The sound of the alarm rings unrelentingly. Alessandra, still drowsy, stretches out her hand and turns it off. She blinks several times before she eventually opens her eyes, reluctant to wake up so early. Slowly, she sits up in bed and lets out a deep sigh, her expression one of exhaustion and concern.
Gazing into the dark room, Alessandra seems lost in thought. In her head, the voices of her parents echo, pressuring her to marry just to save the family business. The obligations of marriage weigh heavily on her like an anchor. She had met her fiance just over a year ago, and although she liked him, she had accepted the proposal only under her parents' insistence.
She places her feet on the floor and rises slowly, still wrapped in her melancholy. Walking toward the window, Alessandra watches the sunrise, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink. Despite the beauty of the scene, her heart remains heavy, dismissing any sense of joy.
She walks through the empty corridor, the sun's rays filtering through the windows, filling the home with a serene atmosphere. The silence accentuates her feelings of loneliness and isolation. Alessandra reaches the kitchen and makes herself a cup of coffee, holding it with both hands as if seeking comfort.
As she takes the first sip, a tear escapes her eye. She attempts to hold back her sadness, but the feeling of being trapped in an unwanted fate is overwhelming. The details of the wedding plans occupy her mind but fail to fill her with joy. Her angst remains unyielding.
Before the mirror, Alessandra gazes at her reflection. Her tired eyes mirror her inner turmoil. She realizes she is merely following a path laid out by others instead of seeking her own happiness. The weight of family responsibility still holds her prisoner.
As she prepares to face another day of enforced obligations, a final tear runs down her cheek. Alessandra closes her eyes for a moment, wishing for the courage to challenge expectations and find her true happiness, even if it means sacrificing her family's interests, yet she lacks that courage, and therefore, simply does what she must.
She checks the list of her tasks for the day.
Set the wedding date✔️
Create a guest list✔️
Choose the venue for the ceremony and reception✔️
Hire a wedding planner✔️
Select a wedding dress✔️
Hire a photographer and videographer✔️
Research and book caterers, decorators, and musicians
Send out the invitations to guests✔️
Arrange ceremony details, such as music selection and readings✔️
Schedule hair and makeup trials
Compile a wedding gift registry✔️
Choose favors for guests✔️
Organize the wedding day schedule✔️
Conduct pre-wedding photo shoots✔️
Attend menu tasting sessions
Confirm all booked services before the wedding
Gather necessary documents for the civil ceremony✔️
Plan the rehearsal ceremony with bridesmaids and family members
Alessandra sighs, "There's still so much to do, not to mention my final college project. It's a lot to handle alone. I'll call Nicole and see if she can come along."
Rose inquires, "Talking to yourself, dear?"
Alessandra responds, "Just checking what's left. I never realized it was so much."
Rose suggests, "Why don't you ask your friend to help with the last-minute details? Since you won't accept my help."
Alessandra considers, "That's precisely what I was thinking. I'll call her in the afternoon; I've got a college project to wrap up first."
Rose remarks, "I don't see why you're still studying. You're marrying a rich man; you won't need to work."
Alessandra declares, "Because I don't want to end up like you. You married rich and now you're pressuring me to do the same, just to save the family business."
Rose argues, "Renato is different from your father. He won't lose everything. Besides, I only want what's best for you. Your fiance is the town's most eligible bachelor, and you're lucky he wants to marry you, given the number of women after him."
Alessandra mutters, "I guess I should be overjoyed."
Rose insists, "You're always complaining, always wanting your way. You should think about the family. This marriage will be good for everyone."
Alessandra concedes, "Fine, Mother. Let's not argue about this anymore. Where's Dad?"
Rose informs, "He went with your fiance to inspect some distant land he owns."
Alessandra probes, "And what's Renato's interest in those lands?"
Rose admits, "I don't know, but he's been asking your father to take him there since last week."
After breakfast, Alessandra engages in her college assignment and remains busy the entire morning. After finishing her work, she has lunch, makes some calls, and as the late afternoon approaches, she phones her friend.
📲 "Hi, Sandrinha, any trouble?"
📲 "Hey, I still have a few wedding things to sort out. Can you come with me? I have meetings with caterers, decorators, and musicians, and I could use your help. I'll ask Renato to give you time off."
📲 "I'd love to, but I can't, my friend. My mother isn't feeling well, and I'm taking care of her. I didn't even go to work today."
📲 "Do you need help with your mom?"
📲 "No, I can manage. Don't worry; everything will be fine. I'm really sorry I can't assist you with your wedding."
📲 "It's alright; maybe you can help another time."
Alessandra ends the call, not in the mood to do this alone, and decides to visit her fiance's office. He hasn't been involved, and she doesn't think it's fair she has to do it all by herself. Upon arriving at her fiance's company, she asks the receptionists not to announce her arrival, wanting to surprise him. Despite her hesitancy about the wedding, she still cares for him.
She ascends to his office, and finding his secretary's desk empty—her best friend who said she couldn't work today—Alessandra hears laughter coming from his office and walks towards it quietly.
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