Even though I resented her for siding with my father about the arranged marriage, she had always been my comfort zone.
So, I opened the door and stepped aside to let her in, quickly wiping my tears with a tissue.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, my voice hoarse.
She sat beside me and wrapped me in a warm hug, gently patting my shoulder. “It should be me asking you that. What’s wrong, my love?”
For a moment, I felt like a child again, safe in her embrace. I stayed silent, unwilling to share the storm inside me.
Sensing my hesitation, she asked again, “Are you sad about having to marry someone who isn’t your choice?”
Her words brought fresh tears to my eyes. She hugged me tighter, her worry evident.
“Oh, my princess, I didn’t think this would hurt you so much. We waited for two years, hoping you’d accept it on your own terms. When we heard you finally agreed, I thought you were ready.”
I shook my head quickly. “No, Mom. I’m not crying because of that. It’s my college assignments, they’re so difficult.”
I forced a smile and added, “As for the marriage, I want it. I really want it. I trust you and Dad have chosen the best for me, right?”
Her face lit up with relief. “Of course! And if college is too much, you can take a break before the wedding. No one will blame you.”
“Thanks, Mom. But no. I’d feel weak if I gave up now. I need to face it and become stronger.”
“That’s my girl,” she said proudly, convinced my only problem was schoolwork.
To lift my spirits, she suggested, “How about we go shopping and try on dresses for the banquet tonight? It’s been forever since we had a girls’ day out.”
I forced another smile to please her. “Sure. It used to be our favorite thing. Let’s go.”
She insisted on driving her pink Porsche, claiming she missed being behind the wheel. She even joked about letting me drive her home later, just to relive old times.
We indulged ourselves at the shops, buying more than we needed, both her recommendations and items I picked for myself.
During the fitting, the designer raised her eyebrows at how much my size had changed. “It’s been two years, hasn’t it? Looks like I’ll have to adjust quite a few things.”
I laughed lightly. “Well, my chest grew bigger this time.”
Her comment set off laughter in the room, lightening the mood.
When we got back home, the stylists had already arrived to help us get ready. Tobias had also returned and was trying on his suit.