Forced promises

Reminderst

The weeks leading up to the wedding were tense. Aries and me barely spoke, and when we did, it was always curt and formal. The wedding planner handled most of the details, leaving us to awkwardly go through the motions. Every interaction was a reminder of how much we despised each other, and i couldn't help but wonder how we would survive a lifetime of this.

One evening, we were forced to attend a dinner with both of their families to finalize the wedding arrangements. The table was filled with laughter and toasts, but beneath the surface, the tension between Aries and me was palpable.

"Vivian, darling," Aries' mother, Sylvia, said with a smile. "I heard you're planning to continue working at your father's company after the wedding?"

I nodded, my jaw tight. "Yes, I'll be working with my father."

Aries, who had been silent for most of the meal, suddenly spoke up. "Actually, I've been meaning to discuss that with you."

I looked at him, surprised. "Discuss what?"

Aries set down his wine glass and turned to face me, his expression neutral but his tone sharp. "Once we're married, it would be best for you to step back from your role at Langford Enterprises. You'll have other responsibilities—social events, charity work, managing our household."

I stared at him, stunned. "Excuse me? You expect me to just quit my job?"

Aries shrugged, completely unfazed by my outrage. "You won't need it. Besides, I think it's better for both of us if you focus on our new life together."

My blood boiled. "I can't believe you. You actually think you can control what I do after we get married?"

Aries' expression remained calm, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "It's not about control, Vivian. It's about practicality."

"Practicality?" I repeated, my voice rising. "You're unbelievable. I'm not some trophy wife you can dictate. I'm still my own person."

Aries' lips pressed into a thin line. "This isn't just about you anymore. We have responsibilities to our families."

I pushed my chair back, standing abruptly. "I won't give up my life for you, Aries. This marriage may be a deal, but I'm not going to be your puppet."

The table fell silent, everyone watching the argument unfold. Aries' expression darkened, but he didn't respond, clearly unwilling to escalate the confrontation in front of their families.

Without another word, i stormed out of the room, leaving Aries sitting there, his jaw clenched in frustration.