Chapter 9: A restaurant?

"And the good news issssssss," Jasmine said in an annoyingly sing-song voice.

Like seriously.

"You're getting married. And even better—two days from now."

Silence.

For the first time in my life, I think I actually lost brain cells.

I let out a dry chuckle. "Jasmine." My voice was calmer than usual. "Can you kindly repeat whatever nonsense just came out of your mouth? I just want to confirm whether I heard you right or if my ears are playing with me."

She sighed dramatically, like I was the one being unreasonable. "I said we got a very profitable deal, and in return, they asked for your hand in marriage. Nothing much."

Nothing much? NOTHING MUCH?

"So you're telling me... that you're selling me off for a FUCKING BUSINESS DEAL?!" My voice shot up.

"Lower your voice, young lady."

I scoffed. "Oh, I'm sorry. Should I write it down instead? Maybe in an email? Or a billboard?" I stood up, pushing my chair back with enough force to screech against the marble floor.

"Listen to me very carefully, Jasmine." I took a step closer. "I am not getting married under your accord. I am not going to be some docile little housewife. So get that into your thick skull."

"ENOUGH!"

I flinched slightly at my father's booming voice. Jasmine smirked. Of course, she did.

"Is this how you speak to your elders?"

I folded my arms. "Yeah. When they deserve it."

"MIRA!" His voice echoed through the house. Wow, surprise. He still remembers my name.

"You're getting married, and that's final." He stood up, ready to leave.

I let out a bitter laugh. "No. I'm not getting married. You can't tell me what to do anymore."

"Keep repeating that to yourself until you believe it," Jasmine muttered smugly.

I clenched my fists. I didn't even know why they were doing this. If they wanted me gone so badly, they could've just said so.

I turned to my father, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why, Dad? Why? What have I done to deserve this? Is it not enough that you've ignored me for years? Am I really just a fucking deal to you?" My voice cracked. "This is not what you told Mom when she was alive."

His expression hardened. "Enough. Not another word."

Then he turned to Jasmine. "Get her ready for the wedding."

Panic settled deep in my bones. I reached for his arm. "Dad, please. If you don't want me here, I'll leave and never come back. But don't do this. Please."

He shook me off like I was nothing. "And what good would that do me? You're getting married. That's final." Then he walked out.

I just stood there, frozen. What the fuck just happened?

Jasmine crouched beside me, lowering her voice like we were two besties sharing a secret. "If you have any bright ideas about running away, abort the mission. Your father has men everywhere. Even if you disappear to the ends of the earth, he'll find you. So don't make things harder for yourself."

I exhaled sharply and stood up, meeting her gaze head-on. "Oh, please. I think I'm in a much better position to decide what's best for me. So kindly mind your business and know your place... stepmother."

Her eyes widened slightly at the venom in my tone.

Satisfied, I turned on my heel and walked away. I had the entire night to figure out how to ruin this wedding.

*The Next Morning*

A loud banging on my door yanked me out of my sleep.

"Ughhh, God help whoever is at that door."

I forced myself up, groaning, and yanked the door open.

Jasmine. Of course.

Her gaze swept over me, and she visibly recoiled. "What the hell happened to you?"

I shrugged. "Oh, you know. Got sold last night. Kind of messes with a person."

"Fix your face. And your hair. You look like you lost a fight with a raccoon."

"Wow, Jasmine, thanks. That was really motivating. Maybe you should be a life coach." I rolled my eyes.

"Anyway, you're meeting your in-laws today. Wear something presentable. Address is in your phone. Don't embarrass us."

"Mind your business."

"And be there before 11 AM. Don't keep them waiting."

I slammed the door shut.

Then I checked my phone.

A restaurant?

I sighed. After staying up all night, I had made my decision.

If they thought I'd just sit and take this, they had another thing coming.

Have they ever seen what happens when a bride says no on her wedding day?

💀 Y'all. Imagine waking up to find out you're getting married because of a business deal. Couldn't be me.

Mira is done with everybody's bullshit, and honestly? Same.

Anyway, stay tuned because things are about to get messy. 😌✨

Don't forget to vote, comment, and ignore my grammatical sins.

Stay sassy. 💅Stay dramatic. 😌