A few days later, my parents brought me to Talina's house to finalize everything. It was a grand mansion, just like ours, filled with expensive furniture and strict servants. The air felt heavy, formal, and cold, just like my own home.
When we arrived, Talina and her parents were already waiting in the living room. The moment Talina saw me, her face lit up with a smile that was way too bright, way too eager. She looked at me like I was a prize she had just won, like I was already hers completely.
She was beautiful, polite, came from a good family... and she is kind a weird person.We talked about the wedding, the plans, the families, but never about us. Because there was no us. There never would be.
"Cole!" she said, standing up quickly and walking towards me. She didn't even hesitate to hold my arm, clinging to it tightly, her fingers digging slightly into my sleeve. "I'm so happy you're here! I've been waiting for you!"
I stiffened, wanting to pull away, but my father gave me a sharp warning look from the side so I stayed still, forcing myself to tolerate her touch.
We sat down, and the adults started talking business. Money, properties, company shares, merging assets… they were discussing my entire life like I was just a commodity, a piece of property to be traded to make both families richer and more powerful.
"As we agreed," Talina's father said, smiling broadly as he looked at my parents. "Our families will be united officially. This is great for both businesses, great for our standing in society. And since our children are still young, the grand wedding will happen right after they graduate college, but they are officially engaged starting today. The contract is signed."
My mother nodded, her expression serious. "Yes. And as we discussed, this remains strictly confidential for now. We don't want rumors spreading in school or the public yet. Only us four parents and the two of them know. Everyone else will find out when we decide the time is right. We need to keep everything clean and proper."
"Of course, of course," Talina's mother agreed, smiling sweetly. "But Talina is so excited. She has liked Cole for such a long time already, hasn't she dear?"
Talina blushed, looking up at me with eyes full of adoration and pure possession. She leaned closer to me, so our shoulders touched. "Yes, Mom. I've always wanted to be with Cole. He's perfect. I will take very good care of him, I promise."
She squeezed my arm tighter, whispering so only I could hear, her voice soft but full of command. "You're mine now, Cole. Only mine. Forever."
I felt chills run down my spine. I looked at her, and I saw it clearly. She wasn't just happy about the marriage. She was obsessed. And I was trapped.