along. "Thank you for defending me, Grandpa," Ray said as he bent to be at the same level as his grandpa in the wheelchair. "We will be on our way," he added. "Stay the night, Rayian, please!" The room fell silent, only the clock ticking like a countdown to disaster. "What do you say, Emma?" "Uhm... me?" "Yes, dear." "Sir, I'm not with any appropriate sleepwear, so-" "We will spend the night, Grandpa," Ray's voice cut through the air. I never expected that from him, and so I was shocked. I hadn't been in the same room as Ray. Not even after marriage. "Brilliant," Grandpa said. "I already had the maids prepare your room, so enjoy... I me