Ella's eyes widened as she stared at her mother, Alexandra, in shock. "A arranged marriage? You're joking, right?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Alexandra's expression remained stern, her lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm afraid not, Ella. Your father and I have discussed this at length, and we've decided it's for the best."
Ella's mind reeled as she tried to process the news. She was only 22, still in college, and the thought of being married off to some stranger was absurd. "But why? I don't even know this person," she protested.
"His name is Alexander, and he's a wonderful young man from a good family," Alexandra replied, her voice firm but gentle. "You'll get to know him soon enough. The wedding is set for next month."
Ella felt like her world was spinning out of control. She had always dreamed of finding love, of having a fairytale romance, not being bound to someone she didn't know. "Can't I at least meet him before the wedding?" she asked, desperation creeping into her voice.
Alexandra's expression softened slightly. "Of course, dear. You'll meet Alexander soon. I'm sure you'll get along famously."
As Ella watched her mother walk away, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. What had she gotten herself into? And who was this Alexander, anyway?