Twisted Vows, Hidden Desire

The soft hum of the ceiling fan filled the quiet living room of Amelia's apartment. Sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, casting golden patterns on the tiled floor. Amelia sat cross-legged on the couch, a pillow hugged tightly against her chest, her gaze distant. Her heart was heavy with the weight of an unwanted future.

"An arranged marriage in this day and age?" Hannah's voice echoed with disbelief as she sat across from Amelia, her eyes wide with shock. She leaned forward, her curly brown hair bouncing as she gestured animatedly. "You're a whole grown woman with a thriving business, Amelia. Why are they doing this to you?"

Amelia sighed, resting her chin on the pillow. Her eyes flickered with frustration and a hint of sadness. "It's not just about me, Hannah. My parents think it's for the 'greater good' of the family. They keep saying it's a 'union of legacy' or something like that." She shook her head, her voice thick with sarcasm. "Apparently, love isn't a requirement anymore."

"Legacy?" Hannah's brows shot up, her tone sharp with disbelief. "This isn't a business merger, it's your life we're talking about."

"I know," Amelia replied softly, lowering her eyes. "But they won't listen. It's like they've already decided for me."

Hannah crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing with determination. "Then maybe you need to decide for yourself. If you let them control this, they'll control everything else."

Silence settled between them, the weight of Hannah's words sinking in. Amelia knew she was right, but breaking free from her parents' expectations wasn't that simple. Her mother, Margaret, had always been firm but loving. Her father, Robert, was more traditional, valuing family ties and connections above all else.

"Do you even know anything about this Ethan guy?" Hannah asked, leaning forward, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"Barely." Amelia shrugged, her fingers fidgeting with the pillow's edge. "All I know is he owns a photography business and his parents think he's 'perfect husband material.'" She rolled her eyes. "They don't care about what I think."

Hannah leaned back, arms folded across her chest. "If he's as perfect as they say, why isn't he married already?"

They both burst into laughter, the sound a brief but welcome break from the heaviness in the air.

"Exactly," Amelia said, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. "Something's definitely fishy about this whole situation."

Their laughter faded, and Amelia's gaze turned serious. "I just don't know, Hannah. I've worked so hard to build Elite Touch Events from the ground up. I finally feel like I'm standing on my own, and now this…" Her voice trailed off, her eyes distant again. "I'm scared, Hannah. What if I lose myself in all this?"

Hannah reached out and placed a hand on Amelia's knee, squeezing it gently. "You won't. You're too strong for that." Her gaze was firm but kind. "No one can take away the person you've become unless you let them."

A small smile tugged at Amelia's lips. "Thanks, Hannah. I needed to hear that."

"Anytime, girl," Hannah replied with a wink. "But seriously, if Ethan gives you any trouble, call me. I'll handle him." She raised her fists playfully, throwing mock punches in the air.

They both laughed again, the sound filling the room with warmth. But just as the laughter faded, Amelia's phone buzzed on the coffee table. Her eyes darted to the screen. Mom.

Her heart sank, anxiety creeping back in. She picked up the phone, giving Hannah a glance before swiping to answer.

"Hello, Mom," she said, her tone cautious but respectful.

"Amelia, I hope you're not too busy," Margaret's voice came through, gentle but with an undertone of authority.

"No, I'm at home," Amelia replied, glancing at Hannah, who raised a curious brow.

"Good. I called to inform you that both families have agreed to set a date for you and Ethan to meet," Margaret said, as though it were just another item on a to-do list.

Amelia's heart clenched, and she shot a wide-eyed look at Hannah. Her friend mouthed, What?!

"When?" Amelia asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Next Saturday," Margaret replied with finality. "It will be at a restaurant. I expect you to dress appropriately and be on your best behavior."

"Saturday?" Amelia repeated, her mind racing. That was barely a week away. No time to prepare. No time to process.

"Yes, and please, Amelia, no complaints," Margaret continued. "This is a good opportunity for you, and I won't have you ruining it with unnecessary rebellion."

Amelia gripped the phone tighter, her jaw clenched. "I understand, Mom."

"Good. I'll send you the details later," Margaret said before ending the call without a goodbye.

Amelia lowered the phone slowly, staring at the blank screen as if it had just delivered a death sentence.

"Next Saturday?" Hannah asked, eyes wide with disbelief. "They're not wasting any time, huh?"

"Nope," Amelia muttered, leaning forward and burying her face in her hands. "They've already set the stage, and I'm just a pawn in their little show."

"Not if you stand up for yourself," Hannah said firmly.

Amelia lowered her hands, her eyes filled with exhaustion and uncertainty. "It's easier said than done, Hannah. My parents aren't the type you just 'stand up to.' They'll fight back harder."

Hannah tilted her head, lips pursed in thought. "Then maybe you don't fight them head-on. Maybe you outsmart them."

Amelia raised a brow, intrigued. "How do you mean?"

A mischievous smile crept onto Hannah's face. "You're smart, Amelia. You've built a whole business from scratch. You know how to negotiate, plan, and strategize. Use those skills here. They want you to meet Ethan, right? Fine. But use that meeting to figure out who he is. If he's just as trapped in this as you are, you two might have more power together than you think."

Amelia blinked, processing Hannah's words. It wasn't a bad idea. If Ethan felt the same way about this arrangement, maybe they could find a way to work together.

"You're right," Amelia said slowly, a spark of determination igniting in her chest. "If I'm going to play this game, I'm playing to win."

"That's the spirit," Hannah said, grinning like a proud coach. "Besides, if he turns out to be a jerk, you know I've got your back."

Amelia laughed, the weight on her heart lifting slightly. Maybe she wasn't as powerless as she thought.

"Alright," she said, standing up and stretching her arms overhead. "If I'm going to meet Ethan next Saturday, I'm doing it on my terms, not theirs."

"Now that's the Amelia I know," Hannah said, clapping her hands. "But just in case, wear something that says, 'Don't mess with me.'"

Amelia laughed again, shaking her head. "Oh, I will. Trust me, I will."

The sun dipped lower, casting amber light into the room. But this time, it didn't feel heavy. It felt warm. Hopeful.

Because for the first time in weeks, Amelia felt like she had a choice.