Faking It.

(Karsten)

Ma's attitude and Urisa's overbearing self, made me avoid my family mostly. I didn't get along with Rahsir either, but we didn't meet much. 

He had his own business and place and family gatherings were the only times Ma forced us to bear each other. He wasn't a bad person, our personalities just didn't match. 

Returning to Sparia meant I had to take care of other business as well—the unwanted one. I avoided it for now but Ma had been insisting on my marriage so I could overtake that position. Hence, the reason I had to play pretend with Arata was so she would lay off my back. Urisa's behaviour and Ma's siding with her soured my mood. 

Arata tried to bring me out of my shell with her teasing and laughter, and it was hard to resist that beautiful, mischievous smile she carried.