Ariella 's pov.
I got home, shut the door, and just stood there like what the actual hell just happened?
No, seriously. Am I hallucinating? Did my parents really just say I'm getting married? To a billionaire? On my 25th birthday? Like, surprise—here's a husband you didn't ask for.
I dropped my bag on the floor, kicked off my shoes, and slumped onto the couch. Everything was spinning. I needed water. Or wine. Preferably both.
It was said so casually too. "Oh honey, it's time. I made a promise years ago." Like it's some family tradition. Like oh yes, let's serve our daughter up like roast chicken to the Blackwood dynasty. I'm probably being over dramatic but no one would blame me right now.
Nicholas freaking Blackwood. Tall, rich, cold. Zero personality. Probably thinks emotions are a disease. And now I'm supposed to marry him? Why? Because two old men shook hands in the 90s?. Ha. That was a good one.
I stared at the ceiling for a while, just breathing and trying not to cry. Or scream. Or both.
Then I remembered… I had to tell Alex and Amara. My two chaos partners. If anyone could talk me out of a nervous breakdown, it was them. Well… hopefully.
I sent a quick voice note to the group chat:
"I'm getting married. No emojis. Just panic."
Three. Two. One. Let the chaos begin.
Two seconds later, the front door opened.
"You're joking," Amara said, walking in like a storm in heels.
"Wish I was," I muttered.
Alex followed behind, hair perfect as always. "Is this a prank? Please tell me this is a prank."
"Do I look like I'm in the mood for a prank?" I snapped, pointing to my hair—which was doing things even gravity didn't understand.
"Wait, wait—to who?" Amara asked, slowly sitting down like her knees gave out.
I inhaled like I was about to deliver a death sentence. "Nicholas. Blackwood."
Dead silence.Say something people.
Alex's face twisted like he'd just sucked a lemon. "As in, Mr. Ice-in-his-veins? The walking Adonis. Him?"
"Yeah. Apparently, I'm a pawn in a rich people's handshake ." My dad wasn't technically rich yet then but whatever.
Amara looked personally offended. "Girl. That man looks like he holds grudges against feelings or emotions." I almost laughed at that because Amara was that funny but restrained myself on time. Focus Ariella.
"I know, right?" I said, flopping back dramatically. "My dad made some ancient promise with his dad, like this is Game of Thrones or something."
"You're actually going to marry him?" Bo asked, quietly. He was the sensible one of the group and equally the most strategic.
Amara stood "That's insane, you are not actually going through with it are you"?
"I don't know," I admitted, "The consequences if I didn't, could put them in serious danger".
Alex nodded understandingly "So what's the plan"?
I sighed. "No idea. But if I do… it's war. I'm not going to be some obedient trophy wife. He wants a contract marriage? Cool. I'll bring the terms."
"That's my girl," Alex whispered, and I smiled.
But honestly? I was terrified. Not of him. Not even of marriage. I was terrified of losing myself. Again. I've been there—hurt, betrayed, broken. This time, I wasn't going down without a fight.
I am no longer a victim. I thought inwardly.
Looking at my friends I tried to bring up the mood as the news had dampened us all.
"Hey guys, it's going to be fine and if he tries anything I could still beat him up to pulp", I said grinning at them.
They all laughed and Amara spoke, "Yeah like the last guy you beat up in the mall". Bo amused, laughed louder.
"Can't still believe you threw a guy over your shoulder like he weighed nothing". He wiped tears out of his eyes and smiled at the story he was told by Alex.
"Too bad I didn't break his legs though", I rolled my eyes remembering how it had occurred.
Ever since the incident that occurred when I was five, I had been too scared to go out freely and jumped at every little sound that was made. My dad, wanting me to become stronger and overcome my fear, enrolled me in self defense classes.
The more I excelled in my classes, the more it made me come out of my fragile shell and as time passed I gained back my confidence and rebuilt my armor becoming invisible.
Some years back, when I was still twenty and my family hadn't yet elevated among the ranks, I and my friends (Alex had not yet met Bo) had gone on a shopping spree to get new clothes for Alex's sister's engagement party. (now with two lovely female twins).
As I and Amara were trying out some gowns, (which I remember telling her were too slutty) we heard a commotion at the cashier and went to see what it was.
We then saw a guy who looked to be in his late 30's yelling at a young and scared female employee who was apologizing profusely with her eyes searching frantically for help. Nobody looked at her.
What a jerk.
I thought inwardly, as I made my way towards them as people were just going about minding their business. Cowards.
As I neared them I could see the guy leering at the girl's chest and getting in her face provocatively.
Scratch that , this was a grade A scum bag if I ever saw one. Is he… drooling? Ew. I kept my smile in place and tapped his shoulder. Thank god I had already told Amara to send for security.
"Excuse me sir?"
The guy angrily turned to meet my gaze and I noticed he could have had passable good looks if not for his shiny prominent forehead. It was like looking into a mirror. It is always the ugly ones. Ugh.
"Who are you?"He sneered looking at me over his eyes stopping on my chest. "I know you aren't the manager, too.. young", he kicked his lower lip and I fought the urge to throw up. His eyes were practically undressing me and it felt disgusting. I'm going to need a shower after this.
Where was Amara and the manager?. This was going to get real ugly if they didn't show up soon.
"I am not the manager but I was wondering if I could help solve the problem"I stated calmly, a smile still on my face. What a waste of breathing space.
"Fuck off, bitch", Hesnarled "no one asked for your fucking help".
Mistake number 1.No one called me a bitch.
Oh the gilded fool….. He is practically begging for it now. I tried again.
"Maybe the issue could be solved with ease ... .let's just calm down, no need to exaggerate"... Or I could make you.Your choice.
Now furious, he raised his hand, his fist clenched to hit me… "Don't patronize me you little shit!!". He hissed with rage.
What happened next dear ladies and gentlemen wasn't my fault. He swung his fist at my face so I grabbed his arm, rotated it which produced a crack, giving him no time to yell in pain, I swung him over my shoulder and he landed with a heavy thud sound like a cement bag hitting concrete.
Maybe I can crush his toes secretly.
Alas, Amara had already called security and they made their way to the center as a crowd had already formed around us. They picked up the poor guy who still looked slightly dazed and escorted him out.
"What did I miss?", Amara asked looking confused at the guy's back as he was being escorted outside. "Uhmm, he looked kinda…. dazed, don't ya think?". Oh he is
"Dazed?,"I put on an innocent face and gave an I don't know shrug. "Must be the weather….".
She looked at me suspiciously, not believing me one bit but nodded anyway. "Yeah… the weather, of course". She turned towards the approaching figure of the employee who headed straight from me as the crowd dispersed now that the show was over. I caught some pregnant ladies giving me awestruck looks
.
"Thank you so much"... she looked at me gratefully. Feeling awkward I waved it off.
"It was nothing, he was just an asshole" I smiled gently and told her to be more careful to which she nodded at me and left.
"Still want to claim nothing happened"? my closest friend said dryly, eyeing me over. Busted.
"Let's go find Alex before he gets lost", I said laughing and dragged her along. "Then I will tell you what you missed", I added knowing she won't bulge.
Satisfied with my answer we held hands and went looking for our friend.
All this seems like it happened yesterday as the reminder of my impending marriage forces me back to the present.
I looked at my friends and thanked my lucky stars for blessing me with them.
Standing up, I lifted my chin, "if I'm getting married, it will be on my own terms. And I swear to make the Blackwood family wish they never dragged me into their family soap opera".
"Go gurllll", Amara whistled and the others clapped and cheered, reminding me once more how lucky I'm to have them.
I grinned. But deep inside, I felt the storm coming. All bravado aside I wasn't ready at all. But then again, storms never ask for permissions do they?.