Novel & Cerita An American Marriage Book

she said quietly. Yasmin didn’t flinch. “Then don’t.” Amara turned. “You just said—” “I said it’s an option. I didn’t say it’s your only one.” “Feels like it.” Yasmin leaned forward, elbows on the desk. “Listen to me carefully. Marriage is not romantic here. It’s administrative. People do it for tax reasons, for inheritance, for business mergers. This isn’t a fairy tale. It’s paperwork with rings.”

Not even the press. That I’m married to him.

He paused again and leaned forward and then placed his elbows on the table. “It got really worse that we were so close to signing divorce papers, Asher. It felt like the only solution and, honestly, we were so close to taking the bait, but then I realized something. I was expecting our marriage to be easy because our relationship before it had been easy. But marriage isn’t a continuation of dating. It’s a new world with a new language where you have to learn your partner again, and they also learn you.” He let out while I nodded my head affirmatively because his explanation made a lot of sense.

Maria said suddenly, during a lull in conversation, "I understand this is an arranged marriage. How... progressive of you to agree to such an old-fashioned concept. Most American women I've met are quite insistent on marrying for love." The table fell uncomfortably silent. Amelia saw her mother stiffen, saw her grandfather's warning glance. "Maria," Alexei murmured, a note of reproach in his voice. But Amelia met Maria's gaze directly. "I believe there are many paths to a successful marriage, Lady Maria. Some begin with passion that must learn to accommodate practicality. Others begin with practicality that may develop into deeper feelings. History shows both approaches can yield great partn

For families like theirs, marriage was never about love—it was a calculated transaction, a means to maximize benefits. Personal choice was nothing more than a luxury they weren’t entitled to. Sure, on paper, Grace had married well—a husband of impeccable lineage, wealth, and striking looks. But what was the point? They had gone their separate ways after a short period they signed the papers. They didn’t see each other, not even enough to put on a pretense of a functional marriage. And who knew? Perhaps Raphael had already built a whole other life for himself in Australia.

Jack narrows his eyes at me, studying my reaction, "At first you two acted like an old married couple, but now you're acting like love struck teenagers. I'm getting whiplash." I wave him off with my hand, "That's just how marriage works, okay? Maybe when you get married to Amaris you will understand." Jack sips his beer, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink. I knew that would shut him up. With just the mention of Amaris, he gets all weird and blushes hard. I needed him to stop analyzing my marriage with Harper because he might end up asking too many questions, or worse, figuring out that it's been fake since the beginning. I can't risk it.

* Love finds a way. * **** — Miranda — Being a car and playing worship music seems like the best thing ever, right? Yet, I found myself drifting back to the book I had just read. It was titled, “ Things I wish I'd known before we got married. ” The book highlighted the fact that love is not enough to build a happy home, as love wears off in a matter of time. And soon, reality will start to dawn and all the flaws that have been so clearly hidden will slowly come to the surface and this is why divorce occurs in the first three years of marriage.

“I was hurt, too.” “Well, not the way I feel. If you can cheat on someone—” “Damn you!” She pushed me on my chest, causing me to wrap my arms around her. “I am not cheating on Keene! I married him because that was the only way I could help him.” “But you are still married, Westley. That’s the truth. Marriage is not just a piece of paper. It’s sacred. And you made a bow, remember? To have and to hold, for this day forward, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health—’“

His deep, mysterious eyes flickered with an emotion I couldn't quite place. He stood there, speechless for what felt like forever. I stared at his face, so close to mine, and found myself lost in thought. He was undeniably handsome—he had strong features but not harsh, with an aura of quiet intensity. Yet, even facing such a breathtaking man, I felt nothing. "Noah, our marriage was always about business. There's no need to overthink it. "I've known about you and Lillian for a while now. You know what you should and shouldn't do. Grandpa cares a lot about the Brookes' reputation."

“You okay?” Amara considered that. “She thinks I’m a pawn.” “You’re not.” “She said the board is watching you. That this marriage is a bluff.” He didn’t reply right away. Instead, he walked to the window and stared out at the endless stretch of manicured lawn and glittering fences. “It is a bluff,” he said finally. “But it’s also real. Once you sign, we get married. Legally. Publicly. For one year.” Amara walked over to him. “Why did she say this wouldn’t be enough?”