ARIANA'S POV:
It's my wedding day today.
I went downstairs and saw everyone buzzing with excitement about the wedding, everyone except me. Even though it's my wedding and I'm the bride, I should be the happiest person here, but I don't feel that way at all.
I don't know why. Is it because I still can't get over my ex and I'm still in love with him? Or is it because I'm getting married to someone I don't know anything about, a complete stranger?
I know this feeling is stupid because I was the one who told my parents I would marry whoever they chose for me. Still, there's a strange energy inside me, a heavy feeling that something bad is about to happen.
Maybe it's just my heart. A heart that's still in love with someone else. The heart is innocent, it can't differentiate between what's right and what's wrong. It just loves purely, with all its strength. But the person it loves isn't always right. Sometimes they take advantage of that innocence and leave after using it.
I've had so many exes. They all used me or took advantage of me, and then disappeared from my life. I begged them to stay, but once they got what they wanted, they didn't want me anymore.
As I sat in the living room, my mother came to me.
"Sweetheart! You're still not ready?" she said cheerfully. "Oh, come on, it's your wedding day. Smile a little."
"Sorry…" I whispered. "I just don't feel like it."
She sighed and sat beside me on the couch.
"Look, honey… I know you still can't get over your ex-boyfriend, Jacob. But that was a long time ago. You have to move on from him. There's no point wasting your time missing someone who didn't want you."
She paused, then added gently, "Did he text you when he moved to Australia? No, right? Because he moved on very easily. So you should too. There's a whole new life ahead of you, waiting for you to accept it."
Maybe Mom is right. I should forget him and focus on my future.
I nodded, and she smiled softly, stroking my cheek.
"Now come on," she said. "Let's get you ready."
Mum took me upstairs to my room to get ready for the wedding.
The wedding began.
My father walked me down the aisle. On the stage stood a tall man, at least six feet, waiting for me. He extended his hand, and I placed mine in his as I stepped onto the stage.
We said our vows, exchanged rings, and then the priest announced, "Now you are married. You may kiss the bride."
He leaned closer, but I hesitated. It was my first time kissing someone who was a complete stranger. I glanced at my parents. My mum nodded encouragingly.
After a moment, I leaned in too.
Our lips met in a soft, gentle kiss.