What do you think you're doing?!" Tiffany's face suddenly turned frightening. She grabbed Aria's arm roughly and shook it hard.
"What are you doing?!" Aria struggled, trying to free her hand.
"You think I wouldn't notice?" Tiffany hissed. "You're trying everything you can to escape this marriage."
She finally stopped shaking Aria's arm, but her grip remained tight.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Tiffany," Aria said with a frown.
"Don't try to act clueless," Tiffany snapped. "And don't you dare try to ruin this marriage. It will happen whether you like it or not."
She pushed Aria's hand away roughly before opening the restroom door. In an instant, her expression changed completely, returning to a sweet, innocent smile.
The moment the door shut behind her, Aria's composure broke.
Tears spilled down her face uncontrollably. She leaned against the cold wall before slowly sliding down to the floor.
Why is all of this happening to me?
The thought echoed painfully in her mind as silent sobs shook her body
************
Tiffany walked back to Butler Ian and Noah, who were waiting for them.
Both of them looked slightly confused.
"Sister said she needs to use the restroom for a while," Tiffany said casually with a bright smile. "She'll join us soon."
Her words easily convinced them, and they returned to the living room.
A few minutes later, Aria joined them as well, acting as normal as she could.
"Tomorrow, we will meet at the court first to officially register the marriage," Old Man Sterling said calmly.
Aria looked at him carefully, pain hidden deep in her eyes.
Is marriage just a game to rich people?
The Dawson family left the mansion later that evening.
Just as Old Man Sterling had said, Adrian never showed up.
************
After the Dawsons left, Old Man Sterling sat in his study with Butler Ian.
The old man sat behind his large desk while Butler Ian stood beside him quietly.
"There's something strange about that Aria girl," Old Man Sterling said slowly.
"I noticed it too," Butler Ian nodded.
The old man adjusted his glasses and looked down at the book on his desk.
"Well, it doesn't matter," he said indifferently. "All I need from her are grandchildren."
Behind him, Butler Ian let out a quiet sigh.
He couldn't help but feel a little pity for the girl.
**************
The next morning came far too quickly for Aria.
Very early in the morning, two maids knocked softly before entering her room.
"Young miss."
Aria lifted her head from the pillow, her face still heavy with sleep. She looked confused when she saw the maids standing beside her bed.
It was unusual for them to wake her up.
"What's wrong?" she asked, sitting up slowly while rubbing her eyes.
The two maids exchanged amused glances.
"Young miss, have you forgotten what is happening today?" Sarah, one of the maids, asked gently.
Aria stared at them in confusion.
"What are you talking about? What's happening today?"
"Today is your wedding," the other maid said.
Aria froze.
Her eyes widened in shock.
Today… was her wedding.
And she had completely forgotten.
She immediately jumped out of bed in panic.
"W-What do I need to do? We need to be early," she said anxiously.
Her mind raced with fear.
What if she ruined this wedding? What if something went wrong?
Everything, her mother's name and even her future, felt like it depended on today.
"Miss should take her bath now," Sarah said calmly.