Prologue copyright protection354PENANAOAOoRRoK3v
I stared at mom, I was totally shocked it just can't be right, no… mom has misunderstood...copyright protection354PENANA262EWAPTNf
"M-mum, you're kidding. Right?" I whispered in shock.copyright protection354PENANAzFE1aXfawk
My mother chuckled and shook her head, "My silly daughter, of course I'm not – why would I lie about this?"copyright protection354PENANAS6mbOFLDDv
"B-because it can't be true" I uttered shaking my head furiously. "Mom wh-"copyright protection354PENANAPZHeW9uXjS
"Listen sweetheart, this has been my dream since you were born, and his parents already love you so much, aren't you just such a lucky girl?"copyright protection354PENANAogmk7f6kTQ
This can't be happening. "I can't do this mum, I'm only seventeen!"copyright protection354PENANA27kCEXgaly
"So what?" My mother said shrugging her shoulders "I had you at that age."copyright protection354PENANAJkLfiYjRGn
"Mum" I exclaimed furiously, almost shouting at her, I just can't believe this. "You can't make me get married when I am only seventeen years old, you just can't"copyright protection354PENANA2dDE10l2q8
"Why do you say that Kristen?"copyright protection354PENANAQwvz6Escxj
"Because it's too early and I don't even know the guy for god's sake." I wasn't the type of girl who yelled at their parents, but this news was killing me.copyright protection354PENANA70RMhXXFa1
"I don't want to get married and even worse … to a guy I don't even know Mum!" I declared feeling aggravated, even at the thought.copyright protection354PENANAk9wD52o3tN
"Kristen" She said and smiled calmly, "It's Richard"copyright protection354PENANAC0XOPaoNjX
"Ri-what?" I looked away and shook my head, okay Kristen just relax maybe this is all a bad dream and you will surely wake up soon so don't panic.copyright protection354PENANAfUYuj3NOsb
"It's Richard." She confirmed. Okay, great! I take my words back, this is definitely not a dream – more like a nightmare.copyright protection354PENANAvKCdgHf5gT
"I will never marry Richard" I spat his name out with disgust. My mom came towards me and cupped my cheeks with her hands.copyright protection354PENANAi1I6acWhNT
"Kristen dear," she said quietly "he is a good guy I promise, and besides… his parents love you and I am sure you are going to be the perfect wife for him "copyright protection354PENANAMPvD7IOBiS
"Mum-"copyright protection354PENANACs8QyuGkrm
"Dear-" she spoke, attempting to cut me off.copyright protection354PENANA1bvtCMvpy7
"But he is a playboy!" This was all too much to handle.copyright protection354PENANAJ4ev9WB3O5
"Sweetheart, it's not like he is going to be a playboy forever. People change."copyright protection354PENANAxtOQinBoiZ
"Mum please…You understand. I don't want to marry Richard"copyright protection354PENANAWX3WbUMicc
My mom looked away and stared at the window, grabbing my wrists with so much force it hurt.copyright protection354PENANAgdx6pYu6qR
"Listen to me Kristen" Mom hissed "I am your mother and you will do as I say. And I say you will marry that boy in a week whether you like it or not, he is rich and I want him as my son-in-law. Do you understand?"copyright protection354PENANA9F6f1YK1w2
I blinked several times, did she just say he was rich? So that's why she is forcing me to marry him "So this is all about the money?" I whispered speechless, "you're giving me away for money?"copyright protection354PENANAPOoBCzsMFM
"Shut up Kristen! " This was all some horrible prank, it couldn't be true, "This is for both of our sakes why can't you get it?"copyright protection354PENANA3pTQzlrerv
All I could do was stare at her, the shock evident on my face, as my mother called one of our maids.copyright protection354PENANAYeSDbtxZcD
"Help Kristen pick out a wedding dress and leave the rest to me" Mom said.copyright protection354PENANAs9A3Ht4P5c
The maid just nodded and smiled at me. I didn't smile. This wasn't fair, and as soon as my mother left the room I cried and cried till my tears dried up.copyright protection354PENANAiQEvkxhzLC
They were forcing me to get married, and don't you ask me who the groom is...copyright protection354PENANA5viiuwkXPu
Richard.copyright protection354PENANAaRjrCWrRUy
Among all boys Richard, why would they do this to me?copyright protection354PENANAdaszOcaqAz
I couldn't sleep that night all I could think about was that stupid marriage that they were arranging for me. It's a good thing I don't have a boyfriend, those were the only upsides I could think of to this whole situation.copyright protection354PENANA8fLMwWRTTJ
But I have no choice, I have to get married, if not well … let's just say, there will be consequences...copyright protection354PENANA1HqRukkGeM