Tied To You

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Wedding Preparations

"Are you really going to go through with this marriage Michael?" Cora ask nearly crying.

"I have to babe. Just one year, then I will have enough money to get us out of here and start our own life together. You know I don't want this, but I'm doing this for us." Michael said as grabbed Cora by the waist kissing her temple and looking at her small tummy. "And for this little baby of ours." He said kissing her stomach.

"I trust you, but it's her and her family I don't trust. After what her grandfather did to my mother, I don't think I can bare to look at her or her family properly. I am still mad at her for not saying anything the day my mother was murdered. She witnessed everything and she didn't say a word." Cora began to cry and Michael held her embracing her in his arms.

"Ssshhhh...don't cry babe. This anger you have isn't good for the baby. I promise you after a year not only will we leave, we will also make sure that the Montenegro's get a taste of their own medicine." He said to her as he cupped her face and wiped her tears, reassuring her that everything will be okay.

The next day...

"Miss Ava, what do you think of this fabric for your dress?" The stylist asked as she showed Ava the many types of fabric. Ava wasn't too pleased. "This fabric is Egyptian Cotton, or would you like this fine Chinese Silk?" She simply shook her head expressing that she had enough. Word of Ava not cooperating with the stylist and events planner had reached her father, who was with his election committee. A soft knock landed on the door of Alvin Montenegro's office.

"The meeting is adjourned. I will see you guys tomorrow same time to discuss election funding. Everyone is dismissed." Alvin said as he escorted his committee to the exit. Standing at the door was his frustrated wife.

"I have had enough of your daughter's attitude. She walked out on the stylist and events coordinator." Elena Montenegro said as she sighed heavily.

"You act as if you're so perfect yourself my dear. You did the same exact same thing but also you used profanity. I remember my dad hiring a search team to find you. You were and are still crazier than our daughter." He giggled talking about the incident in their wedding preparations many years ago. She lightly slapped him on his arm and embraced her husband. "Give Ava space. This is overwhelming for her. You of all people should understand her. Who would be happy knowing that you're getting married a few months after turning 18?" He explained to his wife.

***

"Ava what are you doing here?" Brandon said with surprise. Ava was in his office at City Hall. He had just finished helping his father with his re-election campaign. Brandon unlike Michael, was very found of politics and he doubled majored in international relations and political science. He hoped that one day he would be some sort of political official or holding some sort of job in office.

Ava looked at him and broke down. Brandon was her best friend. There fathers were not only partners in politics but they were college best friends and the Solis Family would always hangout with each other. But everyone thought Ava and Brandon would be the one would be next to get married or settle into a relationship. When news of Michael and Ava's engagement spread to the public everyone was in shock. Brandon didn't take the news quite well, but Victor explained to him Ava's situation and when he left he advised Brandon to take care of Ava. Michael was never really into politics, he was more of a businessman than anything else. He and his brother were complete opposites. Michael never liked the spotlight, while Brandon enjoyed it and that's why they both chose the perfect job.
"What's wrong Ava?" Brandon asked sympathetically asked closing the door of his office for privacy he embraced her in his arms and let her cry. She no longer had Victor to comfort her and he promised him that he would take care of her. "B, it's hard to pretend that I am happy. I want to be a normal 18 year old. I want to go to college and study literature, but when your family is as famous as mine you have to live up to the public's expectation." Brandon kept quiet and just let Ava rant. He understood her frustration because his parents had the same situation.

"I have no choice B, but to do this. I need to do it for my family. But it isn't fair how each of my cousins aren't in arrange marriages, but I am. It doesn't make sense at all. I am trying my best to accept this whole issue, but I can't help but be frustrated." She ranted to him. Ava was good at hiding her emotions. She knew exactly who she would breakdown too and who to keep her emotions from and Brandon was someone she trusted to express her emotions to.

"A, I know you're marrying my brother. I wish it was me so it could ease your mind, but dad didn't want me to be apart of your 18 candles. I even volunteered to take Michael's place but he still refused. Honestly, that was the worse decision dad made." Brandon said hugging her. "It's going to be okay Ava. Since you're marrying my brother, I will be here to guide you and advice you." He said to her planting a kiss on her forehead.

"Thank you." Ava said as they remained in each other's arms. She's lucky to have a best friend like Brandon especially now when she needs him most.