Bound By Fate

A Day Of Reconnection

The morning sun streamed through the bedroom window, casting a warm glow over Zara as she stirred awake. She glanced around the spacious, elegantly decorated room, feeling a strange sense of both familiarity and alienation. This was her new life, her new reality as Aaron's wife. But today, she decided, would be about something more important: visiting her mother.

After a quick breakfast, Zara dressed in a simple white dress with small blue flowers scattered on it. She slipped on her favorite pair of platform slides with a thick band that covered the middle part of her feet. She felt a touch of comfort in the casual outfit as she prepared to face the day.

The drive to her mother's house was a familiar route, bringing a sense of comfort amidst the chaos of her recent life changes. When she arrived, Victoria was sitting on the porch, her frail form wrapped in a cozy shawl. Her mother's face lit up with a warm smile as Zara approached.

"Good morning, Mom," Zara greeted, bending down to kiss her cheek.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Victoria replied, her voice soft but filled with warmth. "You look lovely today."

"Thanks, Mom. How are you feeling?" Zara asked, taking a seat beside her.

"Better, now that you're here," Victoria said with a gentle laugh. "How was the wedding night?"

Zara forced a smile. "It was... fine. Everything went smoothly."

Victoria gave her a knowing look but didn't press further. "I'm glad to hear that. So, what brings you here so early?"

"I wanted to talk to you about making an appointment with Dr. Collins," Zara said. "I think it's time for a check-up, maybe adjust your treatment plan if needed."

Victoria sighed softly. "I suppose you're right. I've been feeling more tired lately."

"I'll call the clinic and set up an appointment for tomorrow," Zara assured her. "We'll figure this out together, okay?"

Victoria nodded, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Zara. I don't know what I'd do without you."

---

After spending some time with her mother, Zara drove to the mall to meet Olivia and Mia. They had planned a girls' day out, a chance to unwind and enjoy some normalcy after the whirlwind of the wedding.

"Zara! Over here!" Olivia called out, waving energetically as Zara approached.

Zara smiled and joined her friends. "Hey, you two. Ready for some fun?"

"Absolutely," Mia grinned. "We've got a full day planned. Shopping, lunch, and maybe even a spa visit if we have time."

They wandered through the mall, chatting and laughing as they browsed various stores. Zara felt a sense of relief being with her friends, their lighthearted banter a welcome distraction from her complicated new life.

After a couple of hours, they decided to grab lunch at a cozy little café. They found a table by the window and ordered their food.

"So, Zara," Olivia began, taking a sip of her iced coffee. "How's married life treating you so far?"

Zara sighed, deciding it was time to be honest with her closest friends. "It's... complicated. And not in a good way."

Mia leaned in, her eyes filled with concern. "What happened?"

Zara took a deep breath. "The truth is, Aaron and I didn't even spend the night together. He made it clear from the start that this is more of a business arrangement than a marriage. We're not in love, and I doubt we ever will be."