pte

g his hand in a casual manner. I resist the urge to roll my eyes. My father had specifically told me not to disrespect

e life ahead of me, full of dreams and aspirations, but instead, I'm getting m

, forcing the words through cle

y lack of enthusiasm. "Now... Are you ready

e far too cheerful for what's a

smile. "Great." He turns toward my father, the man who mad

And as for you, should we do this the way an arrange

s together sarcastically. "One knee!" I sa

is was all some grand show. He pulls out a small, soft black jewelry box, and my stomach ch

a proposal that terrible,

arsh words. My father's jaw tightens at my reaction, but

it as having a secret love," I grumb

hone and starts recording without hesitation. I roll my eyes

ession. "Claudia," he whispers, his

This is the life I've been given, so I might as well play my part. Isaac con

lking to the bathroom, and you were about to shut the door, but instead, it hit your head, nearly knocking you out. I was so worried, but that

yes stay wide, the way they would if I were really crying. I

ne. I force myself to stand, my legs shaky beneath me. Before I can even think, I'm wra

Isaac whispers in my ear, his vo

tly, just enough to satisfy the audience. I run my hands through his hair, though every fiber of my being wants to pull

les to herself, no doubt already thinking about how this will look o

lready filled with excitement. "We should make an account pretending

sbelief written all over my face. "Ser

m more genuine. Everyone loves a good fake romance. People e

ading. "Yeah, I think it'll make it seem r

en see. All of this, the proposal, the fake love, the lies-it's all for a show. A show that eve

this relationship seem actually real," my mother continues, he

enthusiasm. "I don't see why not," he replies s

one of this is what I wanted. But instead, I swallow my words, keeping my mo

ife is being sold away for a treaty, for a deal, for a power move. All I can do is stand

arkling under the harsh lights, and wonder if I'll ever f