False Vows

The Call

I was in my Mother's limo coming home from a fashion event when I got the call that would screw up my life.

"Dria, we have things to discuss when you get home." Mother had said. She had a displeased tone and in that moment I wanted nothing more than to tell the driver to turn around and never stop driving, but I refrained. My mom was the CEO of a multi-million dollar tech company. She barely ever had anything to discuss with me, especially because I had never shared her love of technology. I ended coming home because of my curiosity.  

She was in her office that overlooked the breathtaking New York City skyline, her hair was pulled back into a bun so tight I wondered how she didn't have a headache. Mom beckoned me to sit.

"It is unfortunate that you broke up with that Seth boy, but I have a solution that will still strengthen our company." She was talking about a boy named Seth Nicholas Chai. His mother owned her own tech company, and Mom had occasionally talked about how powerful it would be if we combined the companies through a marriage. Unfortunately for her, Seth had cheated on me and I never wanted to see that idiot again.

"You will be marrying Seth's younger brother Dylan. He has already agreed to the marriage, and this way you don't have to marry Seth." My eyes went wide. I wanted absolutely nothing to do with the Chai family or their horrible sons ever again. Besides, I had barely spoken to Dylan, their penthouse was so enormous you never had to see someone if you didn't want to.

"Absolutely not." I scoffed. Mom rolled her eyes.

"I can't force you, but if you disagree you will be cut off to any funds I have provided you with." My jaw dropped. I would have nothing! I could kiss my fashion dreams goodbye, without her resources. I started playing with one of my long navy braids and tried not to be sick to my stomach. 

"Fine." I said. I tried to convince myself it would be okay, marriage wasn't as binding as it used to be. Their houses were so big I would never even need to speak to Dylan. Besides, fashion was my biggest joy in life, I could never give it up.

Mother nodded, "I will call Ari and tell her you are compliant. You two will be meeting with each other tomorrow." I cringed as I strode out of her office. Who forces her child to marry some random guy and then uses the word compliant?

As soon as I got to my room I called my best friend Leah.

"An arranged marriage? What is this the 1900's!"  Leah cried when I told her.

"Dria that sucks! But at least you can continue with your fashion." I rolled my eyes, it was nice of Leah to try to look on the bright side, but I didn't want the bright side and I definitely didn't want her sympathy. I felt like screaming. Instead I told her my phone was dying and went on a run. Running helped me clear my head, but I felt like running and running, and never heading back. I loved New York because everyone was so different there. You could see a random girl with navy braids have a breakdown mid run and not bat an eyelash. Eventually I dragged myself back to the apartment, but by the time I did it was getting dark out. I went to bed early that night, trying to forget that day ever happened.