Aria 1

I hate leaving the house, it always has to do with dressing up which I hate even more. I look outside the window and watch as the trees fly by. My phone beeps and I grab it

"Ask if he has a brother!"

I roll my eyes and sigh, Lily is impossible. I don't reply her message and cross my arms in anger. Mom and dad were taking me to the Manchesters, apparently they have some big business meeting that I have to be a part of.

The car stopped and I grabbed my purse as Robert opened the door for me, I stepped out and muttered a thank you to him not really in the mood to smile. I saw mum and dad getting out of their car and I walked towards them.

I didn't even bother to look around, I was too upset. They wouldn't even tell me what I came to do here and on top of that I had to wear this ugly dress. Mum grabbed my hand as we walked into the mansion. I wasn't fazed, we were rich and I was used to seeing houses like this all my life.

"Mr and Mrs Johnson! Lovely to see you again!"

Mrs Manchester and mum exchanged air kisses while dad shook Mr Manchester's hand. I just stood there staring at them

"Oh and this must be Aria! She's so pretty!"

I smiled at Mrs Manchester as she pulled me into a hug. We all walked into the huge living room. Mrs Manchester didn't let go of my arm so I had to sit with her on the plush sofa.

"She really is a beauty"

My mum nodded and smiled at Mrs Manchester as if she was the one being complimented.

"Ok so should we get down to business?" Mr Manchester grinned

"Of course" my dad chuckled

"What major are you studying dear?" Mrs Manchester nudged me

"Literature ma'am"

"Oh god no, don't call me ma'am! I'm not that old! Call me Noelle and my husband is Ray"

I only nodded but stayed mute.

" And where is Scott?"

" Oh he had to run some errands so he won't be here for the meeting, everything has been explained to him though and it is perfect on our side" Ray confirmed

Dad nodded satisfied " Well then that is great because we're ready too"

I'm confused, ready for what exactly?

Ray pulls out a file from a drawer I didn't even notice. He hands it over to dad "We just need your signatures and the deal is done"

What deal?

Dad nodded and collected the papers from Ray. He flipped it over and signed it, mum did to and then she handed it to me

I looked at her "What do I do with this?"

She gave me her ' don't try me' eyes "Sign it sweetheart"

I looked down at the papers, normally I would have signed it without hesitation because they take care of everything anyway but I just felt compelled to read it

I look up into Noelle's kind eyes "Can I read it first?"

"Aria!" Mum gritted her teeth but I ignored her and looked at Noelle instead

"Of course dear, go ahead"

I smiled at her before looking down at the papers to read. I scanned through it but a particular paragraph caught my eye

In conduction of the marriage between Aria and Scott, the companies will hereby be in co- operation with each other and be forever supporting in all aspects.

I swallowed and stood up on shaky legs " Um I need to use the restroom. Noelle pointed in the direction and I walked towards it trying to avoid my parents blazing eyes and trying not to collapse at the same time.

I locked the door of the toilet and looked into the extremely clean mirror in despair. Married?! I just turned 20! They brought me here without my consent and didn't even have the decency to tell me that they were going to marry me off.

I gripped the sides of the sink hard until my hand hurt. I couldn't even splash water in my face because mum forced me to wear this stupid makeup.

I heard the doorknob jiggle and I look towards the door. I walked towards it and opened it only for mum to stumble in.

" What are you doing?!"

I frowned, is she kidding me right now?

" Stop this drama and come back out so you can sign the god-damned contract!"

I scoffed " I'm not signing that,I don't want to get married"

She gripped my arm hard and I winced " Come out there and sign it or else" she drops my arm and walks out.

I rub my arm glaring at her back, her 'or else' has never been good. Last time she burnt my books and my favorite clothes. I don't want to imagine what she'll do now.

I sigh and wash my hands even though I don't need to and walk out. Still wiping my hands on my dress,I bumped into someone.

I look up about to rant before I see the hottest guy in my life and all of a sudden my words die in my throat.