Siren

“Everyone, get ready, just do it fast. We need to get the man ready as soon as possible, or else Sir is going to get angry,” the bunch of beauticians and maids went in and out of the room.

As Alisha sat wearing the white gown, looking like a beautiful doll, her face devoid of expression.

She just sat there and looked at herself, her makeup was all light, and her hair tied up in a beautiful bun.

She wouldn't deny that this is the most beautiful she has ever looked, but for the day she is getting dolled up like this, it's literally something she doesn't want to appreciate the look of.

“My child, look at you, looking so gorgeous, just like a princess,” Daisy, who entered the room, gasped, seeing Alisha looking all beautiful, her red eyes and red hair putting the cherry on top.

Alisha is naturally beautiful and today it's just enhancing her beauty, making her look no less than royalty.

Daisy can see why her son falls for Alisha, she is undeniably alluring, and now she is looking way more beautiful than anyone else she has seen a lot of brides in her life.

But Alisha with just minimum makeup looks like a siren, she is just too beautiful for herself.

Soft features pleasing to the eyes, anyone would say, and see how beautiful Alisha is.

“I am looking just fine, Aunty,” Alisha sadly smiled, looking already exhausted.

Last night she slept late because of being cautious of the cameras that the room has, and then she finds no camera no matter how she looks, she knows they are there, it's just not visible to her eyes.

Then Alice's words, about the so-called first night, is something that makes her head go blast.

If that was not enough, without her wanting, she has to wake up so early in the morning because they need to go to court, and Alice will wait for her there.

She doesn't even get to plan anything, and she is already on the verge of marrying him.

Things are so messed up, she doesn't even know how to bother herself with more.

So now looks don't matter, even if she looks like heaven herself, she doesn't care because she is in hell, her situation is worse than hell.

“If that's fine, then I have to say, I want to look this fine. Even though I am old now, but even in my younger days I never looked this beautiful, you are just so fine,”

Daisy's words only added to Alisha's internal stress. She couldn't bring herself to appreciate her appearance when her future felt so bleak.

"Thank you, Aunty," Alisha replied softly, forcing a smile. But inside, she felt a heavy weight pressing down on her chest.

As the preparations continued, Alisha's mind wandered back to the conversation with Alice. The thought of marrying him, of being trapped in this suffocating life, made her stomach churn.

She wished she could just disappear, run away from it all. But she knew that was impossible. Alice had made sure of that.

But she will slip, no matter how he tightens his hold; he can't keep her with him, not the way he wanted.

“Is everything done? We need to reach court within an hour, hurry up,” Daisy said as she looked at the time.

First, she didn't want to go to court either. It's not like she hates going to court; it's just that she knows how this marriage is forced. But then she changed her plan.

Not because of Alice, but all because of Alisha. Daisy realised how Alisha might need her for moral support at that moment.

Mary is not with Alisha, so Daisy has to fill in the mother figure.

And to be true, no matter how angry she is with Alice, his marriage is her dream too.

She always wanted her son to settle and fall in love.

He did fall in love, he is doing the marriage too, but that's all in the wrong way.

Still being a mother, she doesn't want to miss this opportunity, so maybe Alisha is just an excuse. She just can't miss this big day.

As Daisy rushed around, making sure everything was in order, Alisha's mind was consumed by conflicting emotions. She appreciated Daisy's support, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of being trapped.

The thought of marrying Alice against her will made her feel sick to her guts.

But at the same time, she couldn't ignore the sense of comfort she felt from Daisy.

Deep down, she knew Daisy's intentions were good. She wanted to be there for Alisha, to offer her comfort and support during this challenging time.

Despite her own reservations, Alisha couldn't help but feel a twinge of gratitude towards Daisy.

“Mam, she is ready, everything is done,” the beautician spoke, backing away.

Alisha stood up from her chair and moved towards Daisy, who was looking at her with teary eyes.

She never once thought about marriage, but she did know if this would be happening in some other situation, then her Mother Mary would have the same expressions.

She knows exactly these expressions. It's not pity, it's not anything veiled; it's just pure love, warmth.

“You are going to get evil eyes on you, you are looking so ethereal,” Daisy came closer, softly removing a few strands of hair that were falling over Alisha's face.

“You are looking beautiful too, Aunty. I don't know about how you looked in your younger days, but I have to say, you're lying. You look way better than me, even at this age,” Alisha complimented.

Daisy smiled warmly at Alisha's compliment, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "Thank you, my dear. You have such a kind heart," she said, gently patting Alisha's hand.

Alisha felt a lump form in her throat as she hugged Daisy tightly.

As they made their way to the car, Alisha couldn't shake off the feeling of dread.

She knew what awaited her at the court, and the thought sent current down her spine.

‘You can do this, Alisha. Just one opportunity, and that opportunity you have to make for yourself. No one will help you; this time you will have to help yourself. Don't look back. Now it's time to fight.’