Arrangement [H.S]

04

A lot had happened in my life. Despite my relatively young age, I had experienced more than my fair share of challenges. From the early loss of my beloved father to the subsequent relationship and health issues, life had thrown me more curveballs than I could count. And now, here I was, facing the most unexpected twist yet – an arranged marriage to a man I barely knew.

I couldn't help but replay the events of the past two days in my mind. The panic attack outside the church had been a breaking point for me. I had felt utterly overwhelmed and trapped, my anxiety threatening to consume me. The unfamiliar faces of my extended family had only added to my distress, and I had longed for a familiar face or a comforting word. But they remained distant, bound by the secrecy of our arranged marriage.

Alex and Marcel, my two closest friends, had been unable to provide the comfort I needed at that moment. My mother, who was fully aware of the circumstances, had forbidden them from approaching me. It was a cruel reminder that I was on my own in this unconventional union. And as I stood outside the church, struggling to breathe, I couldn't help but resent Harry for putting me in this situation.

The memory of his scornful words and his abrupt departure still stung. He had shown no sympathy for my panic attack, no understanding of the fear and uncertainty that had gripped me. Instead, he had left me standing there, feeling like a burden, like a mere pawn in his business dealings.

As my friends had rushed to my side, I had seen the disapproving glances from my closest family. They viewed me as weak. It was a harsh judgment, and it only fueled my growing resentment towards people who had orchestrated this entire charade.

Now, as I stood outside Harry's apartment building, facing the daunting task of moving my belongings into his place, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. The events of the past week had left me drained emotionally, and the uncertainty of my future with a man I barely knew weighed heavily on my mind.

My new husband, Harry, had quickly disappeared with his friends after our wedding ceremony. I assumed they were off discussing business matters, leaving me to fend for myself. I had expected some level of indifference from Harry, but the next day- today, the way he had practically thrown the keys at me, mumbled the address, and instructed me to make myself at home had left me feeling abandoned and adrift.

On top of that, his blonde friend... Throughout the ceremony, which in itself did not last too long, he gave me as many winks as my high school history teacher stammer - and she was a diagnosed stutterer.

But as we left the church, he ran up to me and said I looked very pretty, so maybe he wouldn't be that bad.

But the rest of those friends of his... someone must have watched too much of the Peaky Blinders. No babe, you don't look like Cillian Murphy so take that look off your face because it looks like you haven't been able to shit in a few days, not like a bad guy.

As I approached the apartment building with my friends, Alex and Marcel, the anxiety that had been building inside me began to reach its peak. I was unsure of what to expect from Harry's apartment, but I hoped it would at least offer some comfort amidst the chaos of my life.

The building itself was modern and impressive, fitting for someone of Harry's stature. I had rented a large van to accommodate all my belongings, as there was no way they would fit in my personal car. My mother had refused to help me move, insisting that I was now an adult and married, and therefore capable of handling the move on my own. It was a harsh reminder of her lack of support and understanding, but I had long since grown accustomed to her indifference.

With Marcel and Alex's help, we began the arduous task of moving my belongings into the apartment. I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation as I approached the door. I had no idea what to expect on the other side, and my nerves were getting the best of me.