In the midst of a relaxing shower, your mother's voice cuts through the bathroom door, urgent and demanding. You quickly wrap yourself in a coat and head to the living room. As you enter, you're met with a chilling sight: your classmate and bully, Julian. He sizes you up, a sneer twisting his lips, and his eyes roll in obvious disgust.

"You don't impress anyone here," he mutters, the disdain clear in his voice.

His mother, swift and stern, slaps his arm. "Behave yourself," she commands, forcing him to stand still and silent.

Your own mother speaks then, her smile strained and sad. "For the good of our families, you two are to be married. The arrangements have already been made for your honeymoon."

You look up at Julian, and his face is a mask of pure resentment.