AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Once my ring is on her finger, my plans will be set into motion, and I can solidify my role in her family and in her life.
It’s time Aria meets her new fiancé once and for all.
15
ARIA
Are you ready to meet your future husband?” Mama asks as she fidgets with the zipper of my dress. I’m wearing a modest, light-pink one-shoulder cocktail gown for the occasion. My long hair is pulled back into a sleek bun, and my makeup is light with bold lips. Exactly how my mother wanted it.
The idea of meeting the stranger I’ll be tied to for the rest of my life is terrifying, especially since I had no say in the person chosen. My father warned me again not long ago to behave, claiming that it’s what’s “best for the family.”
But what’s best for the family isn’t what’s best for me.
I’ve imagined this moment countless times—what Andrew might be like, how we’ll connect, and the life we’ll build together. But now that it’s happening, I’m consumed with anxiety.
I suck in a breath so that my mother can zip up my dress.
“Of course,” I lie, and my mama smiles.
“Good. Andrew will be here soon. I’ll send Magdalena to get you when he arrives.” She moves toward the door. “You look beautiful, Arioula,” she adds, right before leaving the room.
I look at my reflection in the mirror and smooth the fabric of my dress, taking deep breaths to calm the butterflies in my stomach, but the sense of uncertainty persists. What if we don’t click? What if I don’t make a good impression? Even worse, what if he’s a dick?
These questions and more echo relentlessly in my mind, amplifying my anxiety. The weight of this encounter feels immense—my future happiness hinges on this singular meeting.
But each time I close my eyes, I’m transported back to that moment in the forest, where time stood still, and my world collided with Dion’s once again. His touch lingers on my skin, every sensation still vivid and electric.
And his words...those he spoke with such determination, cutting through the darkness of the night. I’m not letting you marry him. They reverberate in my mind, each syllable etched into my memory with lasting ink. The intensity in his voice, the sincerity in his eyes.
Now, as I face the day ahead, a facade of normalcy is expected of me. The weight of expectation presses down on me, urging me to wear a mask of happiness, to carry on as if nothing has changed. But how can I pretend that everything is fine?
I step into my bathroom and open the cabinet under the sink, reaching behind the baskets. I need something to calm my nerves.
“There you are,” I say, finally finding what I was looking for, worried for a moment that Magda had found my stash and thrown it.
I pull out a small, half-empty bottle of tequila. Removing the lid, the scent of the liquor hits me immediately. I bring it to my mouth and take a quick swig.
The tequila washes over my tongue, fiery and potent. Warmth spreads down my throat, a comforting heat that soothes my nerves almost instantly.
I exhale slowly and set the bottle back in its hiding place, feeling a tad more composed than before.
Right then, there’s a soft knock on my door. “Arioula.” Magda’s voice travels through my room.
“Coming!” I call out.
Grabbing the bottle of mouthwash on the counter, I swish some around my mouth to get rid of the stench and taste of the alcohol.
Rushing to the door, I take another deep breath, then swing it open, plastering a fake smile on my face. “I’m ready.”
As I head down the stairs, I hear my parents’ voices talking to our guests. Andrew should be here with his mother.
On the last step, I remind myself that it’s okay to feel anxious. “You got this,” I whisper, pushing aside the doubts and fears that gnaw at my insides. Magda squeezes my shoulder and shuffles away.
When I turn the corner, I see him. Actually, I hear him first: a deep, unfamiliar laugh erupts in response to something my father said.
The sound of my heels clicking on the floor gathers everyone’s attention, and they all turn.
Baba greets me first. “Kóri mou.” He extends his arm to me, and I walk toward him with a coy smile. “This is Andrew Galanis.” He points to the man standing next to him.
