An arranged marriage was just for show, and he ended up breaking her heart and pushing her away. Her friends were there when she needed them. Only to push her towards the one guy no one would've ever thought she'd end up with.
I picked out my outfit to make myself look presentable in front of Gretchen, not that it would matter. She would still look down on me even if I showed up in a dress that's worth 5 grand. I made myself look decent and grabbed the bouquet of sunflowers on my way out. I walked myself down the street to their place. My apartment was only a block away, so there was no need for me to drive, but they didn't need to know that. I knocked on the front door and Gretchen opened the door. "Hi Gretchen," I greeted her with a warm smile. "Happy Mother's Day to you." I handed her the sunflowers. "I hope sunflowers are still your favorite."
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"At least that's one thing you've done right so far," Gretchen stated as she snatched the flowers from my hands. She let me in and we all met on the back patio for lunch. "Our cook has prepared my favorite for lunch today. It's Alaskan Salmon and steamed broccoli. I hope you guys aren't allergic."
"Wouldn't dream of it," I stated.
"Iris," Dad stated with a warning tone.
"Right, uhm, where's Veronica?" I asked.
"Sorry I'm late," Veronica joined us. "You don't understand how hard it is to actually make my eyebrows look like twins."
"You do know the saying they're sisters, not twins, right?" I asked. "They don't have to look exactly alike."
"Said the gray-eyed girl," Veronica rolled her eyes. "Why is she here anyway?"
"Your sister is here to have lunch with us as a family," Dad stated. "Isn't that right, Iris?"
"Yeah, whatever," I sighed. After lunch, I just sat there listening to Gretchen just run her mouth. "I thank you for lunch, but I do gotta get going."
"Where do you think you're going?" Gretchen asked.
"Uhm, home?" I questioned. "Look, I got off work this morning and took a 4 hour nap just to come here and spend Mother's Day with you." I stood up. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go home and take another nap to make sure I can get through the day without falling asleep."
"Why did you have to pick a job that works you for 24 hours straight?" Veronica asked.
"Well, I wouldn't have to if my parents helped pay my way through college," I stated. "You had that luxury, I didn't. Some people have to work to pay off their dues."
"We can pay for your student loans," Gretchen replied. I looked at her. "If you do something for us."
"And what exactly would I be agreeing to?" I asked.
"Marrying Sebastian Cabot," Gretchen stated. "His father set up an arranged marriage with us, but I don't think he realizes your father has two daughters." I scoffed. "You will marry Sebastian to stand in for Veronica. If you don't, you can forget the payments and you can kiss your little job goodbye."
