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