The Arrangement Factor (ARRANGEMENT SERIES #1)

Chapter 62

Sarah's POV

It has been four months since Alex's birthday, and he has been trying hard to earn my forgiveness. I forgave him long ago, but I wasn't comfortable around him after the hurtful things he said. However, with all the effort he put into winning me back, I eventually gave in, and now we are back to normal.

I initially distanced myself from Noah, but Alex insisted on us being friends again, urging me not to let Noah go just because he said so. Noah apologized and respected my decision to stay away. Realising I didn't want to lose a friend, I rekindled my friendship with him and others whom I had been ignoring during the initial months after the fight.

Exams are over, marking the end of my first year of college. Now, with just one week left until the play performance, I went to the auditorium for dress rehearsals, only to find Isabella sitting alone, looking sad and tense. She's become a good friend over these months, but it seems something is bothering her. Isabella and Grace helped me against Amelia, who is still causing trouble for me. I can't fathom what her issue is with me.

"Hey, are you okay?" I ask Isabella, taking a seat next to her.

"Yeah, just... had a fight with my father," she says sadly.

"Oh, I understand. I also had a disagreement with my Dad when I wanted to join college," I share, reminiscing about how I pleaded with him to allow me to attend college. I became sad missing him, as neither he nor Mom had contacted me since the wedding.

"Yeah, you would..." she said in a whisper.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"Nothing," she said, getting up from her seat.

But she stops in her tracks and turns around. "Sarah!"

"Yes?"

"How did you feel about Alex? I know you love him now, but what did you feel when you were... uh, at the beginning? I mean, was he the same in the beginning as he is now? How did you feel when your father told you about the marriage?" she asked, stumbling between her questions. I think she wanted to ask something else but couldn't?

Yes, I told her my marriage was arranged by our fathers, leaving out the business deal part and how my father blackmailed me. But she knows that it was arranged, and now I love him madly. Don't blame me for telling her the truth because she and Grace were relentless for a week, wanting to know the tricks I used to 'Tame the bad boy,' as they say it.

"When my dad told me about the arranged marriage, I was scared as hell, to be honest. Because I didn't know who Alex was then and how he would treat me later. But he was sweet and caring from the start..." I said dreamily, thinking of all the times he made me feel valued.

"You are really lucky that you found him, Sarah. I wish I was that lucky too," she said in a sad tone.

"What do you mean? Are you...?" I asked, and she sat next to me again.

"Yes, and I don't even know who. But I heard my Dad say that even the man doesn't want this marriage and may pull a stunt, and I need to stay brave and hold on to the marriage," she said, crying.

"Then why are you both being married?" I asked. I may have an idea because I went through it.

"I-it's for the business," she said, crying.

I hugged her. "I don't know who that person will be, Isabella, but I know you are a very good person at heart, and you would never get anyone who would not value you. You deserve the best who loves you the most. And I am sure you will get that person as your husband," I said because I really believed she deserved the best, and nobody in their right mind would not love her. She was beautiful in looks and heart.