The Arranged Wedding
Chapter 12
Harry Styles POV.
There was nothing in the world quite like a Styles party. This one in particular was important to the family, so it was absolutely extravagant. This was the first year Riden was officially in power of the Styles business. That being said he had many people to impress. The ballroom of our mansion was decorated with gold, and had red accents to match. It truly looked like we were royalty, and as always I could despise it more.
I had a decent looking suit on. I never put much effort into these things anymore. Not many people talk to me, I'm considered a Styles failed experiment. I'm the youngest, and least respected of my family. If my last name hadn't been what it was, every person here would spit on me. I was rich I couldn't spend my money, and everyone here hated that. That's okay I hate them too.
People were joking and laughing, all of their smiles fake. See the thing is these aren't real parties. They're all about business. Every person here came in hopes of receiving financial benefit. There was a few here that were curious to get a glimpse of Annabeth. This was the first real time Riden was taking around his prize to meet the masses, so people were curious The only problem was, she was nowhere in sight.
Riden was greeting people by himself, and you could tell he was angry. It was an hour into the party, and talk was getting around. I could tell it was making my brother uneasy. My brother glared at me, and then walked over to me. His attire, unlike mine, had been strategically put together.
"Brother do you mind telling me where my wife is?" Riden asked me wearing a fake smile. We were both leaning against the wall, the same wall I normally found myself at during these events. Ever since I was a kid mum called me her little wallflower, because I would lean against the wall as far away from the party as possible.
"How should I know Brother she's not my wife. I'll make sure to tell you if I see her though." I responded with no emotion in my voice. He sighed, shaking his head, and then let out a tired laugh. One thing I had acknowledged was that my brother had aged a lot since my father's death. He had already started to form wrinkles by his eyebrows, from deep concentration. He was still in his early twenties, yet a few gray hairs could be seen on his head.
"Well you seem to fancy her enough, I just figured you'd know. Your always pursuing her, and pay no mind I'm still your brother. Has this even dawned on you Harry? You're still my blood, and I yours." He spat at me, and for the first time in ages pain could be sensed in his voice. I turned to face him feeling a small sense of confusion.
"Nothing I've done was because I wished to cut your throat Riden. Even you must admit the situation she is in is unfair. Mum was never happy with dad, so I can't comprehend why you'd want a marriage made the same as theirs." I told him, my voice now calm. I was ignoring everything I knew, and didn't know, about his relationship. If you could call it that. I was simply having a conversation with the person I was raised with. The man who walked in the same shoes as me, yet decided to have new shoes fitted to be what made him hurt on the inside.
"What else was I meant to do Brother. This is how we were raised to live. I simply learned to stop fighting it like you do. I'm the oldest meaning I either need to tie a rope around my neck, or I need to run the business. This is all I know." He responded. I pursed my lips contemplating his words. He had a point believe it or not. We were taught how to breathe, eat, walk, talk, and socialize to a perfect standard. Riden couldn't go against this lifestyle like me, he was the head male of the family.
"You can control your marriage though Riden. I know you've hurt her before. Don't be like dad brother, just don't. You hated when he laid his hands on our mum. Do you really want your kids to grow up the way we did?" I asked him. He let out another sad laugh.
"Of course that's not what I want. I don't know how else to treat her Harry. She doesn't listen to me. I was promised a woman who wanted this lifestyle, and who was raised to live it. If I had known this isn't what she wanted I would have never followed through with the marriage. Not to mention the fact her wanting to get in my brothers pants since day one doesn't help." He told me, and I let out a small chuckle. I suppose that would be frustrating. I know I'm quite frustrated with the fact that he has her, and I don't. Though he probably has the same thoughts for me.
"Does any woman really want their wedding to be a business transaction? Imagine if we were to do something including this to Gemma. She would be absolutely livid, and kill you and I both." I mused, my voice with a jocular tone to it. He laughed at my words, and it was a real laugh. His chest like that shook, and his dimples that we shared showed on his cheeks.
"That will be the day." He told me.
"It most definitely will." I added on, feeling a small smile on my lips. It had been awhile since we had a real conversation.
"Harry I'm asking you as a brother to respect she is my wife. You know I have problems expressing the way I feel, but I do love her." Riden told me. He had a begging tone in his voice, and his similar green eyes were pleading with me.
"Show her more love and affection, and learn to control your temper. Take her out Riden, you've haven't made her a priority. She feels trapped in this house we call home." I told him in a very serious tone. "On the day I feel as though she has feelings for you, I will go back to California." I added on. He seemed surprised by my proposition, but nodded. He extended his hand out to me, and I shook it.
"Deal." He told me. We had had deal now... Her timing couldn't have better. We both stood up straight as we saw the beautiful women come down the stairs. The crowd seemed to notice her too. She was wearing an amazing red dress, that matched the accents of the party. A few people recognized her to be the newest Styles in the family. Riden and I gave each other a look, and then a nod. What's done was now done. It was a full on war for her love, and we both had our own advantages. She looked in our direction, and cocked her head curiously. God don't do that Annie, you have no idea how amazing you look. She walked over to us, people moving out of her way so she could pass. She looked beautiful, elegant, and everyone knew she was pretty much the new queen of the Styles family. Even if she didn't know if herself.
"Sorry I'm so late, I was feeling ill." She told us in a small voice. Her voice sounded a bit raspy, so I could tell she was telling the truth. Riden gave her a huge grin which seemed to confuse her.
"It's fine my dear, don't worry about it. You haven't missed much anyways. I must say the look absolutely extravagant tonight Mrs. Styles." He told her, giving her a charming smile. Her cheeks lightly turned pink, but not as pink as they would be if I had said such a thing to her.
"I suppose we have people to meet." Annabeth said, seeming quite glum. I remember that being her least favorite part of the whole wedding. She's a wallflower like me. It's a shame she was gifted a life that opposed her personality entirely.
"I was actually thinking maybe we could dance for a bit. I know you used to take classes, and absolutely adore it." Riden offered her. Annabeth's eyes lit up, and she quickly nodded. I watched them skillfully dance for about five minutes before I became annoyed with it. For once she actually looked happy with him, and I couldn't tell if she was faking it or not.
"There's my little wallflower!" I heard my mum say happily. She pinched my cheek, and I playfully swatted her hand away. Delilah stood next to her, holding her hand. She had a huge grin on her face, and couldn't look happier. You should have seen her though when we told her she got to come to what we called "The Princess Ball." She had jumped up, and down on the couch, unable to contain her excitement. The rest of the day she spent time with mum picking out their jewelry, and shoes to match their dresses.
"And there's my beautiful mother, and my pretty princess." I told them. I gave them each I kiss on the cheek. I noticed Delilah curiously looking at Annabeth and Riden.
"I want to dance." Delilah told me, a perplexed look on her face. "But I don't like this song. Can Delilah pick a different song?" She asked me. I laughed at her, and looked at mum. Mum gave me a nod, and I looked back to Delilah.
"Darling do you see the DJ man over there?" I asked her, pointing to the DJ. She nodded her head, and jumped up and down. "Go tell him what song you want, and then I will dance with you." I told her. She cheered and ran over to the DJ. Mum beamed at her, and laid her head on my shoulder.
"Mum I think I'm ready to stay home. Would you care if Delilah stayed here?" I asked mum, who laughed at me.
"Harry there isn't anything more I'd love in the world. I've missed having my little rebellious wallflower here. You always stressed me so much with your refusal to be the cookie cutter kid, but after you left the house seemed so empty. Delilah is an absolute angel sent from heaven so I'd like her here as well." Mum told me. I placed a kiss on her head, and thanked her. I could tell mum really did miss having me around, and honestly I missed her as well. Delilah ran back towards us seeming pleased.
"Time to dance Harry!" She said excited. Mum and I laughed at her choice of song. "What is this Delilah dear?" Mum asked her, looking around worried at her guest. They all seemed unbelievably confused, which humored me.
"It's Pull Me Down by Five Directions." She told us as if it were obvious. She dragged me onto the dance floor, and we danced like idiots. Per Delilah's request the DJ kept playing the same band. Eventually even Zayn came over, and joined us. His moves were even worse than mine.
"Shouldn't it be Four Directions since that asshole guy left?" Zayn asked, and Delilah looked completely bewildered by his statement.
"Hey I still like Zack." I said trying to make my little princess smile again.
"IT'S ZEN!" Delilah said stomping her foot. We both tried not to laugh at her, and held our hands up in surrender. We went back to our shitty excuse for dancing, and I finally caught Annabeth's eye. She was looking at us covering her mouth trying not to laugh. I faced her and did the shimmy, and she finally released the laugh she had been holding in. Riden stopped talking to people, and gave me a glare. I gave him an innocent and overdramatic strut, making Annabeth laugh again.
Riden: 1
Me: 1
Let the games begin...
There was nothing in the world quite like a Styles party. This one in particular was important to the family, so it was absolutely extravagant. This was the first year Riden was officially in power of the Styles business. That being said he had many people to impress. The ballroom of our mansion was decorated with gold, and had red accents to match. It truly looked like we were royalty, and as always I could despise it more.
I had a decent looking suit on. I never put much effort into these things anymore. Not many people talk to me, I'm considered a Styles failed experiment. I'm the youngest, and least respected of my family. If my last name hadn't been what it was, every person here would spit on me. I was rich I couldn't spend my money, and everyone here hated that. That's okay I hate them too.
People were joking and laughing, all of their smiles fake. See the thing is these aren't real parties. They're all about business. Every person here came in hopes of receiving financial benefit. There was a few here that were curious to get a glimpse of Annabeth. This was the first real time Riden was taking around his prize to meet the masses, so people were curious The only problem was, she was nowhere in sight.
Riden was greeting people by himself, and you could tell he was angry. It was an hour into the party, and talk was getting around. I could tell it was making my brother uneasy. My brother glared at me, and then walked over to me. His attire, unlike mine, had been strategically put together.
"Brother do you mind telling me where my wife is?" Riden asked me wearing a fake smile. We were both leaning against the wall, the same wall I normally found myself at during these events. Ever since I was a kid mum called me her little wallflower, because I would lean against the wall as far away from the party as possible.
"How should I know Brother she's not my wife. I'll make sure to tell you if I see her though." I responded with no emotion in my voice. He sighed, shaking his head, and then let out a tired laugh. One thing I had acknowledged was that my brother had aged a lot since my father's death. He had already started to form wrinkles by his eyebrows, from deep concentration. He was still in his early twenties, yet a few gray hairs could be seen on his head.
"Well you seem to fancy her enough, I just figured you'd know. Your always pursuing her, and pay no mind I'm still your brother. Has this even dawned on you Harry? You're still my blood, and I yours." He spat at me, and for the first time in ages pain could be sensed in his voice. I turned to face him feeling a small sense of confusion.
"Nothing I've done was because I wished to cut your throat Riden. Even you must admit the situation she is in is unfair. Mum was never happy with dad, so I can't comprehend why you'd want a marriage made the same as theirs." I told him, my voice now calm. I was ignoring everything I knew, and didn't know, about his relationship. If you could call it that. I was simply having a conversation with the person I was raised with. The man who walked in the same shoes as me, yet decided to have new shoes fitted to be what made him hurt on the inside.
"What else was I meant to do Brother. This is how we were raised to live. I simply learned to stop fighting it like you do. I'm the oldest meaning I either need to tie a rope around my neck, or I need to run the business. This is all I know." He responded. I pursed my lips contemplating his words. He had a point believe it or not. We were taught how to breathe, eat, walk, talk, and socialize to a perfect standard. Riden couldn't go against this lifestyle like me, he was the head male of the family.
"You can control your marriage though Riden. I know you've hurt her before. Don't be like dad brother, just don't. You hated when he laid his hands on our mum. Do you really want your kids to grow up the way we did?" I asked him. He let out another sad laugh.
"Of course that's not what I want. I don't know how else to treat her Harry. She doesn't listen to me. I was promised a woman who wanted this lifestyle, and who was raised to live it. If I had known this isn't what she wanted I would have never followed through with the marriage. Not to mention the fact her wanting to get in my brothers pants since day one doesn't help." He told me, and I let out a small chuckle. I suppose that would be frustrating. I know I'm quite frustrated with the fact that he has her, and I don't. Though he probably has the same thoughts for me.
"Does any woman really want their wedding to be a business transaction? Imagine if we were to do something including this to Gemma. She would be absolutely livid, and kill you and I both." I mused, my voice with a jocular tone to it. He laughed at my words, and it was a real laugh. His chest like that shook, and his dimples that we shared showed on his cheeks.
"That will be the day." He told me.
"It most definitely will." I added on, feeling a small smile on my lips. It had been awhile since we had a real conversation.
"Harry I'm asking you as a brother to respect she is my wife. You know I have problems expressing the way I feel, but I do love her." Riden told me. He had a begging tone in his voice, and his similar green eyes were pleading with me.
"Show her more love and affection, and learn to control your temper. Take her out Riden, you've haven't made her a priority. She feels trapped in this house we call home." I told him in a very serious tone. "On the day I feel as though she has feelings for you, I will go back to California." I added on. He seemed surprised by my proposition, but nodded. He extended his hand out to me, and I shook it.
"Deal." He told me. We had had deal now... Her timing couldn't have better. We both stood up straight as we saw the beautiful women come down the stairs. The crowd seemed to notice her too. She was wearing an amazing red dress, that matched the accents of the party. A few people recognized her to be the newest Styles in the family. Riden and I gave each other a look, and then a nod. What's done was now done. It was a full on war for her love, and we both had our own advantages. She looked in our direction, and cocked her head curiously. God don't do that Annie, you have no idea how amazing you look. She walked over to us, people moving out of her way so she could pass. She looked beautiful, elegant, and everyone knew she was pretty much the new queen of the Styles family. Even if she didn't know if herself.
"Sorry I'm so late, I was feeling ill." She told us in a small voice. Her voice sounded a bit raspy, so I could tell she was telling the truth. Riden gave her a huge grin which seemed to confuse her.
"It's fine my dear, don't worry about it. You haven't missed much anyways. I must say the look absolutely extravagant tonight Mrs. Styles." He told her, giving her a charming smile. Her cheeks lightly turned pink, but not as pink as they would be if I had said such a thing to her.
"I suppose we have people to meet." Annabeth said, seeming quite glum. I remember that being her least favorite part of the whole wedding. She's a wallflower like me. It's a shame she was gifted a life that opposed her personality entirely.
"I was actually thinking maybe we could dance for a bit. I know you used to take classes, and absolutely adore it." Riden offered her. Annabeth's eyes lit up, and she quickly nodded. I watched them skillfully dance for about five minutes before I became annoyed with it. For once she actually looked happy with him, and I couldn't tell if she was faking it or not.
"There's my little wallflower!" I heard my mum say happily. She pinched my cheek, and I playfully swatted her hand away. Delilah stood next to her, holding her hand. She had a huge grin on her face, and couldn't look happier. You should have seen her though when we told her she got to come to what we called "The Princess Ball." She had jumped up, and down on the couch, unable to contain her excitement. The rest of the day she spent time with mum picking out their jewelry, and shoes to match their dresses.
"And there's my beautiful mother, and my pretty princess." I told them. I gave them each I kiss on the cheek. I noticed Delilah curiously looking at Annabeth and Riden.
"I want to dance." Delilah told me, a perplexed look on her face. "But I don't like this song. Can Delilah pick a different song?" She asked me. I laughed at her, and looked at mum. Mum gave me a nod, and I looked back to Delilah.
"Darling do you see the DJ man over there?" I asked her, pointing to the DJ. She nodded her head, and jumped up and down. "Go tell him what song you want, and then I will dance with you." I told her. She cheered and ran over to the DJ. Mum beamed at her, and laid her head on my shoulder.
"Mum I think I'm ready to stay home. Would you care if Delilah stayed here?" I asked mum, who laughed at me.
"Harry there isn't anything more I'd love in the world. I've missed having my little rebellious wallflower here. You always stressed me so much with your refusal to be the cookie cutter kid, but after you left the house seemed so empty. Delilah is an absolute angel sent from heaven so I'd like her here as well." Mum told me. I placed a kiss on her head, and thanked her. I could tell mum really did miss having me around, and honestly I missed her as well. Delilah ran back towards us seeming pleased.
"Time to dance Harry!" She said excited. Mum and I laughed at her choice of song. "What is this Delilah dear?" Mum asked her, looking around worried at her guest. They all seemed unbelievably confused, which humored me.
"It's Pull Me Down by Five Directions." She told us as if it were obvious. She dragged me onto the dance floor, and we danced like idiots. Per Delilah's request the DJ kept playing the same band. Eventually even Zayn came over, and joined us. His moves were even worse than mine.
"Shouldn't it be Four Directions since that asshole guy left?" Zayn asked, and Delilah looked completely bewildered by his statement.
"Hey I still like Zack." I said trying to make my little princess smile again.
"IT'S ZEN!" Delilah said stomping her foot. We both tried not to laugh at her, and held our hands up in surrender. We went back to our shitty excuse for dancing, and I finally caught Annabeth's eye. She was looking at us covering her mouth trying not to laugh. I faced her and did the shimmy, and she finally released the laugh she had been holding in. Riden stopped talking to people, and gave me a glare. I gave him an innocent and overdramatic strut, making Annabeth laugh again.
Riden: 1
Me: 1
Let the games begin...
Notes
It's time to vote ladies and gentlemen...
Hey you never know...
I was actually feeling pretty bipolar myself writing this chapter, and that's why it goes from serious to kind of funny... I mean I thought it was funny... If you haven't voted yet you should because... pretty dresses... and science....
All The Love,
~JR
P.S. I spent alot if time looking at dresses to give you the visual, so don't forget to click the links!!!
They have been reported by me and Allie Miller for stealing our stories... thank you all so much for you're support.... I've been writing on here for years now and I never thought this would happen to me... I'm going to start keeping an eye out for everyone's stories...
1/6/19