Our Hearts Beat For Anne

The city of New York sprawled before me, a sprawling tapestry of dreams and ambitions. As I stood on the rooftop of my apartment building, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the city into a sea of twinkling lights. It was a sight that never failed to awe me, a reminder of the countless possibilities that awaited beyond the concrete jungle.

I took a deep breath, letting the crisp autumn air fill my lungs. It was a welcome respite from the relentless pace of my life as a lawyer. The job had given me success, but it had also taken its toll on my personal life. At thirty-two, I had reached a point where my career defined me more than anything else.

As I turned to go back inside, my phone buzzed, jolting me from my moment of contemplation. It was a message from my mother, and I sighed as I read it.

"Emma, don't forget about the engagement party tonight. It's important for the family's reputation. Love, Mom."

Engagement party. Those two words hung in the air like a heavy cloud. It wasn't just any engagement; it was mine. An arranged marriage that was supposed to unite two prominent families and secure their social status. I had been resisting it for as long as I could remember, but my mother, a formidable force of nature, had a way of making me bend to her will.

The party was scheduled to take place at The Grand Plaza, a lavish event space that screamed opulence. I knew it would be a parade of affluent guests, congratulating me on my impending union with a man I barely knew. A man chosen for me because of his family's connections and wealth.

I walked back into my penthouse apartment, the extravagant furnishings feeling strangely alien tonight. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city, but all I saw were my own reflections, my face etched with uncertainty.

As I began the arduous process of getting ready for the party, I couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment. This wasn't the life I had envisioned for myself. I had always wanted to find love on my terms, not be forced into a loveless marriage for the sake of familial expectations.

Hours later, I stood before the full-length mirror, dressed in an elegant, but suffocating, designer gown. The jewelry sparkled around my neck, a symbol of the wealth and privilege that came with this arrangement. My mother, who had been overseeing my transformation, stepped back to admire her handiwork.

"You look stunning, Emma," she said with an approving smile.

I forced a smile in return, masking my true feelings. "Thanks, Mom."

She reached out and touched my cheek, her eyes filled with a mix of pride and determination. "This is the right path for you, dear. You'll understand one day."

With those words, she left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I couldn't help but wonder if I ever would understand. If this was truly the path I was meant to take, why did it feel like I was being dragged down a road I hadn't chosen?

The arrival of my father in a sharp suit signaled that it was time to leave for the party. We made our way downstairs, where a chauffeur-driven car awaited us. The city lights blurred outside the window as we drove towards The Grand Plaza.

As we neared the venue, I took a deep breath and tried to steady my nerves. I knew what awaited me inside – a room filled with people who would congratulate me on my engagement, all while I felt like a stranger in my own life.