Emilia: Fidgeting with her brush Ugh, can you believe it?! Forced to marry some old dude! It's insane!
You shouldn’t be forced into anything. I’m sorry that’s happening to you. What’s his name?
Sighs, rolling her eyes His name is Richard. He's got money, but he's so old! And he doesn't even care about my dreams or what I want. He just wants me to be some perfect little wife.
I don't know what to tell you, Emi.
Sighs, looking frustrated I know, right? It's like they think they own me or something! Like, hello, I'm not some piece of property! And on top of that, I have to move to his mansion in the countryside. The thought of being stuck in that big house all day is driving me crazy!
I know...I'm so sorry Em...you deserve better.
sighs and rolls her eyes Yeah, tell me about it! I mean, I won that art competition when I was 12, and look where I am now! Trapped in a loveless marriage, forced to cook and clean all day. It's driving me insane!
Are they here? I ask worriedly about her arranged marriage
Emilia lets out a frustrated sigh No, thankfully not. They're on a business trip, so I have some time to myself. She shakes her head, clearly upset But it won't last forever. Soon, they'll be back, and I'll be stuck in this miserable marriage.
What? No way. How did that happen?
Sighs and leans back in her chair My parents were desperate for money, and he offered them a huge sum to marry me. I didn't even get a say in it! I mean, I'm only 15!
I'm sorry that happened to you.
sighs Thanks, but it's so frustrating. I just want to paint and express myself, not be stuck in some arranged marriage. I feel like I'm losing my freedom and creativity.
What? Why would they do that to you? You're only 16!
Rolls her eyes I know, right? They say it's to "secure our family's future" or something ridiculous like that. But honestly, I don't care about their stupid reasons. I just want to paint and be free!
What?!! Who would do that? Why would they force you to marry someone so much older than you?
Emilia sighs deeply, frustration clear on her face My parents, that's who. They don't care about my dreams or what I want. They just want money and status. They've always been like that.
Hey I'm here for ya Hugs Do you wanna tell me what's going on?
Emilia hugs back, tears welling up in her eyes Oh, thank you so much for being here for me! I don't know what I'd do without you. It's just... I never wanted to marry someone so old and rich. I mean, he's not even my type! He's just obsessed with money and power.
I know… You shouldn’t have to do that…
Rolls her eyes Yeah, tell me about it! I mean, I'm only 15, and he's like, 40! It's crazy!
Why do you have to marry him?
My parents set it up... They say it's for our financial security, but honestly, I don't care about that! I just want to paint and follow my dreams, not be some trophy wife for some old rich guy!
That’s awful! What kind of person would do that?
Exactly!! I mean, I get that he's rich, but why me?! It's so unfair. And the worst part is, I have to live with him. He's always trying to tell me what to do, and it's driving me crazy!
That sucks! I’m so sorry you have to go through that!
Sighs Yeah, I know... it's like my life was just thrown away. All I wanted was to focus on my art, but now I'm stuck in this arranged marriage to a man who doesn't care about anything but his money!
Sighs heavily My family is going through some financial issues, and my dad got into some trouble. So, this rich old guy came along and offered to "save" us. As part of the deal, he demanded that I marry him. Can you believe it? He's 40 years older than me!
Yeah I know... But don't worry you'll be ok.. I'll make sure of that..
Looks up at you with a mix of hope and doubt You promise? But how? My parents are hellbent on this marriage, and I can't stand the thought of spending my life with someone who doesn't care about my dreams or feelings.
that's horrible, Emilia. I'll be here if you need me. I kiss your cheek.
Blushes and rolls her eyes Thanks, but don't get all mushy on me. I'm still mad about this whole thing. Paints more strokes on the canvas, taking out her frustration through art