Unlucky Marriage

Chapter 3

Emma's POV

Finally, the day had arrived-the day my fate would be written. My mom woke me with a mix of excitement and urgency, sending me to help prepare the food for our guests. The kitchen buzzed with energy, but my mind was clouded with uncertainty. As the last touches were made, she ushered me to get ready, and I slipped into the light blue saree that always made me feel a little more like myself, even if I rarely had occasions to wear it.

Arielle, my sister, burst into my room, ready to transform me into something more than just nervous Emma. With deft hands, she applied minimal makeup, and I felt the familiar thrill of placing a bindhi on my forehead. It was my talisman, my secret weapon that made me feel beautiful. Yet, beneath that, my stomach twisted in knots. I glanced in the mirror, heart racing as I thought about what was to come.

The living room filled with the warmth of family and friends, laughter echoing off the walls,all eagerly awaiting the arrival of his family. My mind raced with questions. What was I getting into? Was I truly ready for this monumental step? Just as doubt clouded my thoughts, my uncle's voice broke through. "They've arrived!" he called.

Panic surged through me as I felt the weight of anticipation and fear. I was handed trays of juice and snacks, my hands trembling as I walked to greet them, but my eyes scanned for someone I didn't even know-Noah Edward Caleb. I had only heard his name whispered among excited relatives. I didn't see Noah; only his family filled the room. They were a large, lively family, and I felt like an outsider.

I handed the drinks to his parents, John and Rachel Edward, and was introduced to his sister, Ava, and brother, Asher, along with the rest of their extended family. Their warmth enveloped me, but I felt a pang of uncertainty. They were a large family, gathered for the sole purpose of a marriage proposal, and I was at the center of it all.

Rachel, Noah's mother, gestured for me to sit beside her. Her presence radiated kindness and sophistication. "Emma, I can sense you have questions," she said with a knowing smile. "Let me explain, Emma," she began, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. "I know you have questions." She shared how she had fallen for me at Elisha's wedding, enchanted by my kindness and grace. Her words swirled around me, each compliment a feather that both lifted and overwhelmed me. I was overwhelmed by this unexpected spotlight; I had always been the unnoticed one in a crowd.

As conversations flowed, I observed how everyone beamed with joy. They were wonderful people-his dad was nurturing, his sister was adorable, and Asher felt like the brother I had always wished for. But then, the reality hit me again: where was Noah?"You're wondering where Noah is, aren't you?" his father asked, and I could only nod.

He explained that Noah was working as a CEO in Australia, his voice filled with pride. And then he showed me a photo-Noah was striking, tall with broad shoulders and captivating eyes that seemed to see right through me.A smile that could light up the darkest room made me feel even smaller in his presence. I couldn't help but think he was out of my league. What did a girl like me have to offer someone like him? My sister's teasing broke my trance. "Damn Emma, you hit the jackpot!" she laughed, and the room erupted with laughter and I felt my cheeks heat. Despite my embarrassment, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope.

"Noah will contact you,I've given him your number. I can't wait for your answer." Rachel said. My heart raced as I heard their hopes for my answer to be a resounding YES. Ava chimed in, "You'll say YES, right? My brother is a gem!" " Ava added, and her words echoed in my mind as they prepared to leave. With Asher adding, "You won't find anyone better than my brother, sister-in-law".I choked on Asher's statement. The pressure was mounting, and as they prepared to leave, my heart raced with the enormity of it all.

Once they were gone, my family showered me with praise, my mom came to me, patting my head gently. "They're wonderful people. I'm so happy for you." but I could only retreat to my room, collapsing onto my bed. Today had been surreal, a whirlwind of emotions and expectations. I replayed every moment, still in disbelief that this was my reality now. I had never imagined this day would come, and yet, here I was, on the brink of something that could change my life forever. What a day it had been, and what awaited me next?As I closed my eyes, I couldn't help but wonder: was I truly ready to step into this new chapter?