An American Marriage Book Club Questions Novels & Stories

Thank God he said something or I would have died in confusion of whether to stand. I take a couch far away from him, maintaining the distance between us. We sit in silence for a moment, the ticking of the clock being the only sound in the room. "I considered what you said that day when we first met." He starts and I frown. What was it again? Ah! I told him about my problem and how my life will be hell if I don't get married to him. "Oh." I didn't know that he remembered it. Though,he is the King Alpha. He out of everyone else should be knowing of what the consequences a human has to face after they fail the marriage trials.

"Tiger, have you ever thought about Abraham's marriage? It feels like such a sudden and unexpected turn of events. I can't help but wonder if he made the right decision." Tiger leaned back, his brow furrowing in contemplation. He took a deep breath before responding, his voice filled with empathy. "I've pondered the same, my love. Abraham has always been independent, following his own path, unyielding to the expectations of others. But this marriage... it seems different somehow. I can't help but sense a hint of uncertainty in his eyes." Christiana nodded, her eyes now meeting Tiger's. "Yes, I noticed that too. It's as if he's trying to convince himself that he's made the right choice. I wor

"I'm married now, and I don't think it's a good idea to be seen going out to clubs." Jasmine scoffed. "Oh please,"Charlotte, come on!" Jasmine said. "You're just in a contract marriage. It's not like you're actually married. You're still single. Don't let that stop you from having fun." I shook my head, even though Jasmine couldn't see me. "I just don't feel comfortable with it, Jasmine. I don't want to disrespect Adam, even if it's just a contract. It's not right." There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Fine," Jasmine finally said, her voice sounding disappointed. "But you're missing out on a really fun night!"

Would their marriage be happy if neither of them desires it? To be continued...

"What do you mean 'call off the marriage?'" Olivia tossed her head petulantly, hands on her hips. "Exactly what I said. I'm not interested anymore." "But...but why?" Mason sputtered, his mind spinning. They'd been together for years, building a wonderful life side-by-side. What had suddenly changed? That too at this dying minute?? "You can’t just…the wedding is just three hours away. What has come over you?!” “What came over me has already come off and that’s why I’m saying I can’t do this anymore.”

“But since you're still with us, I'll ask again, did you say yes?” I'm silent for a few beats as I try to choose my answer wisely. “Well… I didn't give him an answer. Yet.” I know that was a stupid answer when Angel shoots me a disappointed look. “Why the heck not?” “Well, because—” I sigh. “You guys don't think it's wrong or suspicious as to why he wants me as his wife?” “Who gives a fuck?” Mackenzie yells. “Me! I give a fuck. I believe marriages should be sacred and having one because of financial gain doesn't define it as sacred.”

“This is typical behavior. Men react strongly when they think something they own is being taken from them. But now he knows you are not a piece of property.” In that moment, Hailey felt something between fear and determination. She knew this was a risk—her life had been built around reaching for more than what was handed to her. “You are right. Marriage isn't about ownership, it’s about… It’s about loving freely.” Jake nodded in agreement as they looked one another in the eyes. The night wore on, each slamming door echoing through the silence that followed. Hours felt like years, Rome’s ranting continuing unabated. "If I can't sleep! No one is going to sleep!"

The couple was going to take the last step in making it a marriage: consummation between husband and wife. Red asked, as Phil got into position, "Honey, now that you are putting your cock in your sloppy, dripping, well-used wife at the end of the train, being the caboose on my fucking train as a consummation of our marriage, is this the type of open marriage you wanted? Technically, if you don't put your cock in me, we are not married."

The officiant joked, "The groom may be a powerhouse in the business world, but today he's a total softie!" And it reminded me of something Nathan had said to me just the night before. "You have no idea how scared I was after I woke up. I was scared that I had missed my chance with you, scared you had already married someone else. Thank God John was blind and clueless, or I would've lost you forever." The crowd was still caught up in the emotion when suddenly, someone barged in. "Willow, are you even human? The whole family is falling apart and you're here getting married?"

And then silence returned, heavier than before. I turned my back to him and buried my face in the pillow. Only then did the tears I’d been holding back finally fall. Another night, another silence. I should have just followed my parents’ wishes. I shouldn't have insisted. It shouldn't have ended like this... a marriage without a name. I woke up around four in the morning. I cooked his favorite American breakfast and asked Belen to serve it before I went back to bed. When I opened my eyes again, it was 6:30. He was gone.