Prologue
I stared at mom, I was totally shocked it just can't be right, no… mom has misunderstood...
"M-mum, you're kidding. Right?" I whispered in shock.
My mother chuckled and shook her head, "My silly daughter, of course I'm not – why would I lie about this?"
"B-because it can't be true" I uttered shaking my head furiously. "Mom wh-"
"Listen sweetheart, this has been my dream since you were born, and his parents already love you so much, aren't you just such a lucky girl?"
This can't be happening. "I can't do this mum, I'm only seventeen!"
"So what?" My mother said shrugging her shoulders "I had you at that age."
"Mum" I exclaimed furiously, almost shouting at her, I just can't believe this. "You can't make me get married when I am only seventeen years old, you just can't"
"Why do you say that Kristen?"
"Because it's too early and I don't even know the guy for god's sake." I wasn't the type of girl who yelled at their parents, but this news was killing me.
"I don't want to get married and even worse … to a guy I don't even know Mum!" I declared feeling aggravated, even at the thought.
"Kristen" She said and smiled calmly, "It's Richard"
"Ri-what?" I looked away and shook my head, okay Kristen just relax maybe this is all a bad dream and you will surely wake up soon so don't panic.
"It's Richard." She confirmed. Okay, great! I take my words back, this is definitely not a dream – more like a nightmare.
"I will never marry Richard" I spat his name out with disgust. My mom came towards me and cupped my cheeks with her hands.
"Kristen dear," she said quietly "he is a good guy I promise, and besides… his parents love you and I am sure you are going to be the perfect wife for him "
"Mum-"
"Dear-" she spoke, attempting to cut me off.
"But he is a playboy!" This was all too much to handle.
"Sweetheart, it's not like he is going to be a playboy forever. People change."
"Mum please…You understand. I don't want to marry Richard"
My mom looked away and stared at the window, grabbing my wrists with so much force it hurt.
"Listen to me Kristen" Mom hissed "I am your mother and you will do as I say. And I say you will marry that boy in a week whether you like it or not, he is rich and I want him as my son-in-law. Do you understand?"
I blinked several times, did she just say he was rich? So that's why she is forcing me to marry him "So this is all about the money?" I whispered speechless, "you're giving me away for money?"
"Shut up Kristen! " This was all some horrible prank, it couldn't be true, "This is for both of our sakes why can't you get it?"
All I could do was stare at her, the shock evident on my face, as my mother called one of our maids.
"Help Kristen pick out a wedding dress and leave the rest to me" Mom said.
The maid just nodded and smiled at me. I didn't smile. This wasn't fair, and as soon as my mother left the room I cried and cried till my tears dried up.
They were forcing me to get married, and don't you ask me who the groom is...
Richard.
Among all boys Richard, why would they do this to me?
I couldn't sleep that night all I could think about was that stupid marriage that they were arranging for me. It's a good thing I don't have a boyfriend, those were the only upsides I could think of to this whole situation.
But I have no choice, I have to get married, if not well … let's just say, there will be consequences...
