AMELIA POV
The ride home felt heavy with silence, the only sound being the soft hum of the engine. It matched the turmoil I felt inside.Over time, my anger and frustration grew stronger, eating away at me from the inside like a constant pain. The events that night left me feeling ignored and rejected, and no matter what I did, I couldn't shake the disappointment that weighed on me like a burden.
Looking out the window, I got lost in my thoughts, watching the city lights pass by in a blur of colors. I couldn't stop thinking about what had happened earlier that night, feeling bitter and resentful. It was hard to understand how everything had fallen apart so quickly, leaving behind feelings we hadn't talked about and emotions we hadn't dealt with.
Deep in thought, I barely noticed the soothing sound of the radio in the background, its melody humming softly amid the chaos of my emotions. Time seemed to slow down, each second feeling like an eternity as I struggled against the stormy emotions inside me.
When we walked in, a cozy feeling of home enveloped us. But there was an unmistakable tension in the air, as if unresolved conflict from the family meeting still lingered between us.
I feel angry and shocked when my family discusses my wedding plans for next week. My face turned red with anger, even though I felt cold with disbelief. When I turned to look at them, I saw expressions of surprise, judgment, and even a little annoyance. Unable to control my emotions anymore, I let them out.
"I can't believe it!" I cried out, startling my famil, my words filled with shock and sadness. "A wedding in seven days? Really?" Every word was heavy with doubt and disappointment. I felt betrayed and had trouble breathing.
The room fell silent. Ignoring the mindless conversation that had been the last straw until a few seconds ago, I deliberately took a slow and deep breath. Calmness was important right now, even if the anger burning inside me was hard to ignore.
"Why hasn't anyone considered asking me to participate in deciding my own future? Don't I deserve at least that much understanding?" Each word struck me deeply, filling me with a sense of betrayal.
Almost immediately, I felt eyes on me—some widened in shock, others narrowed in judgment, while most just stared at me in surprise. I was angry and hurt, feeling completely isolated within my own family. The sudden noise of protest meant nothing to me. Shadows of expressions stepped, unimportant, as I looked straight into their eyes.
Nothing can erase the ongoing desire for understanding, recognition, and support. Tears welled up in my eyes suddenly, blurring my vision and deepening the sense of betrayal twisting my heart. "Do I truly have no say in my life?" I whispered, my voice soft yet carrying the same weight as my earlier outburst.
My parents looked at each other, their faces both surprised and confused. They clearly did not expect the intensity of my reaction, nor the weight of my desire for control and understanding at this critical time in my life.
My mother, normally calm and serious, walked over and gently touched my arm. "Amelia," she said softly, "we can see that you are upset, and we sincerely apologize for not taking your feelings into consideration sooner. In our haste to comply with the Westwood family norms regarding arranged marriages, we have neglected to do so. I didn't realize the importance of your contribution in this situation.
She spoke with regret and sympathy, showing that she understood the complexity of the situation. Continuing, she sounded sincere when she said, "Your thoughts and feelings are important to us, and we are committed to finding a solution that respects your wishes and ensures your happiness."
Even though she had good intentions, her words could not calm the storm of emotions inside me. I felt extremely frustrated, wanting my voice to be heard and my perspective respected as I struggled with a decision that could greatly impact my future.
“I see your point,” I began, my voice shaking slightly from the weight of my emotions. "But this decision isn't just about me. It's also about my independence, my ability to shape my own life. I need to feel like my opinion matters in this decision."
“I refuse to be treated as a pawn in this arrangement,” I stated firmly, my voice filled with unwavering determination. "I have the right to be involved in decisions regarding the timing and manner of my marriage. It's not only about adhering to family expectations, but also about striking a balance between this wedding and my own aspirations."
Taking a deep breath, I continued, "This is an important moment in my life, one that every girl has dreamed of for many years. But what is important is that it reflects who I am and what I value. I need the freedom to shape this significant occasion into something meaningful and authentic, not just a standard event dictated by convention."
I had always been the obedient one, the one who nodded in agreement, who never questioned the decisions made for me. But today, I was breaking the mold. I was standing up for my rights, for my future. The future that was being decided for me in this very room, without my consent.
As I took a deep breath, preparing to continue expressing my thoughts, my sister Emily burst into the room with a bright smile on her face. Her presence brought a sense of comfort and support, a reminder that I wasn't alone in this journey.
"How was the meeting?" she asked eagerly, leaning forward with genuine interest, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. It was clear that she genuinely cared about my well-being and was eagerly awaiting updates.
As I stood there, my heart pounding with resolve, I knew I had to speak my truth without further interruption. Emily's sudden appearance momentarily disrupted my impassioned appeal, but I couldn't let anything bother me now. It was time for me to assert myself and firmly have a voice in the decisions that would shape my future.
"Emily, could you please leave for a moment?" I asked, hoping to continue my passionate plea without any more interruptions.
Emily hesitated, her expression changing from curiosity to concern. "Why? What's happening, Amelia? I'm here for you," she responded, her voice filled with genuine care.
For a brief moment, I hesitated. Emily was always by my side, a trusted companion of support and comfort. But this is something I have to deal with myself. I cannot accept any more distractions or disruptions, especially when the stakes are already this high.
Taking a deep breath, I looked at Emily, preparing myself for what I was about to say. “I appreciate your concern, Emily, but I can handle this myself,” I explained, trying to convey the seriousness of the situation without causing too much worry.
His expression showed both concern and confusion, with furrowed eyebrows and slightly parted lips indicating her confusion. "What's going on?" She asked urgently, his eyes darting between me and the rest of my family, searching for clues in their reactions.
"Emily, please," I pleaded, my voice tinged with urgency. "I need to do this alone."
But Emily refused to be discouraged. Disregarding my requests, she ventured further into the room, her gaze locked on me with unwavering determination. "No, Amelia,” she declared firmly. "You don't have to confront this alone. I'm here for you, whatever you need."
His words surprised me the sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. Her presence was a comforting reminder that I was not alone in this battle.
"Thanks, Emily," I said gently, feeling grateful. "But this is something I need to handle alone. For too long, I've let others control my life. But not anymore. Today, I'm standing up for my right to shape my own future."
When I spoke, I could feel the importance of my words, the weight of the moment lingering in the air. But before anyone else could react, my father spoke up, his expression a mix of amusement and seriousness.
"Well, well, well," he said, his tone carrying a hint of playful teasing. "Looks like our little Amelia is all grown up and ready to take on the world."
As I braced myself for another wave of protest, Dad continued, "But let's not dwell on the past. The wedding arrangements have been completed. Instead of letting disappointment consume you, why not take some time to rest? Tomorrow marks the start of a busy schedule as we prepare for the big day."
His words surprised me, a mix of astonishment and acceptance filling me. There seemed to be no point in continuing to fight against the decisions that had already been made. With a sigh, I surrendered to the reality of the situation, realizing that I had no choice but to accept it.
"I will inform Mr. and Mrs. Westwood," he added, his voice adopting a more serious tone, "That all decisions regarding the wedding preparation will be handed over to you, without question or objection."
With a deep breath, I nodded in agreement, mentally bracing myself for the challenges that lay ahead. "Thanks, Dad," I said appreciatively, feeling thankful for his support, and a wave of gratitude washed over me.