The Abyss

Ch.1 - Decisions in Red -

"WONDERFUL!!" Mr. Nahm exclaims, sporting a wide grin.

"Shall we print out an agreement and sign it then?" My father asks with an equally wide grin.

A mere half hour discussion and my future is decided. I will marry Ha-Ru. As our fathers write up the contract, I stay silent and still. My breathing attempts to falter but I manage to keep it in check. My emotions must stay hidden. I must appear neither happy nor upset.

I should be indifferent. I have spent my whole life preparing for this. Etiquette classes, behavioral training, and more have led me to this very second. I am supposed to be okay with this.. So why am I not okay with it? Why do I want to scream and cry and fight? Why can't I accept it? Why do I keep asking myself questions that I don't know the answer to.

I inhale deeply and remind myself that I am in the presence of others. When I look up I stare at the paper Ha-Ru is signing, our marriage agreement. He slides it towards me and I know I am being watched carefully as I sign it. My name is written on the paper beautifully. The lettering is elegant and proper, just like I practiced.

They made the decision, and now, it's officially written... in red ink. I place down the pen and hand the paper to my father. He skims it briefly to ensure it is correct before sliding it into a folder.

"Alright! We're all in agreement then!" he smiles kindly, "Is there any other concerns that need to be addressed or are we finished here?"

"Actually.." all eyes turn to me, "I was wondering when we will hold the engagement ceremony?"

My body relaxes a bit, relieved that I was rescued. Even though the relief will only last till the guests leave. I readjust my position, sitting straight and still, my hands lying in my lap. I watch as they all return to their seats, my father's eyes on me. I tense up slightly.

"I believe that we should have the ceremony sooner rather than later. After all, she won't be beautiful forever.. They should marry before her.. rose... wilts.." The older Nahm states.

"I concur. We will, of course, need some time beforehand to prepare," my father pauses, "We should discuss the decorations and such."

"Certainly! My schedule is open on Saturday, roughly a week from now, does that work for you as well?"

"It does!"

"I suppose we should let the children escape from a dull conversation such as this, yes?"

"I suppose so.." father glances in my direction, his eyes directing me to wait in my room for punishment after I escort Ha-Ru out.

"Let us take our leave then. Goodbye father, goodbye Mr. Seong," the entitled heir turns to me, extending his arm to me, "Shall we, my future bride?"

I take his arm in mine, rising from my seat, "Yes, of course."

    After we exit the room, I begin guiding him through the halls, to the front door. He suddenly stops, which causes me to stumble. I look up at him, confused. His face looks serious and grim. I am now aware of the absence of security in the area. I begin to feel nauseated and anxious. He pins me to the wall by my throat, tight enough to restrict airflow yet loose enough that I know it will not leave a mark. He is smarter than I originally thought.