The Arranged Marriage

Setting the Terms

Quinn, Lila, and Jake arrived at Jake’s home. He lived in a one-bedroom home. The home had space and didn’t feel cramped, however there wasn’t much in the home to begin with. It almost felt untouched, as if he rarely ever stayed there.

Jake ushered both ladies into the home. Lila knew that Jake wanted her there to see if what she had said about Quinn was true. Lila had been watching Quinn closely for a few months. With it being her and Jake’s dying wish that he was to marry the daughter of the Astor family, she knew that she had to keep an eye out for her brother.

Everyone knew what kind of reputation the Astor family held. They were greedy, and always money hungry. It was also known that the Astor’s were never loyal to their partner’s. Lila knew that Jake more than any of the Lannister’s needed someone to be loyal and loving. That was why she watched her and found out that Quinn is nothing like her family’s reputation.

Jake cleared his throat.

“Quinn, if you’d like to change out of your dress, you can use the bathroom or the bedroom. Lila and I will wait out here.” He gestured to the living room as he picked up the T.V. remote and turned on a show. Quinn looked at Jake in awe. She grabbed her bag that had all her things in it and quickly ran to the bathroom.

Lila sat down next to Jake and giggled.

“Really, you’re gonna watch T.V.? I thought I was needed here for something.” Lila spoke softly. Jake looked around, making sure that Quinn wasn’t around.

“She can’t know. You already know this. Not until I know that I can trust her.” Jake grunted under his breath at Lila. Lila chuckled.

“You think I’m stupid? I already know this,” She smirked at her brother, as she playfully punched his arm. “Listen, you need to go easy on her when setting the boundaries.” Lila then said in a gentle and calm voice.

Jake looked at his sister and huffed at her. He wasn’t sure how to feel about being married. He didn’t know what kind of person Quinn was. Usually, he was able to read a person just by a look, yet he couldn’t read Quinn at all. Remembering back to when he first saw her, he thought of the scars on her wrists, and his expression grew sad.

“What do you think happened for her to get those scars on her wrists?” Jake asked his sister in a very hushed voice. His gaze was fixed on his hands.

“I don’t know, but it didn’t look like the Astor’s cared about their own daughter or her well-being at all. It seemed like they were eager to get the wedding over with and be done with her.” Lila was looking out of the windows. She felt worried for Quinn. What had happened?

Before they could say anymore, the bathroom door opened, and Quinn walked out slowly. She changed out of the wedding dress into sweatpants and a long-sleeved shirt. She had washed off all of her make-up and let her hair out of the braid, leaving it wavy and draped around herself.

Jake’s expression softened looking at her, realizing she was purely beautiful, even without all the make-up. He then cleared his throat and thoughts and asked her to come sit down with them. Quinn hesitated but accepted. She sat in the lounge chair next to the couch, making sure that she had good posture and sat up straight. Jake saw this and giggled.

“You don’t have to tense up, or even act like a noble lady here. I won’t judge you if you relax.” Jake said softly to Quinn, trying to ease her. He can sense that she was on edge and weary of the situation, though so was he.

Looking around the home, trying to find a place to fix her eyes, Quinn was gaining unease. Yet she remained in her tense posture and didn’t say anything. She hasn’t really said anything at all, except for the vows. Seeing that Quinn was stubborn, Jake grew a small grin on his face.

Lila reached over and placed her hand softly on top of Quinn’s. Quinn jumped because she wasn’t paying attention and looked at Jake and Lila.

“You want something to drink?” Lila asked her. Quinn nodded and Lila got up and walked to the kitchen. This was the perfect opportunity for Jake to move closer to Quinn, but he stayed put. He was worried that if he made any sudden movements, that it would scare Quinn. It was like he was looking at a deer. He leaned back in his seat and turned off the T.V.

“Listen, I’ll just get to the point. I hate beating around the bush,” Jake said, his voice low. He looked at Quinn, still stiff in place. “I won’t get into your business if you don’t get into mine. However, we obviously still need to be there for each other since we are married. I understand that you are an Astor, so I can understand casual affairs, but I don’t want them going public. To anyone else, we are a happily, married couple.” Jake stated this as if he were making out a verbal contract. His voice stayed low, yet it was stern. “And another thing, I will not allow you to come home pregnant with any other person’s child.” His voice grew cold then.

Quinn wasn’t sure how to feel. Her expression, however, didn’t change at all with what Jake had just said. She began to realize that he probably thought that she was like her family. Quinn nodded.

“That’s fine with me. Although, I don’t know what affairs you are talking about.” Quinn said quietly. She has never even had a boyfriend before. Most people never pursue her because they either think she has a boyfriend already, or they were frightened by her because of her scars.

Jake leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. He had grown a small smile, but quickly hid it. How is she acting so innocent? He thought that she had had plenty of other relationships before him.

Lila finally arrived back with water for both her and Quinn. She sat back down in the same spot and looked over at Jake before smacking him.

“I told you to go easy on her, not make her agree to a lecture!” Lila then turned to Quinn, taking a drink. “Don’t worry, I can help you sort him out when he acts up. You’re gonna be seeing me a lot, and I will be spending a lot of time with you!” Lila smiled at Quinn. On the other hand, Quinn was not sure how to take Lila’s behavior. She wasn’t sure if Lila was just a perky and upgoing person, or if it was an act to cover something.

Lila then finished up her drink and stood up. “I better go home. I have work in the morning, and I’m sure you both are tired. She gave Jake a hug and then Quinn before walking out the door. Before she left, she gave a wink to Quinn and smiled.