That day finally came, everything was going to be finalized on that day.
I made one of the biggest decisions of my life the day I was informed of the marriage, it was going to be sealed finally.
Gosh!!! I didn't know how to feel about this.
The house was quiet.
I stood in front of the full length mirror in my room, adjusting the neckline of my dress for the third time.
I was wearing a sleek navy blue dress my mom had picked.
My makeup was subtle, my hair swept into a clean bun, I looked like someone ready for a business meeting, not a marriage proposal.
I barely recognized myself.
My dad waited at the front door, holding his coat. He didn't say much, just " he's expecting you at noon"
I looked at myself. "If I meet him today, it will be real."
My father's expression cracked just slightly. "I know".
"Promise me one thing". I told him.
Our eyes met.
"If this ever becomes too much, you'll let me walk away. With your blessing". I told him.
He swallowed, nodded. "You have it, no matter what".
" Mom!! Mom!! It's time to go". I informed my mom.
She stepped out, all dressed up.
"You look beautiful, sweetheart". She said.
"Thanks". I said softly. "Although I don't feel like it".
My mom stepped closer. "You don't have to pretend with me".
I exhaled, my voice was tight. "I feel like I'm walking into something I'll regret. But I don't see a way out without letting you and dad down".
"You're not letting us down, Lisse". My mom said, reaching out to hold my hands. "You're just making a hard choice, and I hate that it's fallen on you".
I looked away, my jaw trembling. "You taught me to fight for what I want. But what if what I want hurts the people I love".
She cupped my cheeks gently. "Then you take a deep breath, you walk forward anyway, but never stop listening to your own heart". She encouraged.
"At this point, my heart says otherwise but I have to do otherwise." I whispered to myself.
"What if it gets buried under all this?" My voice broke.
She pulled me into a hug, holding me like she did when I was a child and afraid of the dark. "Then you call me, and we dig it out together'.
Tears slid down my cheeks quietly.
"I'm scared". I whispered.
"I know". She said, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "But you are stronger than this moment. And if it ever gets too heavy, you come home".
Her words gave me more courage to step forward.
I stepped back, wiping my teary face. "You'll still be proud of me?"
My mom smiled through her tears. "I already am".
In that quiet, powerful embrace, I found just enough strength to take the next step, out the door and toward a future I didn't choose: but would face head on.
"It's time to go". Dad announced.
The car slowed in front of a towering, glass building in the heart of the city.
It looked exactly how I imagined a billionaire's empire would. The building looked immaculate and intimidating.
I stepped out, the receptionist in the marbled floor lobby greeted me with a nod.
"Miss Elisse? Mr. Garrett is expecting you. Top floor.
As the elevator ascended, my heart beats increased with each floor. I had prepared myself for the worst.
When the elevator opened, I stepped into an office lined with floor- to- ceiling Windows. I froze.
Standing by the window: a man dressed in a brown suit, with the same smug confidence as before.
He was the man from the mall.
The same sharp jawline, icy stare and arrogant presence. The smoothie–stained coat was gone, but the attitude? Still fully intact.
He turned slowly at the sound of my heels on the polished floor.
Our eyes met.
My stomach dropped.
"You?" I breathed.
He smirked. "Ah! So we meet again, without the drink in your hand this time.
"You're…Garrett Knight?" I confirmed.
He sat down. "Didn't they mention that part?"
My breath was cut. I turned to the assistant behind me, she gave me a polite smile.
I was left speechless: at this point ,there's no backing down. It was too late.
Garrett stepped closer, hands in his pocket. "If I'd known It was you, I might have been…slightly less rude".
I crossed my arms. "If I'd known it was you, I would have turned my car around". I told him.
"Too late". He said calmly. Gesturing to the contract in my hand. "You're here, and I assume you're not carrying that folder for decoration".
I stared at him, disbelief and annoyance swirling in my chest. "You want to marry me after that mall disaster?" I asked.
"I don't want to marry anyone". He said coldly. "But business is business. You're capable, you're presentable, and you clean up well". He said.
My eyes narrowed. "Wow. You're even more charming in the board room".
He stepped even closer with a low voice. "You're free to walk away, Miss Elisse. But we both know why you won't".
The words stung, not because he was wrong, but because he knew he was right.
I opened the folder slowly and slid the contract across the table.
"Let's get this over with".
Garrett smiled without warmth. "Glad we agree".
The pen had barely left the paper when I felt it: that slow, heavy weight pressing through my chest.
It was done.
As I stepped into the elevator, the world outside the glass walls kept moving: traffic buzzing, people rushing, the city unaware that my life had just shifted on the axis.
I didn't feel powerful. I didn't also feel relieved or even brave.
I felt hollow.
"This is just for three years", I consoled myself.
As the elevator door closed, I caught one last glimpse of Garrett's office: of him, already back at his desk barely glancing up.
And I wondered.
Could he
ever see me as more than a name on a page?
Or could this year be a slow unraveling of everything I thought I could endure?