Arranged marriage

White wedding

Six weeks ago

"Dear family and friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate love and to gather this man and this woman in holy matrimony. If you all are ready I would like to proceed."

I couldn't say a word. Not a beep.

"I understand you don't want to exchange vows?" he asked like he wants us to change our mind.

We both nodded and he sighed obviously disappointed.

"Do you, Mark Jepsen, take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, to love her and respect, for better or worse, in sickness and in health till death do you part?"

I was hoping you would say no. That he will save me from this circus and I'll be able to continue with my life as if nothing had happened. But he didn't. He spoke quietly.

"I do."

"And do you, Lena Martin, take this man to be your lawful wedded husband, to love him and respect, for better or worse, in sickness and in health till death do you part?"

Maybe I can save myself. I just have to say no. Simple as that. Just two letters. And one destroyed family. Two destroyed families actually. Oh God.

"I do."

This is it.

"May the best man please bring the rings?"

The gray guy approached the altar and handed over a beautiful velvet box. He gave one ring to my husband and he put it on my finger. I did the same with the other one. My ring was white gold ring with a square shaped diamond in the middle. The diamond was so heavy it pulled my finger down. Mark's ring was much simpler. An ordinary ring which he will hate wearing.

"If there is someone who is opposed to this marriage, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."

The room got really quiet. No one spoke.

"By the powers vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Please tell me this is all just a nightmare. He revealed my face and I finally saw him in person. He was very handsome, in fact he looked even better than on that picture. He was tired and worried but still was the sexiest man I had ever seen. He was really tall and had gray eyes. I could see the sadness in them. He had a masculant, fit body and a perfect face. Strong jaw, beautiful straight white teeth and those eyes. He had black hair, more black than mine. I wonder what he thinks of me. He leaned over me and I thought he was going to kiss me so I closed my eyes. I felt his hands on my cheeks and a peck on the left cheek. He moved away and put his hand on my back. Everybody applauded. I saw my mother crying like an idiot. She knew I didn't want this but that didn't concern her. And now she is crying like she is so happy. Maybe she is. She probably is because I just saved the entire family. I saw my grandfather smiling. This is all his fault! He is a crazy old man and now he ruined my life. Thank you, Pa. We went to another beautifully decorated ballroom. It was huge. Everybody started congratulating and I felt like I was about to vomit. What are they congratulating for? It's not like we look very happy or something like that. We look like two strangers in a cruel play of life. My grandfather finally came to us with another old man.

"Oh, darling, you are absolutely perfect. Isn't she?" Pa asked.

He looked at Mark. Mark didn't even look at me. He smiled.

"She sure is. You have a beautiful granddaughter, sir" he stated faking a smile.

"And she is now your responsibility. I hope you will take good care of her, she deserves only the best."