Page 18 of Scandalous Games

I shake it off and meet Iris’s concerned and quizzical gaze. “Arya came to my apartment last night and said I should say yes to marriage so she can marry Aryan. My dad would never agree unless I do it first. So, I’m torn about what to do.”

“You tell her to go fuck herself.”

“She’s my little sister, Rosa.” I sigh. “I’d hate to be the person for her unhappiness.”

“So the alternative is you sacrificing yours?”

“You can’t say yes if you’re not ready, Bee,” advises Iris softly. “Talk to your dad. Surely, he can’t be that stringent.”

“He lives and breathes his values, Iris,” I rant. “Besides, I’m sure he and my mom will try to use this to their advantage.”

“I’ll never understand parents pressuring their kids.” Her voice rises slightly with anger. “It’s the only reason I’m dreading turning twenty-five just to avoid this whole mess.”

“You, at least, have a loving boyfriend.”

“Doesn’t mean I want to settle down so early.” She snorts.

“I’m conflicted because even if I miraculously stall them for a year or two, it won’t change the fact that I have to marry first. My sister’s resentment will grow into hate and my parents will still be holding on to their precious old traditions.”

The sadness in my heart matches the expression on my best friend’s face. Life would be so much easier if I wasn’t the elder sister. I wouldn’t be sitting here in pity while contemplating my dicey future.

The thought of marrying a stranger for real gives me hives.

“God! What am I going to do, guys?” I hiss in frustration.

“If I had an inkling of a clue on how to get out of marriage, I wouldn’t be stuck with Nova,” Rosa mumbles, while still chewing on her fries.

The three of us fall silent, thinking about the fucked-up situation we’re stuck in and by the people who should love us unconditionally.

“What would you two do if you were in my place?” I break the silence.

“Find a fake husband.”

The insane suggestion spills from Iris’s lips, leaving Rosa and I stunned. She’s supposed to be the innocent and practical one. I look for signs of joking but find none.

Does she really expect me to consider that?

“That actually sounds good,” hums Rosa. “Just don’t be a fool and fall in love with the man like those girls in books and movies.”

“So in order to get out of marriage, I should have one,” I repeat slowly to iterate how insane that sounds. When they stare expectantly, I throw up my hands. “Have you both lost it?”

“It’s your only option,” replies Rosa.

“How will it work, exactly? And where am I supposed to look for this man, hmm?” I point out. “It’s not like there’s an app for a fake boyfriend or a husband.”

Iris sits up straight, steeples her hands, and she leans forward. As if she’s about to impart great wisdom like a Yoda. “It’s a foolproof plan to give Arya what she wants without you becoming the sacrificial lamb. Have a fake wedding and tell your parents it was a secret whirlwind romance. Stay married for at least a year or until Arya has hers and then divorce.”

“As for the man, I know someone who’d be perfect,” adds Rosa.

The piercing glint in her eyes raises my hackles and awareness settles because I know the name she’s about to suggest. I hate the racing of my heart when she does.

“Dash Stern.”

“Hell no!” I deadpan and shake my head vehemently.

“Yes,” nods Iris. “It will be easier to convince your dad if he thinks you two knew each other in the past. You can say you reconnected and sparks flew.”

“Think about it, Bee. It’s this or being stuck forever with a husband you despise,” Rosa remarks. “With Dash, you walk away unscathed and happy.”

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