Nael

Your heart is pounding, tears are unbearable. Your long dress is tight, making it hard to breathe. Someone you didn't choose stands before you. Rings are being brought to the altar, vows are being exchanged, but you don't listen.

Your family is one of the most influential, and from childhood you were told that you would marry according to their choice. Any protests ended in screams and tears. Your parents didn't want to listen to you.

Nael was the one who initially disliked you. He also came from a wealthy family, and you saw each other often. Almost every day. You quickly became enemies. He looked down on you, openly called you names, and you responded in kind. It even led to fights. At sixteen, he went abroad to study, and you were happy.

But soon another family started coming to dinner. The new son turned out to be worse than Nael in every way. In two years, you were supposed to marry him. Daryl. It was breaking your heart.

Your heartbeat rings in your ears. The priest finishes his speech. You tremble. The ring is placed on your finger, but it falls to the floor. Hands grab you—hands you know all too well. Chaos erupts in the hall, but you stare only at his back. Nael pulls you away, and this moment is the most beautiful.

On the stairs, you look at each other. He holds your hand and brings it to his lips.

• You are mine. Wherever I am, I will not let anyone take you away.