Arranged marriages

"Odessa sat alone on the cliff overlooking the sea, basking in the sun's rays as she listened to the waves crashing against the rocks. The afternoon sunlight gleamed off the surface of the water, casting a dazzling gleam that almost stung her eyes.

The breeze whipped her hair around, the salty air blowing through it and rustling it. She could feel the sea breeze on her skin, it made her feel alive.

Odessa sighed, closing her eyes and soaking in the moment. This was a peaceful respite from her struggles, a respite she desperately needed."

"She could almost forget the pressure she felt to find a suitor, to get married and have children. She wanted those things, but right now she just wanted a moment of peace. A moment just for herself."

Odessa opened her eyes again, looking out to the horizon. The sky was so clear, the sea stretching out before her. She could forget about the world, just for a few minutes.

"She turned to walk away, back to her house where the rest of her family waited. But before she left, she stopped and took one last moment to enjoy the view."

"The sun was setting now, casting a beautiful orange and pink glow over the horizon. The waves were calm and peaceful, rolling in like a gentle lullaby.

Odessa felt a sense of awe, wondering how she had managed to forget about this place for so long. How could she have let herself get so consumed in her worries that she didn't make time to appreciate the world around her?"

She smiled gently, taking in the beauty before her. The breeze blew through her hair again, it felt so refreshing. She couldn't be upset right now, not after seeing this.

"She turned away again and started to walk back home, finally feeling some of her worries melt away. Just for a moment, she was carefree and content with the world. The sea breeze gently blowing across her skin, the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks. There was nothing else but the beauty of nature, and it was enough."

Odessa continued on her way, the sun almost fully set now. Her smile faded as she remembered the stress she had felt, and the pressure of finding a suitor. Her worries flooded back, overwhelming the feeling of peace she had just felt.

"She approached her house, the place where her worries awaited her. But that moment of peace was still with her, she hadn't forgotten the beauty that she had seen. She was determined to not let her worries consume her like they had before."

Odessa took a deep breath, preparing herself. She stepped into the house and began her preparation for the evening, putting away her worries and preparing herself for the dinner ahead.

A knock at the door interrupted her, and she let out a quiet sigh. She knew what would happen, it was time to start her search for a suitor.

"Her father greeted her with a stern glare, his expression clearly indicating that all of her previous struggles had not been unnoticed."

Odessa's face dropped, her brief feeling of peace immediately replaced by anxiety and stress.

"Odessa," her father began sternly, "We have discussed this before. The search for your suitor cannot be neglected, this is a matter of importance."

"Yes, father."

All at once, she felt a rush of stress, guilt, and worry. She knew that her father was right, she had to focus on finding her future husband.

"Unfortunately," her father continued, "there has been no progress in this endeavor. So we have decided to take things into our own hands."

Odessa felt her heart sink, her father's tone clearly indicated that he was not happy with the current state of things.

"I have arranged a list of suitable bachelors," he said, "You will be expected to meet all of them."

The stress and worry was growing, she couldn't believe this. Her father was arranging meetings, like she was some sort of prize that needed to be won.

"Is this really necessary," she whispered, looking down at her father. "Can we not have some time before deciding on a suitor?"

Her father stared down at her, his eyes stern and unforgiving.

"Unfortunately, my dear, time is a luxury we do not have."

"But father," she said, trying to find some way out of this. "What if I don't like any of them? What if they don't like me?"

"Enough," her father said, his tone stern.

"You will choose from the bachelors I have arranged."