Mia stormed into Anya's room, her face flushed with anger. "How could you be so heartless?" she accused, her voice trembling. "You're marrying Damien, the man of my dreams. You're stealing my happiness!"
Anya, unfazed by her sister's outburst, calmly replied, "Mia, this marriage is a strategic alliance, not a romantic endeavor. It's a decision that will benefit our family."
"But what about love?" Mia retorted, her eyes welling up with tears. "Don't you want to experience love, to feel passion?"
Anya's expression remained unchanged. "Love is a fleeting emotion, Mia. It's a distraction, a hindrance to true happiness. I prefer the stability and security that a strategic marriage offers."
Mia was incensed. "You're so cold, so calculating. You don't care about anyone but yourself."
Anya sighed. "I care about our family, Mia. This marriage will ensure our future. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make."
Mia scoffed. "Sacrifice? Or selfish ambition?"
Anya ignored her sister's taunts. She knew that arguing with Mia would be futile. She had made her decision, and she would not be swayed. As Mia stormed out of the room, Anya couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. She had always loved her sister, but their relationship had become increasingly strained.
With the wedding day approaching, Anya focused her attention on the preparations. She attended fittings for her wedding dress, a stunning creation of silk and lace. She also oversaw the arrangements for the reception, a lavish affair that would be the talk of the town.
Despite the superficial aspects of the wedding, Anya remained detached. She saw it as a performance, a carefully choreographed spectacle. She would play her part, a dutiful daughter and a compliant bride, but her heart would remain untouched.