The Forced Union

ce of her bed, ready to tackle the day that lies ahead. First, she makes her way to the bathroom, grasping her toothbrush firmly and diligently scrubbing away any remnants of sleep. With each str

s. As she stands in front of the mirror, admiring her reflection, her phone chimes with a familiar tone. It is a call from her boyf

. She knows the routine by heart, playing the part of a devoted partner.

e affection. It is the kind of greeting that once made Amelia's

er voice tinged with the remnants of

ds brimming with adoration. But his words feel hollow

e day?" she asks, attempting

replies. His answer mirrors the monotony of their

ration captivating her attention. She yearns for the courage to break free f

bling with the weight of her hidden truth. "Maybe we shou

tainty dancing between the two lovers. Amelia holds her

stammers, his voice cracking with confusi

in her for so long now bubbling to the surface. The m

. "I think it's time for us to go our separate ways. We've grown

ffic outside Amelia's window. In that quiet moment, the weight of thei

a mix of resignation and sorrow. "I suppose I can't force

used pain for the person she once loved. But she also knows that staying in

ce tinged with regret. "But we both deser

h sadness. The morning light now holds the promise of a new beginning, a chance for h

ake ends meet. She is the oldest of four siblings and is constantly wrangling her mischievous brothers and sisters, their laughter echoing through thei

her past and prove that beauty and resilience can coexist. And as she steps out into the world, her head held high, Amelia knows

**

ess skirt, does not help. Cell phones ring, and the fleeting sound of the lift door opening breaks up the sound of a

tly and firmly behind my ear, and straighten the folds on my skirt. My gaze quickly flies over th

e, masked by a vivid red l

win, you can

fake smile, which covers my

ank

the massive wooden door, the walls cl

f others. A ticket to my freedom. I knock three times, and the

me i

he huge door. I also straighten my body. I shou

you for returning my call and all

k, nearly expressing how important this is to

his eyes off mine, as if reading my tho

seat, Mis

begging, but your persistence and the way you have written t

are I had leaves my throat the moment

o prior experience in this line of work because I don't know what

g on my dismal sky full of black, thick clouds

portunity; I promise,

ch squeaks from his weight. He makes a thin, straight moti

he workplace in the morning. You will therefore be responsible for organising the materials for all of my meetings, as

tiffen, and if I want to, I can't change its expression. I'm ente

, sir. Thanks again

ds and thus put a stamp and signature on our agreement.

alk past Victoria, the secretary with the fake smile, I pa

w at exactly 8 a.m. I welcome

a small child that she is not happy to look at me every day. S

easure i

r opens, revealing platinum walls. The elevator doors open and clo

long time, my body is relaxed and feels like jelly. The ringing sound of the elevator door opening and the s

ding in my path, I collide with an unexpected force, sending the paper

ng the marble floor below us, an angry face

enchanting blue eyes that mesmerize me with their depth. His black, styl

me, and just when I want to apologize and collect the papers that hav

what y

we bump into each other?! I certainly would

rdon

tting the places where his gaze passes like a razor. The tips of ou

ly bend down and pi

ing his eyes at me. Then says

ediat

der. What does

de, I don't want

d, azure heavens. His firm hold pulls me back as I try to pass past him while trying to

instilling in me a mixed feeling of

nt to play wi

that I am looking him straig

ou, I'll be an ars

heart pounding with a strange mi