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