ARRANGED MARRIAGE (REVISED VERSION)

Chapter 2

New Beginnings

Win's POV

I settled into the plush leather seat of the car as the driver navigated the familiar streets, heading toward the café Bright had chosen for our meeting. The early morning sunlight streamed through the window, but it did little to lift the heaviness in my chest. This was the plan: meet Bright, discuss our upcoming wedding, and somehow come to terms with this new reality.

My thoughts spiraled as I recalled the whirlwind of events that had led me here. I sighed, feeling the weight of disappointment. This wasn't my dream wedding; it was a necessity, an obligation tied to family expectations. Yet, as I pondered my situation, I couldn't help but think, If I'm getting married anyway, why not try to make it feel like my dream wedding? At least that would bring some satisfaction amidst the chaos.

Before I knew it, the driver announced our arrival. I instructed him to return to the mansion and walked toward the café, feeling a mix of anxiety and determination. As I stepped inside, my eyes scanned the room until they landed on Bright, who was seated in a corner nursing a cup of coffee.

"Did you wait too long?" I asked as I approached him, startling him slightly.

"Oh my goodness, Win! You shocked me! But no, I just got here. I ordered coffee since I'm still feeling sleepy," he replied with a nervous laugh.

"Then you could've moved our meeting to the afternoon. It's too early for this," I said, shaking my head with a hint of playfulness.

He offered me the menu, and I glanced at it before signaling the waiter. "I'll have the blueberry cheesecake and a strawberry frappe," I ordered, feeling a bit more at ease.

As I waited for my order, my thoughts drifted back to the impending wedding. I can't believe I'm getting married, and it isn't even my dream marriage, I thought, a sense of melancholy washing over me.

"Then what's your dream marriage?" Bright's voice cut through my reverie, and I looked up, surprised.

"What? Are you reading my mind?" I exclaimed, eyebrows raised.

"You literally just said it," he laughed. "But seriously, what is your dream marriage?"

Bright's POV

Win seemed lost in thought, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern. His expression spoke volumes about his disappointment.

"Well, honestly, I don't really mind marrying a man or a woman, as long as I love them. I wanted to be with someone I genuinely care for, but... well, I can't anymore," he said, the sadness in his voice palpable.

I pondered his words, wanting to find a way to ease his burden. "You know, we can just get married and then divorce later. You can date whoever you want; I won't invade your privacy. I'll just play the role of husband when necessary. That could work for both of us, given how rushed this is," I suggested.

He sighed in relief, a small smile breaking through his frown. "Yeah, let's do that. Can we establish some rules for our relationship after the wedding? And can we also plan the wedding like my dream wedding? I'm really upset that even that is ruined," he said, a hint of determination creeping back into his voice.

"Sure, at least that way we can satisfy ourselves," I replied, feeling optimistic about our newfound partnership.

Just then, our food arrived, and Win pouted playfully at the waiter. "What took you so long? I'm starving!"

"I apologize, sir. Your blueberry cheesecake was still baking when you ordered it. But don't worry; I can guarantee it's good. Have a great day, sir," the waiter replied before stepping away.