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“I have to do this alone.”
“We’ll stay in the car.” Rosa shushes me when I open my mouth to protest. “It’s the only compromise I’m giving you. And until this mess blows over, you’re staying with me.”
Iris comes over to join us and pulls me into a hug, whispering, “Just because you have to do something alone, doesn’t mean you need to.”
“Okay.”
The three of us are ready and out the door in Rosa’s car as she drives to my parents’ house. The paparazzi is camped outside when we arrive and I’m grateful for the tinted glass so they don’t see my face. I couldn’t bear to look at myself in the mirror. But as we wait a few seconds for the security gates open, they shout and hurl insulting and demeaning questions. It’s enough to make my empty stomach wretch.
“I swear to God, I’ll get all their names and send my dog after their asses,” Rosa growls, glaring at them from the front.
If it were any other circumstance, I might laugh at her antics but I’ve never felt more lifeless.
“You sure you don’t want us to come with you?” questions Iris.
“I’ll be fine,” I reply and drag myself out of the car before walking to the front gates.
One of the maids opens them up and her expression says it all. With a swallow, she informs me, “They are waiting in your father’s office.”
I nod and make my way upstairs. The wooden door looms in my face, feeling like I’m walking to a lion’s den. And even before I knock and open it, I know affection and sympathy for my broken heart will not be waiting for me.
My father sits behind his large desk while my mom stands on his side. When his gaze drags to mine, he is livid. The man, who in all my twenty-five years, has never let emotions get the best of him and always stayed calm through the storm, is now glaring at me.
Shame makes me lower my eyes, knowing I’m the cause of it.
“Is it true?” he quietly asks.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
One word and I flinch as though he struck me. One word and it encompasses all his emotions. Anger. Disappointment. Disgust.
“A sham marriage, Bianca? Really?” cries my mother. “I knew that whole whirlwind romance story was too good to be true.”
I muster my inner strength and lift my chin as I confess, “I did it for Arya.”
“How does your sister fit into this, Bianca?”
“You left me no choice, Papa.” A tremor races to the tips of my toes as I give a sad smile and tell him the truth. Hoping against hope he’ll understand that I never wanted to disrespect them. “You both were so fixated on my marriage that you completely neglected the one daughter who actually longed for it. Because of me, you wouldn’t even consider her wedding. Your traditional values didn’t let you see the hurt it was causing her. We knew you’d say no. So, I decided to marry in name to please you both, hoping you’ll finally notice Arya.”
“So you sullied our name instead of talking to us.”
“When have you both listened to what I have to say?” My voice rises and a sad sound spills from my lips. “It’s always been about what you want, how you’re feeling, or how I’m such a big disappointment and never good enough. And, Mom,” I look at her sharply and accuse, “when was the last time you asked how I was doing? If I’m happy or sad, huh? It’s always who’s getting married to whom. Sometimes I wonder if you both even love me or if I’m just a commodity you want to pawn off to another.”
“Enough!” shouts my dad, nose flared and eyes narrowed into slits, as he slams his fist on the table. “Our legacy is built on the traditions and values you’re insulting, Bianca. Your generation has become selfish and reckless, forgetting that these rituals are important and keeps this society going. If I let Arya marry first instead of my older daughter, your reputation will be tarnished. It was for your own sake. We wanted to find a good man for you to settle down with.”
“Even if you know that I’m not ready and will never be happy?”
“Don’t be so dramatic, Bianca.” My mom huffs. “In time, you would’ve come to love and respect your husband.”
“Now that your farce of a marriage is over and that man is out of your life for good, you will marry the man of our choice,” announces my dad. “I’ll fix the damage from last night.”
“No.”
They freeze at my answer and a chill spreads all over the room.
“If you want to be a part of this family, you will do as I say.” My dad threatens.
