It started with arranged marriage

Chapter 7

- Eric William Miller - 

Last night's movie night with Collin’s siblings were really fun. I was kinda jealous about their childhood memories. I was an only child and didn’t have any memories like them. That’s why since I was young I decided once I got married I planned to have three kids at least. I really want a warm happy big family of my own.

It didn’t mean that my parents were a bad parent. They were really great and good parents. They always prioritize me first even though they were really busy with their business. I just didn’t have any siblings that I played, fought, argued with or spent time with. Most of my childhood was spent with my nanny. Even though Nick was my best friend I was envious of him. 

With the Christmas mood, I went down while humming the Christmas song. I saw all of them were ready to exchange presents and waited for me. 

“Sorry if I let you guys wait for me,” I said. “No it’s okay, Lily and Nick just got here too,” Mary said with a motherly smile. 

Everyone was happy with the moment, especially the Collin family. Every time I saw the whole Collin family together it amazed me, especially Mrs. Collin. I heard a lot about good things about her from business acquaintances. She was generous, humble and actively involved in many charities and moreover she was one of the founders of successful Collin Hotels and Resorts. 

“Look what I got. I’m sure this is from Lily,” Nick said, unwrapping the gift. It was two cute little bottles of tabasco sauce. “That was your favorite sauce, appreciate your gift,” Lily said and all of us were laughing at him. 

I also got one present from Lily. It was a teddy bear costume. I never expected I would get that kind of present in my life. I was really satisfied with her gift but I didn’t want to show it so I pretended that I didn’t like it. 

“Thank you for your present,” I approached her closely and said with a low voice to her unpleasantly. I didn’t want others to see my face or hear what I said, that's why I went close to her. “Why with the long face if you don’t like it give me back,” Lily said. It was obvious that she was upset about my thanks. Her voice was loud enough to catch the attention from others, especially from my mom. 

Everyone was looking at us and I just smiled awkwardly. All the gifts from the Collin family were witty and meaningful even though it was not pricey. Only the presents that my family bought were expensive presents. I wished at that time we should bring something witty too. We said thank you to each other and ended our present exchanging moment.  

In the evening we all went to the local charity foundation that helped homeless people. We all went there and helped the charity till late night. For me and my family it was a new and meaningful experience. We never had done it before like that. We did donate but never did the physical volunteer. 

I kinda felt grateful that I decided to spend Christmas with them. I was thinking at that moment if I were Sophia, I might be at the club and drinking like hell. 

The whole holiday was really meaningful and warmed my heart. The Collin family showed how great to be with the family. I was kinda relieved that mom didn’t mention marrying Lily since Christmas Eve. But one thing for sure was mom will never give up on that. 

Today was the 2nd of January, the last day spending time with the Collin family. After I was finished packing up my luggage I still had a few hours left before headed back. I decided to go to Nick’s room and had a chat with him. 

I knocked on the door, “hey! Can I come in,” I said. “Come in man,” Nick replied and said “whasup man?” 

“Do you have time? I wanna talk to you about some important stuff,” I said and cautiously observed his face. “Sure thing,” he said. 

“Did your mom or grandma mention anything about me and your sister?” I asked. Nick looked kinda shocked by my question. “Yes but nothing special though,” he said and asked me again “why?” 

“Oh God! How do I need to explain this. First don’t get any wrong idea tho. Okay?” I said and continued with my explanation. I explained to him my mom and his mom arranged marriage with me and Lily. 

I awkwardly ended the conversation and smiled at him. He looked pretty shocked about the news. He sighed heavily and said to me “to be honest I don’t know how to react to that man!” Then he continued “honesty I don’t like the idea because you are my best friend and Lily is my sister. I know both of you really well. No offense but I want my sister to be with someone she loves.” 

“I understand Nick. I don’t know what to do on this matter plus my mom looks like she will not give up easily. That’s why I talk to ya now,” I explained to him. I patted his shoulder and told him “I don’t want you to feel awkward toward me once you get to know from your mom. That’s why I’m opening up to you first.” 

“Let’s talk about this matter later. Now just finish on what you are doing,” I said, walking out from his room. Around afternoon we all said goodbye to each other and headed back to our way. 

The car ride was just filled up with the radio sound, no conversation. That was also good because I didn’t want to start the conversation with mom too. Not even a second later I was thinking good that mom didn’t talk anything, she suddenly lowered the radio sound. 

She put on her biggest smile, looked at me enthusiastically and asked me “how do you think of Lily after spending one and half weeks together.” Honestly, I can even count how many conversations that I had with her. 

“How am I supposed to know mom?” I replied to her back annoyingly. I saw the unpleasant face of mom. She wasn’t satisfied with my answer. She slapped my arm and “Eric, I told you to get to know her. I’m really serious with this. Don’t make me lose my face!” She said seriously. 

“Mom, can we talk about this later on. I need to focus on driving right now,” I said. “Okay, fine. I’m finished with this matter yet. Come back home this weekend,” she demanded. I was amazed by dad too. He literally didn’t say anything about me forced into getting married. 

“Dad, you know I’ll be really grateful if you help me out!” I said. I was hoping that dad would be on my side. “Sorry kid, I’m on your mom's side,” he said, leaving me with no hope. 

After I dropped off my parents at home, I went straight to Sophia's apartment. I wanna sorted out everything with her. When I arrived there the only empty apartment was welcoming me. All of her stuff was gone too. She left me and broke my heart.