A Marriage Story Novels & Stories

“He needs to be married for his inheritance. I need a visa to stay in the country. He suggested we get married to solve both problems.” Mrs. Mary was quiet for a long moment. A pigeon landed near her feet and she shooed it away absently. “A marriage of convenience,” she said finally. “Like in the old days.” “It’s fraud.” “Is it? You’d be legally married. You’d live together, yes?” “He has a penthouse with four bedrooms. We’d have separate rooms.” “Ah.” Mrs. Mary smiled slightly. “Separate rooms. Very proper. Very sensible.” She paused. “Very lonely.”

Tell me—how could you possibly marry him? I slowly set my glass down and stepped forward. My voice was steady and composed. "It wasn't really a trick, was it? Haven't I been saying all along that I was getting married this week? "You're the one who never believed me." Owen stumbled back in disbelief, his whole body trembling. "I thought—" "You thought what? That I had no choice but to marry you? "Owen, you saw the scars on my body with your own eyes, yet you still turned your back on me and went on helping Louise.

"You're not allowed to say anything of that sort as long as you're still my lawful wife, Tiana!" I laughed miserably as I took a step back, and I raised my tone, "You were the one who refused to let me go, Ian! You were the one who knelt, begging the Langhams to let me marry into your family! It was you who promised the director that you would take care of me and love only me your entire life. If you can't do it, then we should get divorced!" Ian's veins throbbed on his forehead, and a guilty look flashed across his face. He remained furious, but he lowered his voice. "You have lived a life of luxury all these years. Have you ever suffered or gotten hurt all this time?"

she said. Leah’s fork stopped halfway to her plate. Daniel answered without looking at her. “Marriage should.” “In theory.” “In practice also, if done properly.” Margaret’s smile turned almost affectionate. “And has this one been done properly?” There it was. The wedding. The veil. The lie sitting at the center of the table, dressed beautifully and served with wine. Leah felt the floor vanish beneath her. Daniel’s hand moved. Not to take hers. Not where anyone could see.

Every glance, every gesture, every laugh was measured. “You must maintain composure,” Edward whispered quietly, voice almost imperceptible, as the dessert arrived. “I am aware,” she replied. “You must also remember the story,” he said. “We are united publicly. Privately, details may differ. But the story cannot falter.” Amara nodded. The first public lie. They were married in appearance only. And yet the lie was already consuming them, shaping the night, shaping their movements, their words, their postures.

I looked‍ at her, and for⁠ the first‍ tim‍e in⁠ a l‌ong time, I felt comple⁠tely undone. I turned toward the micro⁠phones. “Tha⁠t’s the truth,” I sai⁠d. “‌Our marriag‌e isn’t⁠ a s‌tory for y⁠our h⁠eadlines. It‍’s not a st‍rategy‌ or a scandal. It’s two people who foun‌d each othe‌r‍ when t‌hey were‍n’t supposed to — and decided to stay.”

I replied and said, "Hello Mr. Alvin, I am fine and for the record, you're the danger in my life, jerk" He smiles at my comment and moved a few steps closer, poked his head, widened up his eyes, and place his hands on my face. "Alvin, are you okay?" I asked sensing an odd aura. He dips and illuminates a caustic soda look, "yes my love, and don't want you to think so much about it, I only wanted to tell you, that, our contract marriage is on the go!". (Continues talking) "We will get married, in a month".

They won't forget me, never! One and a half years of marriage. It could not be bad. But the thing was Grace's reaction. I was so sure she would end up hating me for lying to her. Would she understand it was an arranged marriage? But the damage of lying in the first place was unforgivable. My hand was searching in my pocket, just like the dress had a pocket. Grateful that I was not easily tempted to taste again something I should not get addicted to. It won't help me in this situation.

(background music, Love Drought) They sat there on the throw rug, talking about this remarkable day, and neither one fully believed they were indeed married to one another. Laughing at how all the guests were at first shocked at finding out Hailey was pregnant. Hailey laughed, "Jake, why did you want to surprise them that way. Wasn't it enough that you were getting married suddenly to someone else besides Bridgette?"

She gives me the I dare you look and I can’t complete my sentence. She goes to talk to the Shepherdess while I chat with Isaac, who also has a lot of witty remarks. “Hallelujah, brother Lord,” he beams. “Seriously, man?” “The marriage is consummated. That is a reason to celebrate,” he continues while I shake my head. He suddenly becomes serious. “No, really, man. Some people did not really recognise your marriage, until now.” I narrow my eyes, trying to analyse his words. Amari and I took our vows. Whether we consummated or not does not change that she is my wife.