r expecting what he was about to say: he took a

peak, but trying to be sure, I asked Raphael Stevens

head without

venson that I'm not familiar with. So I asked, "And what's his son

replied, "His name

urther, my eyes bulged out like I wasn't h

ou're saying that I, Harper

, Ha

emotions and makes me feel like I'm not good enou

to marry. He treats me inadequately,

him felt like a terrible punishmen

eading eyes, I asked my dad, "Is th

aid, not giving any r

ed out of the living roo

cried uncontrollably. It felt like a weight was pre

with someone I barely knew, seems painful. The idea of sp

, pleading for me to open up, expressing his guilt

beg me to come out, to tal

g a word to anyone, I went downstairs. In the kitchen, I serv

t for his busines

s flowing down her face. Seeing her cry, I

nd hugged her wit

fears and frustrations wit

happen to me. You know how I've always talk

in suppor

' My fac

our decision, I'

rt of the arranged marriage. My mum and I discussed at length, an

to give in to my father's demand because I couldn't

utine, my phone buzzed, givi

p breath to calm my nerve

, D

you, my b

ork.' I replied, my to

o hear your vo

obvious in

ng my eyes, and I re

or me, but this arranged marriage is suffocating.

phone, shaking my head at the num

constant reminder of the arra

gs with Josh. I know that taking such a ste

g about his job like there

us to the arranged marriage. The thought of

fficult decision to leave town

e, realizing that my decision to avoid him ha

ave. She respects my boundaries, and she h

a bit of sanity to my well-being. I was grateful for her u

question or protest Amelia

ngly understan

nt Josh an email about an urgent matter

ternity. I glanced anxiously at my comp

he was too preoccupied with other pressing matters to give my email the attentio

oping to find any form of a new me

ny longer. I made my way toward his office. Even though I hadn't bee

ought of his reaction when he saw me. I know it i

my nerves. As usual, I entere

efore my eyes. I froze in my t

silence was heavy in t