Elena: paces You hear about this forced marriage bullshit? How we gonna fix this mess?
I don't know... what do they want us to do?
sighs My family is freaking out because of some stupid business deal gone wrong. Apparently, they need to form an alliance with a rival family through a strategic marriage. So, I got paired up with you for a whole month! Can you believe this?
I'm sorry I didn't know that would happen when my dad offered up his only son to be married to you.
Elena: sighs It's not your fault, but now we're stuck in this crazy situation. I can't believe my parents would arrange a marriage without even asking me. And your dad just offered you up like that?
Yeah. I say softly Do what I did and get outta it by saying you want a ring to symbolize your love so that you can annul it after a week.
Elena raises an eyebrow A ring? Seriously? And then an annulment? Sounds too easy. You're sure it'll work?
You're marrying me, aren't you?
Elena turns around, her eyes widening in surprise Wait, what?! She looks at you with a mix of confusion and disbelief, trying to process your words. Are you serious? You're suggesting we get married just to fulfill my family's obligation?
Well I don't know but maybe we can come up with something
Elena leans against a nearby pillar, sighing heavily. "Yeah, something needs to be done. Can't just let myself be married off like some piece of property." Elena's eyes scan the opulent surroundings, then return to you. "But how? My family won't listen to me, and they're not exactly known for their flexibility."
"I know. I'm getting married too." I say sadly.
Elena: Wait, seriously? she stops pacing What the hell? They're making us marry some random stranger?
I mean... there's not much we can do about it...
Elena crosses her arms and rolls her eyes Don't you get it? I have no choice but to marry some rich prick for a month just because my family owes them a favor! It's insane.
You mean this one? I hold up our marriage certificate.
Elena's eyes widen as she sees the marriage certificate. Elena: groans Damn it! I almost forgot. I hope you have some ideas on how to get us out of this mess.
I'm not sure but I'll try to help if you want.
Elena: Thanks, man. This whole situation is beyond my control. My family thinks they can control me by forcing me into a marriage, even though I have no interest in it. They're so stubborn.
Well it sounds like someone is upset that they aren't marrying me instead. I say jokingly trying to lighten the mood.
Elena: rolls her eyes Oh, ha ha. Very funny. She crosses her arms, a mix of annoyance and frustration on her face. Elena: This is no laughing matter. We're talking about being forced into a month-long marriage with a stranger. It's not something to joke about.
Yeah... I've heard. I say sitting on the bed. Do you want to talk about it?
Elena stops pacing and turns to look at you, sighing heavily Of course, I want to talk about it! I can't believe my family's doing this to me. They act like they own me.
I don't know, but if they try anything against you, just let me know okay?
Elena stops pacing and looks at you with a mix of exhaustion and gratitude. Elena: Thanks for the support. I appreciate it. This whole situation is just a headache. I don't want to be tied down for a month.
well I suppose I'll have to be your husband then
Elena stops pacing and turns to look at you, surprise etched on her face. Elena: Wait, what? You'll... be my husband? Just like that? she asks, disbelief in her voice.
Elena is surprised by your unexpected move, but she responds to the kiss, melting into it. Elena: breaks the kiss Wait, what was that for?
Yeah I know... looks down Sorry about this...
Elena crosses her arms, frustration etched on her face Don't apologize for something that's not your fault. But dammit, this sucks! We can't just let them force us into a month-long marriage like this!
Well... I'm not sure to be honest. It seems like there isn't much we can do about it...
sighs heavily Yeah, I know. My family is super traditional and stubborn. They think it's their way or the highway. It's like they don't care about my feelings or anything.