The Arranged Marriage

Chapter 1: The Love, The Hate

“Quinn, darling,” Olivia sighed. She was more focused on herself in her hand-held mirror, applying lipstick. She lay across the sofa, making sure there was no room for anyone else to sit. Quinn stood in front of her mother and father, tears running down her face. ‘This cannot be happening!’  Quinn thought to herself.

 Her father, Ben Astor, sat next to Olivia in his fancy, antique chair, staring at the T.V. He had a crystal glass with whiskey in one hand, and a cigar in the other. He looked over at his daughter, his glasses at the end of his nose. He took a long drag of the cigar, letting it out with one big huff.

“Quinn,” Ben coughed. “We are doing this for your own good,” he continued, before he said under his breath, “And for the company, and your mother’s selfishness with money.” His gaze went back to the T.V., leaving the rest of the conversation between Olivia and her.

Olivia finally smacked her lips, snapping the mirror shut with her hand. She then turned her head towards Quinn. To her, her daughter in front of her was a pathetic sight to see. She scoffed at the sight.

“Darling, you must marry Jake Lannister. He is a good-“ Olivia stopped herself, midsentence. She was trying to think of things to say that was good that they had heard about Jake Lannister. The Lannister’s were one of the most powerful and richest families in the city, Sisco.

“Mom, Dad, please! I just graduated from college! I want to live my own life, find my own relationships, make friends!” Quinn pleaded with her parents, hoping that somehow, they can try and support her, for once. “I haven’t even got to get into a career yet.”

Olivia’s gaze was as if she was bored with the conversation. She then whipped her hand up in the air and tilted her head away.

“No matter, you are getting married at the end of the week and that is final!” She then gave a side look towards Quinn and smiled.

“Tell me why!” Quinn yelled. She already knew why, she just wanted to hear it from them and if they told the truth. Quinn felt that she was being targeted, like always. Her parents never liked Quinn at all. They loathed the day that they had her. Quinn’s brother, Lucas, was the favorite of the family. He was all the Astor family wanted; a handsome, smart man, who was next in line in becoming the CEO of the Astor’s company. Olivia and Ben only wanted one child; however, Olivia became pregnant with Quinn, and they hated the day since. They felt that she would take too much pride and joy away from their son, Lucas. Quinn has always been tossed aside, and never given the love and affection that her brother did.

Olivia glared at Quinn, wondering why she would ask a stupid question. Ben finally looked over at Quinn again, taking a gulp of his whiskey.

“Quinn, they are wanting to help us with our company. In exchange, they wanted you to marry their youngest son, who has yet to marry.” Ben spoke, sternly. “And also, because your mother wants and needs more money.” He burped out as his gaze went back to the T.V. once more. He took another drag of the cigar, ashes falling on top of his big, round belly.

Olivia looked over at her husband in disgust. They never loved each other, either. Their marriage was also an arranged marriage.

“Darling, it is better this way, it will be good for you!” Olivia clasped her hands together as she looked over at Quinn. When she realized that Quinn wasn’t going to change her mood about it, her smile turned into a stern look.

“Obviously, your father or I didn’t raise you right, and you have forgotten that we are noble, powerful, and rich families who tend to make arranged marriages, more so than you go off and marrying some lowlife.” Olivia finally cut the crap with her innocence.

“Jake Lannister is no better than a lowlife, from what I hear. He’s all tatted up, has no stable job, and he lives in the shittiest part of Sisco.” Lucas chipped in, walking into the room, and passing Quinn. He gave her a shriveled smirk. “But that sounds like its perfect for Quinn!”

Lucas wore his leisurely business suit, his brown hair was slicked back, and he wore a luxury watch. As he walked into the living room, Olivia held her arms open to him, waiting for his embrace. He then sat down next to her, looking Quinn up and down.

“Why am I being married off before Luke!?” Quinn became furious, with the realization that he hadn’t found a suitable bride yet. Besides that, he was the older one of the family!

Ben rolled his eyes before setting them on Quinn.

“We haven’t found a suiter who can benefit the company, whereas we have with the Lannister’s, but they only have sons.” Ben said, irritated at this point. “I don’t want to hear it anymore, you’re getting married, and that is final!” He then banged his fist against the tea table next to his chair. Quinn didn’t flinch, she just stood her ground before leaving towards her room.

“You’re gonna love being married to the lowlife!” Lucas yelled behind her, laughing with Olivia.

 Quinn hid in her room. Her sight was blurry from her tears, yet headed into the bathroom. When she saw her reflection, she began to criticize and hate herself. It was no stranger to her, the feeling of self-hatred and disgust. Even though she was very thin and petite, she saw herself as fat. In reality, she is beyond words for beauty. She never needed makeup, yet she can’t stand her own reflection.

Feeling disgusted with herself, she pulled the razor out of the top drawer next to her sink. She stood there and watched as the blade swiped across her wrists. Blood trickled into the sink. A few slashes more before she sat down on the bathroom floor, letting go of the razor. She steadied her breathing, hoping to calm herself down. She didn’t care if the blood got in her long, black hair that draped around herself.

She began to try and look at any bright sides. But she couldn’t think of any.