SOFIA
Good morning, I said, Alessandro stood up as he approached me. Morning, he replied gruffly, trying to hide his growing irritation. You finally decided to come downstairs, he muttered lowly, but loud enough for the both of us to hear. I apologize for wasting your time… I. I tried explaining.
Likewise, he quickly cut me off and stood up so quickly I was caught by surprise and shifted back, almost losing my balance but was able to steady myself quick enough. Let's go, Alessandro said, already walking out the door without feeling remorseful about making me almost fall. And I followed quickly as we got into his car and he zoomed off.
I trudged alongside him through the mall, feeling a mix of emotions. We were searching for engagement outfits, a task that should be exciting but felt forced and artificial given our circumstances. Come on, let's try this store, I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
He followed me into the boutique, his reluctance palpable. I tried to ignore it, focusing on finding the perfect dress. As I began trying on dresses, he wandered around the store, his eyes distant. I knew he wasn't thrilled about this engagement, and I couldn't blame him. Our arrangement was a business deal, nothing more.
The hours dragged on, with me trying on dress after dress. He offered his critiques, but I could tell his heart wasn't in it. I felt a pang of disappointment, wishing he could be more enthusiastic. When it was his turn to try on suits, he picked out a bland, navy-blue one without much fuss. I looked at him disapprovingly. Don't you want to try on a few more? I asked, hoping he'd show some interest.
He shook his head. No, this one's fine.
The rest of the day was a blur of shopping and forced smiles. We grabbed lunch at a nearby café, the conversation stilted and awkward. I felt like we were just going through the motions. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the mall, I turned to him with a hesitant smile. I think we've found some nice outfits. Do you want to head back?
He nodded, relieved that this torture was almost over. Yeah, let's head back.
The drive home was silent, the tension between us palpable. I felt a sense of sadness wash over me. This engagement was a necessity, but it didn't mean I was happy about it. When we arrived at his place, he turned to me and said, I'll see you later, okay? I nodded, my eyes downcast. Okay.
I watched him walk away, feeling a sense of resignation. This was our reality now, and I would have to learn to navigate it. As I walked back to my car, I realized I had left my purse at his house. I sighed, feeling a sense of frustration. This day just kept getting more complicated.
I made a mental note to pick up my purse later, hoping that things would get easier between us soon. But for now, I had to focus on getting through this engagement and the wedding that followed. The thought sent a shiver down my spine. I wasn't sure if I was ready for this, but I would have to be. For better or for worse, this is my reality now.
As I drove home, I couldn't help but think about our situation. We were from different worlds, and our engagement was a merger between our families' businesses. It made sense on paper, but it didn't feel right. I felt like I was trapped in a loveless relationship, one that would last a lifetime.
The next few days passed in a blur of activity, with us attending meetings with the wedding planner and finalizing the details of the party. I felt like I was just going through the motions, playing the part of the happy bride-to-be.
As the day of the engagement party approached, I felt my anxiety growing. I didn't know how I was going to get through this, pretending to be the happy groom-to-be's partner. But I would put on a show, smile and laugh, and pretend to be excited about this engagement.
After all, that's what I had agreed to. And I would see it through, no matter how much I wanted to run.
The engagement party arrived, and I put on a show, smiling and laughing with the guests. He played his part perfectly, beaming with happiness as we accepted congratulations.
But beneath the surface, I was seething. This was all a lie, a charade designed to benefit both our families. And I was trapped in the middle of it.
As the party drew to a close, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I had gotten through it, played the part of the happy bride-to-be. But as I looked at him, there wasn't an ounce of joy or happiness on his face, I couldn't help but feel like I was stuck in a nightmare. This engagement was a farce, and I was the main actress in this play.
And I didn't know how much longer he could keep up the charade before showing me his true colors when begin living together.
As we drove home from the engagement party, the silence between us was oppressive. I fidgeted with my hands, my mind racing with thoughts of the future. We would be living together soon, sharing a home and a life that felt like a carefully constructed lie.
I glanced at him, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard lights. He seemed lost in thought, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. I wondered what he was thinking, if he was feeling the same sense of unease that I was.
We pulled up to the house, a beautiful modern structure that would soon be our home. I felt a surge of nervousness as I gazed at it, wondering how we would navigate this new chapter of our lives.
He turned off the engine and turned to me, his eyes searching. Are you okay? He asked, his voice low and gentle.
I nodded, forcing a smile. Yeah, I'm fine.
He didn't seem convinced, but he didn't push the issue. Instead, he got out of the car and came around to my side, opening the door for me.
As we walked into the house, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. This was it, the start of our new life together. And I had no idea what the future held.
Let's get some rest, he said, his voice soft. We've had a long day.
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. Tomorrow would bring its set of challenges, but for now, I just wanted to escape into sleep.
As we parted ways, heading to our respective bedrooms, I couldn't shake off the feeling that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult journey.
I got home and tried to bring out the receipt of things we purchased for the day and then realized I had left my purse in his car.
Ahh..... shit. What was I thinking, he would definitely think that I'm clumsy and careless among all other things he thinks of me.
I quietly walked into the house, thankful that my mum was not around to ask me how the day went and retired to my room, recollecting the events of the day until I dozed off.