6 Marriage

Currently sitting next to Giselle on a two-person, white lounge chair in the living room. Ara pretends to not notice the subtle glances the elders give each other as they converse about their desires to get their children married and the troubles of having to find suitable partners for them.

"Ara dear"

"Hmm," she replies, hesitantly... as if she knows what's coming and yet doesn't understand why it is.

"At first I was reluctant to allow such a cute and innocent girl into such a big role such as this"

Playing along, Ara innocently lifts up her head.

"I don't quite understand aunt Giselle"

"We have decided that you are the perfect candidate for the position of 'Young Madam Bulock', among all the young girls out there you're a perfect fit for my son... I-"

"-We, want you and Daniel to get married"

From the corner of her eye, she notices how Daniel's jaw clenches in displeasure. Ara can't help but shudder in her nonexistent boots as her skin crawls thinking of how much she suffered because of this one mistake of hers, agreeing to marry a guy she didn't see herself falling for.

"Mom? Dad?" Ara turns to her parents in confusion

"Daniel is the best man you can ever find Ara, don't think too much of things"

The same lines as before, the same domineering tone and the same imposing looks. Ara's heart squeezes in pain, thinking of how easy it is for her dad to put aside her feelings and opinions, and only think of things from his own perspective.

Why had she been so blinded by filial piety that she failed to see this side of things? Or had she known, and just simply decided to ignore it, that it would go away if she pretended it wasn't there. Pathetic how that turned out.

Will she really give things a chance to go that far this?

the answer to that is a big NO.

If she had to consider that her parents gave birth to her, if she had to take into mind that her parents brought her up without any lack whatsoever... perhaps she owed them.

But... considering all that, it would simply mean that they own her. Hence it would suffice to say that her death after the twenty years of living with them and doing everything according to their likes, wishes, and demands, was the ultimate payment that set her free from that debt.

Her rebirth can only be a second chance for her, one where she could live for herself.

Ara mentally sighs and prays that whatever she's about to say now, won't be a reason for her parents misunderstand her in this life.

"I don't want to get married"

Noah's Sharp intake of breath doesn't go unnoticed by all the parties in the room. Even the servant who was just about to relay a message immediately halts in his steps in shock.

"Father, mother, I love you both a lot and I respect the upbringing you have given, I... I've never lacked for anything in all these years... except for self-fulfillment. And now that I am at the age in my life where I have to carve out my future, I don't want to make decisions which can hinder my career path, such as marriage"

Ara isn't a fool, she wouldn't dare tell her father to his face that the decisions he takes for her from now on can only hinder her self-development or even destroy her. Which girl in her position, who is bound by the rules and social standings of high society would dare outwardly admit her desire to stand on her own when she doesn't have any power and wealth to support her.

Wouldn't that be inviting mockery to oneself?

"I apologize to you all if my actions have hurt you, or misplaced your trust and respect for me. That is not my intention, rather I just don't want to get married yet"

A proud smile graces itself on Hao Chen's face as she glances down thinking of what Ara just did.

"Ara dear, you do not have to get married right away, a simple engagement would do"

How can Ara get engaged with Daniel when she already knows what will happen to her if she does? Wouldn't that defeat the whole purpose of her rebirth? So will she do it?

Heck No!

"I am sorry madam Bulock, I truly do not want to establish any relationship with anyone right now or in the near future, I hope you can forgive this insignificant child" Ara respectfully bows her head at Giselle, giving an apologetic smile as well.

Noah frowns, clearly displeased at the turn of events. Daniel gives a scrutinizing glare at Ara as if wondering 'how did this small chick suddenly learn to fly like an eagle'. Charles, taking in the facial expression of his son suddenly gets an idea and quickly clears his throat to talk.

"Ara, you mentioned something about your career, what exactly is it that you want to pursue that takes all your time?" Charles asks, genuinely curious

They were all under the impression that she wanted to pursue the arts, but looking at the way she had rejected the proposal they were curious as to what she really wanted to do.

All thinking that art doesn't take that much of a person's time, considering that it is more of a hobby kind of career. Ara had not thought that far into her rebirth, she had first wanted to cut off any way of her parents and the Bulock's arranging a marriage between her and Daniel.

She isn't stupid to think that she could be able to convince her father against it alone, hence she did not think twice before blurting out all her refusal in the presence of the Bulocks. Starting to panic, Ara blurts out the first thing that comes to mind

"I want to join the military academy"