The reception

859 19 11
                                    

The grand reception hall was alive with the melodies of laughter and the rhythmic cadence of music. Glittering chandeliers cast a warm glow over the sea of well-dressed guests as they revelled in the opulence of the celebration. Yet, amidst the jubilation, I, found myself standing on the sideline, trying to grasp the idea of this being my new life.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I recalled the clash that had transpired moments ago. The ceremony had unfolded like an elaborate theatrical production, and now, at the reception, the facade of joy and unity felt hollow.

I had met his parents once more, and his mother looked beautiful and congratulated me on the wedding.

In the dimly lit corner, I caught sight of a group of men, distinguished by their sharp suits and the air of camaraderie that enveloped them. Taehyung's brothers, I presumed, considering the uncanny resemblance they bore to the groom. With a resigned breath, I decided to approach them.

As I stepped closer, the group noticed my approach, their laughter subsiding as curious eyes turned towards me. Taehyung's eldest brother, Jin, with his striking features and a demeanour that exuded authority, was the first to acknowledge my presence.

"Elara, isn't it?" he inquired, his voice smooth yet carrying an undercurrent of inquiry.

I nodded, offering a polite smile. "Yes, I'm Elara."

Jin's gaze flickered with a hint of acknowledgement as if he had expected my arrival. "Welcome to the family, Elara. I'm Jin, the eldest. These are my brothers," he gestured to the others, each one eyeing me with varying degrees of interest.

The brothers ranged in age and demeanour Yoongi, the second eldest, exuded an air of easy charm, his eyes dancing with mischief. Hoseok, the third, had a more, exuberant and bright aura around him that made him easy to be around, yet behind his welcoming presence, there was a glint of darkness behind. Namjoon, the fourth, had a more reserved personality, his gaze thoughtful and observant. Taehyung, my newly wedded husband, stood with an air of nonchalance, his previous argument with me seemingly forgotten. The younger duo, Jimin, and Jungkook, exhibited a mix of youthfulness and curiosity.

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," I replied, offering a genuine smile despite the anger within me.

Jin's gaze lingered on me as if assessing the genuineness of my words. "I trust Taehyung has made you feel welcome."

I hesitated for a moment, choosing my words carefully. "It's been a whirlwind, but I appreciate the effort."

Namjoon, the reserved brother, spoke up. "Marriage, especially arranged ones, can be challenging at first. But in time, it may surprise you."

His words held a tinge of empathy that resonated with my inner turmoil. I nodded, appreciating the subtle support offered by a member of Taehyung's own family.

As the conversation continued, my sisters approached, each one exuding a unique charm. Jennie waved at Jungkook, "Hi Jungkook." He smiled and waved back at her, "Hi Jennie." Jin looked at him questionably, "You know her?" He turned and nodded at him, "She's Elara's younger sister." Jin's face dropped and offered a handshake to Jennie, "Where are my manners? I'm Jin, Taehyung's older brother It's a pleasure to meet you." Jennie shook his hand, "The pleasure is also mine." He looked at Jisoo and the others and asked, "Who might these be?" 

"This is Jisoo, the eldest," I began, introducing my poised and elegant sister who carried herself with grace. "And this is Rosé, the third sister, she comes after me." Rosé grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Pointing to the fourth sister, I continued, "Meet Lisa, she's the fourth, together with Rosé we are triplets." Lisa offered a smile. "And finally, the youngest, Jennie."

The brothers exchanged glances, a silent acknowledgement, and disbelief. Namjoon, ever the diplomatic figure, extended a courteous nod. "A pleasure to meet you all. We had no idea that the Lee family consisted of five daughters."

As the introductions unfolded, a subtle shift in the atmosphere occurred. The initial wariness seemed to give way to a more light-hearted one. Hoseok, the charismatic brother, broke the ice with a lighthearted comment, eliciting laughter from the group.

At that moment, the reception hall transformed into a stage where the dance of introductions played out. The strains of music, the soft murmur of conversations, and the clinking of glasses provided the backdrop for this unfolding drama. Yet, beneath the veneer of social pleasantries, a silent negotiation of alliances and acceptance took place.

I found myself caught in the crosscurrents of conflicting emotions – the weight of familial expectations, the uncertainty of a marriage forged in tradition, and the hopeful possibility of forging connections with Marco's brothers. As the night wore on, I navigated the intricate dance of social niceties, all the while grappling with the questions that lingered within.

At one point, Taehyung approached me, his expression softer than before but still holding the cold appearance." We have to have a toast."

We all stood as everyone toasted to a happy marriage life. Drinking the glass of champagne, I relaxed and calmed myself down.

As the night unfolded, I continued to navigate the intricate web of family dynamics and societal expectations. The reception became a mosaic of emotions – moments of genuine laughter, polite exchanges, and the occasional twinge of discomfort.

In the quieter interludes, I found myself reflecting on the path that lay ahead. The brothers, with their distinct personalities, offered a glimpse into the world I was now a part of. 

As the night drew to a close, I stood on the periphery of the dance floor, watching the couples sway in a choreography of celebration. Taehyung approached, extending his hand for a dance. I hesitated for a moment before accepting, the strains of the waltz weaving around us.

In the embrace of the dance, I couldn't help but ponder the intricate dance of relationships – the delicate balance between tradition and individual agency, the negotiation of identity within the framework of family, and the uncharted territory of marriage yet to reveal its nuances.

As we moved in rhythm with the music, I caught a glimpse of the brothers observing from a distance. Their expressions held a mix of curiosity and contemplation as if deciphering the unspoken language of this newfound connection.

I began to feel weird, I felt slightly dizzy and began to feel hot. I whispered to Taehyung, "I'm not feeling well, can we please stop dancing?" He looked at me with slight concern. "Are you okay?" 

"No, I don't think so." We quietly got off the dance floor and I sat on a chair. "I don't feel that well either." He exhaled taking a seat next to me.

The night went on, and the symptoms of whatever was going on got worse, I felt hot and began feeling dizzy. The reception had ended and everyone was leaving.

Jin and the rest came to say their goodbyes before leaving, and we walked them out. It was finally our turn to leave and as I sat in the back of the limo, I turned the AC on to full blast. 

"What the fuck is happening?" Taehyung took his jacket off. I was feeling weird and sensitive.

"I don't know, but all I know is that we need to get to the house Right now!"

Forced To Marry The MafiaWhere stories live. Discover now