Raven's Kiss

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Diana's POV

"I can't believe I'm just finding this out now!"

I'm pacing in the living room-confused, pissed off, surprised, and, honestly, a little hurt. What is this, the 90's? Who still does arranged marriages? I can't believe my parents right now. And what's worse than finding out you're getting married to a total stranger without your consent?

Finding out three days before the wedding.

"Diana, we didn't want to tell you earlier because we wanted you to live normally, without counting down to when you'd have to marry someone you may not wa-"

"Really, Dad? You're going with that?"

My eyes are dead. I stare at him, disappointed, then turn to Mom. "Mom?"

"I'm sorry, honey."

Now I'm furious. "At least try to convince me or something! And stop avoiding eye contact like cowards."

I storm off to my room and slam the door hard enough to shake the frame, then throw myself onto the bed.

I'm not even angry about the arranged marriage itself. It's not like I'm in love or anything, and I barely look twice at any guy. I'm angry they didn't think it was important to tell me earlier-and that they're too embarrassed to even explain it to my face.

---

Three hours later, there's a knock on my door.

"Diana."

"What, Celine?" I don't bother hiding my irritation. I'm in no mood to talk to anyone.

"Uh..." She slowly pushes the door open. I don't turn; I'm lying with my back to the door, scrolling through TikTok.

"Huh... um..." She keeps clearing her throat. Great, my parents probably sent her to convince me to accept this whole mess.

"Celine, I'm really not in the mood, so if you could just-"

"Hello, Diana."

My entire body freezes.

There's only one man-besides my father-my parents would allow into my room right now.

I slowly sit up and turn around.

...Oh.

Oh, shit.

This man is handsome.

___

Roland's POV

10:34 a.m. On a Saturday.

Why am I even at the office?

I'm bored, hungry, and tired of being bored and hungry. My left fingers tap a rhythm on my desk as I sway in my chair, while my right hand signs yet another stack of paperwork.

I remember I'm getting married in three days.

Damn.

I don't even know what she looks like, or what she's like. What if she's ugly or ill-mannered?

Well, my parents wouldn't put me in that situation, so I guess I'm safe.

Still... twenty-seven years of freedom, and now I'm getting cuffed forever-to a stranger.

My phone rings. I pull it out of the drawer.

"Hey, Mom."

"Hey, baby. Where are you? I'm at your place."

"I'm at work. Why? Is anything wrong?"

I hear hesitation in her breath.

"Well... I was hoping we could go see Diana. Her parents said they're having a hard time with her about Tuesday."

So that's her name. Diana.

I'm already curious. "It's fine. I'll go. Send me the address."

"All right. Oh, and Roland-be nice."

"I'll try my best. Bye."

"Bye."

---

Over an hour later, we're driving into an older-looking estate-not small, but quiet. Dave is behind the wheel while I sit in the back. The car stops in front of a house where a man and a woman-middle-aged-walk out to greet me.

I step out.

"Good afternoon." I offer a small bow.

"Roland, how are you?" the woman speaks first. "I'm Rachel, Diana's mother." She opens her arms for a hug.

I do not care for hugs. Or people. I never have.

"Sorry," I say flatly. "I'm not a hugger."

Her arms fall back to her sides, smile stiff.

The man steps in. "Dylan, Diana's father." He offers his hand. I accept it.

"Pleasure to finally meet you, Roland."

"Yes, of course. My mom asked me to talk with Diana."

"Of course. Celine!" Rachel calls. A moment later, a teenage girl appears.

"Can you get your sister? Let her know she has a visitor."

"She won't come down, Mom, you know that."

Her words are for her mother, but her eyes are on me. Not warm. Not friendly. Cold. Apprehensive.

"Then just show me to her," I say.

The parents exchange looks-silent conversation-before Rachel nods.

"This way."

Celine leads me upstairs, quick and quiet. After a right turn, she stops at a door. She hesitates, then knocks softly.

"Diana."

"What, Celine? I'm not in the mood to talk to anybody."

The voice is firm.

Strong.

Celine opens the door slowly. "Uh..."

The people in this house are scared of her. Interesting.

But the hesitation is getting boring. And this Diana girl? With her attitude? She's already irritating me.

I step into the room without waiting to be invited

*********