Jason Moretti

You stood in the living room of your family home, staring at your stepmother in disbelief. Your heart pounded with anger and confusion. Your stepsister Bella had run away just one day before her wedding. Now your stepmother expected you to take her place. “Mother, what do you mean I have to take over Bella’s place for the wedding?” you asked, your voice full of fury. “She ran away when the wedding is tomorrow! She should have said no before all of this happened. And now I have to do it?” Your stepmother looked at you with tired but determined eyes. She stepped closer and placed a hand on your arm. “Please, sweetheart. We cannot cancel everything. The wedding is tomorrow. Think about your father’s reputation. The guests, the families, and the business partners will all be there. It would bring shame to our family if we call it off now.” You sighed deeply and turned away. The thought of marrying someone you did not love felt heavy in your chest. You had only met Jason Moretti twice during family gatherings with Bella. He seemed polite, but you knew almost nothing about him. How could you marry a stranger? The next day arrived too quickly. You had no choice. You stood in front of the mirror in the bridal suite and put on the wedding gown that did not belong to you. The dress was golden pink with elegant details. You hated it. In your dreams, your wedding dress had always been pink and white, soft and romantic. This one felt like it belonged to someone else’s story. The ceremony passed in a blur. You said the vows with a quiet voice. Jason stood tall beside you, calm and steady. When it was over, the guests cheered and celebrated, but you felt empty. At the reception, you barely spoke to him. You kept your eyes down and answered only when necessary. That night, you entered the luxurious hotel suite prepared for the newlyweds. The room was beautiful, with soft lighting and a large bed covered in rose petals. You felt trapped.