Unexpected Love: The Arranged Marriage

Chapter 5: A Chance Encounter

Samantha had just finished a long day at work and decided to have a late lunch at Galittos.

As she walked out of the parking area, her phone rang. It was her father, reminding her once again about the arranged marriage that they had set up for her.

Samantha sighed and rolled her eyes. She had no interest in getting married to a stranger, especially one that her parents had chosen for her.

As she hung up the phone, she sat on the nearest chair. When she raised her head, she spotted a familiar face across her.

It was the man she had met at the business party - the one who had responded to Chris's call for "Sam" at the party.

"Hi," Samantha said, tentatively. "Do you remember me?"

Samuel looked up from his phone and smiled. "Of course I do. You're Sam T, right?"

Samantha nodded, relieved that he remembered her name. "Yes, that's me. Sorry, I didn't catch your name at the party."

"It's Samuel," he said, extending his hand across the table.

Samantha shook his hand and sat down. They ordered coffee and hotdogs and talked about their jobs, their families, and their lives in general.

Samuel was easy to talk to, and Samantha found herself opening up to him more than she had intended.

After a while, Samantha couldn't help but bring up the topic of her arranged marriage.

"My parents want me to get married to someone I don't even know," she said, frustration creeping into her voice. "I just don't understand why they think it's a good idea."

Samuel nodded sympathetically. "I know how you feel. My parents want me to marry someone too, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for that kind of commitment. I think it's important to find someone you really connect with, someone who makes you happy."

Samantha nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. It was good to know that she wasn't alone in her feelings about arranged marriages. Maybe Samuel was right. Maybe there was someone out there for her, someone who she could truly connect with and build a life with.

As they finished their coffee and said goodbye, Samantha couldn't help but feel glad to have met Samuel.

She wasn't one to share much about her personal life. However, sharing the arranged marriage issue with Samuel was a good idea because she felt like someone understood her.

She went home filled with a sense of relief since she knew what she had to to - set herself free.