Unsuspected Love

(Amelia's POV) I've known my whole life that unlike most people who find love and then marriage, I would find marriage and hopefully with dedication love would follow suit. It's never bothered me. My family has followed this centuries old tradition since the beginning of time. Whilst once upon a time it was for the sake of noble lineage, now it was more of an executive decision preserving the honor of the family and if it helped the family's financial ventures all the better according to my father. My four older sisters had already been married off to various well to dos. Virginia was married to Bill who owned a handful of banks. You'd think they'd live lavishly but they are the most frugal couple I know. Virginia always has sayings about being financially responsible she feels the need to share as if that is the answer to life. Lorraine was married to Gary a doctor who was the head of neuroscience at Rothburg General. One of the best hospitals in the country. He's a pretty good guy. He and Lorraine are always hosting benefits to raise money for those who can't afford life changing surgery. Eleanor was married to Caleb an architectural engineer. She does the interior design and they have a couple of the most beautiful homes I've ever seen! A match made in heaven if I do say so myself. Macie is married to Jacob. I barely see them, he's an heir and they just seem to wander about as they please. It sounds wonderful but I've heard Jacob has an insatiable appetite for alcohol and women. But what do I know? So far it seems as though father has a keen eye for suitable men and today is my turn. I turned twenty-one just three months ago and finished my degree one month ago. Father has made a match for me. The C.E.O of a pharmaceutical company. Daniel Delaney. Hearing his title I was originally nervous. My father owns a large import/export business and I have been to many business parties and events. Usually when my father introduces us to a "c.e.o" they are at least in their 50's. While I have met many charming executives, I had always secretly hoped father would choose someone closer to us in age, and for the most part he had. The biggest age gap was between Virginia and Bill with Bill being 12 years her senior. The rest of my sisters and their husbands have an age gap less than 10 years. I cannot lie. The moment I knew my groom to be's name and had a moment to myself I googled Daniel. And boy was I surprised! Good surprised. Great surprised even. When I saw that he was only 28 years old I had to double take. He must be dedicated and work hard. I like that. I put myself into my work whole heartedly and maybe that could be a common ground to build from for us. When I clicked on images I blushed. There were an array of photos. Him at galas and fundraisers, one that looked like a family portrait and one magazine cover. Science Girl Weekly. He had on science goggles and a lab coat but noticeably no shirt. His muscular but simultaneously soft and welcoming abs showing through. He had dark black hair, dark broody eyes and a firm jawline. He was holding a beaker and looked almost intense. The headline was "Hidden Hero's. Creating safe and affordable medication. " Good job father I thought, feeling anxious for what was to come. That was 3 weeks ago. Today is the day I start my life with a man I've never met. For a second I am scared and I can't help but think in this modern world arranged marriage is just plain insanity! But quickly I gather myself. I remembered my sisters and how they made it through and it brought me strength. I also remembered how following only your heart can lead to devastating heart break. I can do this. I think I could grow to care for this man. But we will see. For all I know he could be a narcissist or a monster. A knock interrupted my conflicted feelings. " It's open!" I called. My beautiful baby sister came in. Well not quite baby, she was 19. Camilla made her way to me. "They are ready for everyone to take their places." she said. She wasnt looking at me instead casting her stare at the floor. "Have you been crying?" I ask noticing the red rims of her eyes. She quickly glanced up to face the accusation and blurted out "no!" making her way to look back down but suddenly stopping, looking back up at me and smiling. "You look beautiful. " she said earnestly. I'm not one for dressing up but a wedding is a special day. The dress was simple and elegant and I felt at home in the design. Off the shoulder lace, sleek, the veil had beautifully colored lace flowers and leaves to represent the beautiful outdoors, my favorite place to be. "Thank you" I say as I reach out to embrace my baby sister. "I'm going to miss you." she said as she tried not to cry. "It'll be okay. We can call each other, facetime each other. and we will make time to visit. " "yeah," Camilla stated sarcastically with a roll of her bright green eyes which weren't much different than my own. "just like Virginia and Lorraine andd...." I cut her off "Milli I love all of our sisters but we will stay in touch because there are none as close as us. You are so strong and spirited and you inspire me and that's why I know everything will be fine between us." It is true. I'm closer to her than any of my other sisters. And while all my sisters had a dedicated work ethic, something our parents strongly instilled in all of us, Camilla had a fierce sense of independence. Unlike the other Eden sisters, Camilla did not want to be married at 21 and she damn sure didn't want my father being the one to decide who it was. She wanted to go out and explore the world on her own. I'll never forget the time she told me she wanted many lovers not just one. Father would have a heart attack if he ever heard her say anything of the sort. She opened her mouth as if to say something to me and then closed it as if changing her mind. "Shall we then?" she asked holding her arm out for me to link mine through. "We shall indeed." I said placing my arm in hers and we headed to the main hall, my life about to change forever. Please let me be a good wife, please let him be a good husband, please let this not be a disaster, and please most of all..do not let me regret this. "