I just got back, back from sealing the deal.
It was finally done.
I dropped my keys on the side table and stood for a long moment in the doorways. Staring into the dim living room like a stranger in my own life.
The walls didn't feel like mine tonight.
Nothing did.
I took off my shoes and curled up on the couch, still wearing my dress, feeling the weight of what just happened.
The contract was done, signed and filed.
"I'm someone's wife now". I whispered to myself.
Both In name and in strategy.
But not in heart.
Just as I was thinking through, my parents walked in.
"How was it?" Mom asked.
I looked up slowly. "It's done. We signed".
My mom exhaled in relief. Dad nodded once, but both were watching me closely, as if they already knew the rest of the story wasn't that simple.
I stared down at the steam rising from the cup.
"You'll never guess who he is". I said softly.
Dad frowned. "Garrett Knight of course"
That's not even the interesting part of this whole thing.
I shook my head. "I mean yes, but he's the same guy I bumped into at the mall.
The one in the suit. The one who called me reckless and wanted me to pay for his dry cleaning".
"That was him?". Mom's eyes widened.
"Yup". I said bitterly, a dry laugh escaping.
"Turns out the man I accidentally baptized with a strawberry smoothie is now my husband, on paper".
"Well…that's awkward". Dad added.
"He was cold, arrogant and smug as usual". I paused.
"And somehow who I expected him to be".
Mom reached out to my hand. "Did he treat you with respect during the signing?"
I hesitated. "In his own way, yes.
He's... professional and sharp. But it felt like a business deal and not anything relating to marriage. No warmth or even comfort. Just terms and signatures". I explained.
We all sat in silence before I continued.
"He told me I clean up well".
Mom's mouth dropped open. "He what?".
"I almost walked out". I admitted. "But I didn't. Because I thought about both of you. Everything that you sacrificed and everything that could be lost.
Dad's voice was low. "Lisse, we never meant for you to feel…?"
"I Know". I said. Cutting him off gently.
"But I chose this. For you, I just didn't expect it to feel so…empty".
Mom squeezed my hand.
"Maybe it won't stay that way".
I looked away. Swallowing hard. "I'm not hoping for magic. I'm just hoping I survive this without losing myself".
Dad finally spoke with a steady voice. "Then that's what we'll help you do".
I sure need help. This is a lot.
"You don't have to pretend to be strong all the time". Mom said.
"I know". I agreed. "But I don't think I have a choice anymore".
Dad sat across from where i was with his hands resting on his knees. "Yes you do. You always have a choice. And the choice you've made: to carry this for us means more than you know.
But now, it's our turn to give you something back".
I already knew what it was.
I looked up to the both of them. "Advice?"
Mom smiled. "Love and advice".
Dad nodded. "You don't have to like Garrett. But you do need to stay centered. Don't let his coldness get to you. That man lives in logic.
You live in heart. Don't lose that".
Mom added. "Remember who you are when the light goes off. Write to yourself if you have to. Make space for your thoughts".
"And don't be afraid to speak up". Dad continued. If something doesn't feel right, say it out loud. The man runs a company, not your soul".
I tried to control my tears.
"I'm scared, I'll get used to pretending. That I'll forget this is all fake". I complained.
Mom took my hands. "Then build little truths inside it, little things that belong to you. A routine, a corner in your new place or even a song.
Something no contract can touch". She whispered.
Dad stood. Placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "And if it ever becomes too much, Just come home. We'll open the door before you even knock".
I stood slowly and looked at them with my heart full and aching.
'Okay". I whispered. "I'll remember".
With that, I headed straight to my room. I needed to have a lone time .
I needed to process a lot of things.
I stared at the ceiling, eyes unfocused. My thoughts spinning faster than I could hold them.
"What happens to me if I go through this?"
Garrett Knight is powerful and very distant. Every word from his mouth feels calculated and controlled.
Could I really share my space or my life with a man who sees emotions as weakness and love as irrelevant?
What if I disappear into the shadow of his world?
What if after the year is over, I no longer recognize my self?
I tried to calm myself, pressing my hand on my chest. "This isn't real". I reminded myself. "It's a contract and Just business".
But why does it feel like a quick surrender?
Would he ever look at me and see me as a person, not just a solution?
Would I ever be more than a placeholder wife?
"This isn't the life I dreamed of". I whispered into the silence. "But it's the life I chose.
I sank into the couch, pulling a throw pillow over my knees. Just immediately…
My phone buzzed.
Who could that be.
I didn't look at it right away, I assumed it was just a random message from work since I had been gone for few days.
When I finally picked it up, my breath caught.
Garrett Knight
A message.
Driver will pick you up at noon tomorrow. We are having dinner. We need to talk somethings through.
It was a very short and typical message.
But then: after a beat, another message came through.
"You handled today better than I expected".
I stared at the screen. It was plain with ni emoji or warmth.
But somehow, the second message made my heart flutter in a way I didn't want to admit.
I typed a reply then I paused for a moment and
later deleted it.
I tossed the phone aside and leaned my head back. I whispered to the ceiling.
"What the hell have I gotten myself into?"