As Jamie and his father arrived at the banquet, Jamie couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. He was used to living a simple life, and the grandeur of the place was overwhelming. The high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and expensive artwork on the walls made him feel small and insignificant.
Jamie's discomfort only grew as his father started to introduce him to the other guests, most of whom were high-powered businessmen and politicians. Jamie could feel their eyes on him, sizing him up and judging him based on his appearance and pedigree.
He couldn't help but feel like an outsider in this world of wealth and privilege. He was the child of a mistress, born out of wedlock, and his mother had died when he was only two years old. Even though his stepmother had been kind to him, he could still feel the alienation deep within her eyes. He knew that he didn't belong here, and he was starting to regret coming.
But his thoughts were interrupted as his father introduced him to a group of big shots from the business industry. As he shook their hands and exchanged pleasantries, he couldn't help but notice the calculating looks in their eyes.
It didn't take long for Jamie to confirm his suspicions. His father was trying to marry him off for the benefits it would bring to the family business. He felt a sinking feeling in his stomach, realizing that he was nothing more than a bargaining chip in his father's game of power.
Jamie couldn't stand the thought of being used in this way, but he knew that he couldn't confront his father about it. He had to play along, at least for now. He plastered a smile on his face and continued to make small talk with the guests, trying to ignore the feeling of disgust that was growing inside him.
As the night wore on, Jamie's discomfort only grew. He couldn't wait to leave the place and go back to the simplicity of his own life. He knew that he would have to face this world of high society again, but for now, he just wanted to escape.
As Jamie excused himself from his father and his high-class friends, he couldn't help but feel relieved. He walked towards where the food was, hoping to find some comfort in the familiar taste of good food. As he was about to eat in a table a bit farther from the main banquet, someone approached him.
It was the daughter of the man his father was trying to marry him off to. Jamie felt a sense of dread wash over him, wondering what she could possibly want from him. But to his surprise, the woman was frank and spoke her mind about their situation.
She talked to him about how she felt trapped by the arranged marriage, and how she wished to break free from it. She was not interested in a marriage based on obligation and family ties. Instead, she proposed a plan that would allow them to have some semblance of freedom.
Asteria approached Jaimee with a determined look in her eyes. "Listen, I know we've been thrown into this arranged marriage, but I refuse to live the rest of my life in misery. I have a proposition for you."
Jaimee was taken aback by her boldness but nodded, signaling for her to continue.
"We pretend to accept this marriage and put up a show for our families. We can act like we're in love and all that nonsense, but in reality, we can live our lives as we please. We can have our own relationships and pursue our own dreams without interfering with each other."
Jaimee raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her proposal. "So, you're saying we can still have our freedom?"
"Exactly. We can both benefit from this arrangement without having to sacrifice our happiness. We just have to put up a good front for our families."
Jaimee considered her proposal for a moment before speaking. "That actually doesn't sound like a bad idea. But what if one of us falls in love with someone else?"
Asteria shrugged. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there. But for now, let's just agree to this arrangement and make the best of it. What do you say?"
Jaimee nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "I'm in. Let's make it work."
Asteria smiled, a weight lifted off her shoulders. "Great. And who knows, we might even become good friends in the process."
Jaimee couldn't help but smile at her optimism. "Yeah, maybe we will."
Jamie was taken aback by her bold proposal, but he couldn't help but feel intrigued by the idea.
As the night wore on, Jamie found that he was no longer uncomfortable around Asteria. They laughed and joked together, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with her. He realized that maybe, just maybe, this arranged marriage might not be so bad after all.