amberxbranson-blog

[amberxbranson-blog]

It was no easy task convincing Thomas a night out in a club was a brilliant idea. In the two days they spent together as a married couple, Amber had noticed how many work-related calls he seemed to take. She was no stranger to how hectic work schedules could be if you were a recognized businessperson. However, it was bewildering to witness a man not being able to enjoy his honeymoon without the constant interruption of his assistants. Well, not that their honeymoon was throughly enjoyable. They had spent the last two days either on the beach or at the SPA center their luxurious hotel offered. Either way, they seemed to be unable to go further than small talk.

Thomas wasn’t difficult to be around-Amber thought. He was a nice person you could easily converse with. However, the blonde couldn’t manage to get past his boundaries. She wanted to ask him about what he thought about this marriage, whether he found Mr Becker’s hairstyle hilarious and just out of this world comedic and the most important of all-she wanted to understand where they stood. Sometimes Amber felt like they could at least be friends, they weren’t on the opposite sides of some kind of battle; they were both thrown into a marriage with a stranger. Even though Thomas was very gentle and well-mannered, she felt as though there was always a wall she bumped into as their conversations got longer. It was very likely neither one of them trusted the other enough to let their guard down first.

Luckily, Thomas had trusted her enough to let her drag him to a nightclub. With the wedding preparations, her mother consistently watching her diet to ensure her wedding dress was fit and Mrs Becker arranging brunch dates to discuss details about the seating plan, it had been at least two months since Amber had been in a club. After doing eleven tequila shots in a row, leaving pretty much everyone around her in awe, it was no surprise when she started to throw her arms in the air and dance. There was no other stress relief method she practiced more often. Her body moved rhythmically  as the loud music filled her ears. Just when she turned around to grab Thomas’ hand to make him dance with her with a huge grin on her face, she stumbled upon a girl. “Hey, watch who you’re walking over, jerk!”  The stranger protested, placing a hand on her shoulder to give the blonde a slight push as Amber turned to face her. She was about to say sorry, but now that this idiot wanted to make a scene, she’d reconsider. “Keep your paws off me or I’ll make you regret that push.” Amber replied in a threatening tone, brushing the girl’s hand away. As the girl seemed to take one step closer, Amber’s hand shot up to grip the brunette’s hair, alcohol running through her veins increasing her rage. Just as she was about to pull the girl in for a slap across the face, she felt two immensely strong hands on her waist, dragging her away.

[amberxbranson-blog]

lipa1x1:

“Business Management?” His dad repeated, his brows slightly raised in surprise. Honestly, Thomas mirrored his reaction. Had someone asked him to guess, he would’ve never said Business Management. Though gauged on her words and tone, it seemed like it wasn’t her own choice. Neither was his, to be honest. Sure, now that he’d gotten into it, he liked it, but taking over the family business was never his plan for the future. But apparently, it was what his parents wanted, and he couldn’t let them down, could he? Which was also the exact reason he tried to make all this marriage stuff go as smooth and unproblematic as he possibly could. Amber seemed to do the exact opposite, though. He couldn’t blame her, he could only wish that he had the balls to do the same things. Then maybe, just maybe, they wouldn’t be sat at this table all together right now, partaking in a conversation that no one – besides maybe their fathers – wanted to partake. 

As Amber shifted her attention to Thomas and questioned him about his education, he looked back up at her. Mr Branson looked like he was about to ask the same things, but she beat him to it. “Business Management, too. I went to Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth,” he shared with a brief nod. Though as the blonde sat opposite of him continued with her questionnaire, a small, amused smile formed on his lips. He had to admit, she was funny and her ‘rebellious’ side was definitely something that could amuse him. Then again, ask him that again once they would be actually married and living together – his answer probably wouldn’t be the same. “I hope I did, I’m sure I missed a few things, though.” He couldn’t blame her for wanting to change the topic to something else. Work seemed to be all he ever talked about these days, so it was refreshing that someone seemed to agree with him. His mom probably did, too, agree with that. 

It was still weird to be called ‘husband-to-be’ by someone he had just met an hour ago. “I’m sure he won’t bother you that much with all the work talk once you’re actually married, but you need to understand that Thomas his job is very important,” his father started, and Thomas couldn’t help but roll his eyes a little. Mrs Becker softly sighed as well. Just as his father opened his mouth to continue to talk, Thomas cut him off. “Which is why I’d rather not discuss it now, at dinner,” he mumbled back, kind of avoiding his dad’s eyes at the same time. He knew this could go either way – his dad could get really annoyed, or respect his words for the sake of the Branson family. “You’re right, son. Though maybe there are some other things that should be discussed. Like the wedding.”

Clearly, Becker family expected a different answer from her. Probably they were thinking she either skipped college because she was already surrounded by a trust fund and couldn’t be bothered; or that she didn’t study a major that could be useful to her father’s business. “To directly answer your question yes, Mr Becker. I’ve studied business but that absolutely doesn’t mean I will try to intervene in my dad’s business... or Thomas’ for that matter.” She added quickly. It was tragic how Amber was constantly trying to remind herself not to take things too far and make the Becker family uncomfortable. She wanted to make a statement-but she would hate to appeal vulgar in front of her future-in-laws and future husband. It was her self respect showing at its best. Plus, one would have to both blind and deaf to not recognize Thomas wasn’t also chipping with excitement and joy about this arranged marriage they were being thrown into. Amber couldn’t help but wonder whether he had a girlfriend or someone he was interested in. She had heard so many stories about her friends falling for people their parents would never approve of, and they all ended up tying the knot to important businesspeople that were practically worshipped by their moms and dads. Maybe that was the case with Thomas, too. She made a mental note to ask this question to him on their honeymoon, just to make sure she knew where they were going to stand.

Thoughts drifted through her mind in a rapid pace as Thomas and Mr Becker were passive aggressively bickering over something Amber didn’t quite catch. That was one of her most criticized habits-she was easily distracted. As the blonde was evaluating whether or not Thomas was trapped in an arranged marriage when his heart so old fashionably belonged to someone else, the topic of the table had changed. Mrs Branson leaned forward to participate in the conversation. “I have already started working on the organization. A very dear friend of mine offered me some wedding planner names. We can schedule a meeting with them together if you’d like to accompany me, Mrs Becker?” She asked as a broad smile on her lips which made her look like she was trying to make a business deal rather than plan her daughter’s wedding. As Amber shifted her hand on the table to grab the glass of wine in front of her, she subtly rolled her eyes at her mother, who was already deep in conversation with the Beckers about the fantastic wedding planners she was planning to visit.

“And of course... The dress. Amber, where should we schedule rehearsals for? I’ve already booked Vera Wang and Vivienne Westwood.” With Mrs Branson’s conversation directed at Amber, all the eyes turned to her. It was a relief that they hadn’t completely forgotten about her existence. At least her opinion was needed for a small detail of the entire marriage they had planned out for her. However, the topic they were asking her opinion on could not have bored her more. A wedding dress had never been an item that Amber dreamt of. On the contrary, she would consistently make fun of girls who desired to wear a piece of white fabric in order to feel like they were “a fairytale princess”. Even the thought made her want to snicker with despise. She took a gulp of her wine before she turned her attention back to her mother. “I don’t mind. You and Mrs Becker can pick, I’ll be there for rehearsals to try the dress on and you know, see if it’s a fit.” She brushed off, before she caught Thomas’ eyes. “I’m not a bridezilla nor will I ever be, so you’re not gonna be dragged along anywhere with me. Plus, I’d choose a sandy suit if I were you because your hair would look much better in that color. Wear whatever you want, though. You’ll be fine. You’re hot.” She shrugged, before she leaned back on her seat, unbothered.

[amberxbranson-blog]

lipa1x1:

This girl had an attitude, Thomas could immediately tell from the moment she started speaking. It definitely took him by surprise, because she looked cute and innocent. He had a feeling that this marriage was gonna be a lot harder now than he had initially thought it would be. Obviously, he hadn’t expected it to go smooth, but maybe if both of them tried, it would be okay. “Amber,” the name softly rolled off his tongue, briefly nodding his head. His expression was blank, as he tried to fight off how he really felt about this all. How did he feel? Thomas wasn’t sure. It all felt a little unreal. Quickly shaking her parent’s hands and introducing himself, at least they seemed okay. 

“Is everyone ready for dinner?” Mrs Becker questioned as all the introductions and small talk had been done. Thomas hadn’t really interacted much with his soon-to-be wife. He had with his father and his soon-to-be father-in-law, though. The talk about his father’s business was a much discussed topic in his family, so he was used to all the business talk and it was only normal that the topic would be discussed tonight as well. As everyone walked over to the dinner table, where everything was laid out, he waited for the Branson’s and his father to sit down before sitting down himself. He sat opposite of Amber, his father at one end of the table to his left, and his mom to his right. Next to Amber was her mom, and next to Mrs Branson, at the other end of the table, sat Mr Branson. His mom quickly informed everyone what exactly was for dinner – just a simple meatloaf with some roasted vegetables on the side. There were some other side dishes like roasted potatoes and more. “Enjoy your meal,” Mrs Becker announced with a big smile, waiting for everyone to fill up their plates before starting on her own. They could’ve just hired a caterer and let them handle everything, but Thomas’ mom wanted to make sure they appeared to be the perfect, knit family. Which, truth to be told, they were at times, but most times that wasn’t the case.

It was mostly quiet as everyone ate, though his father had to be the one to ruin that perfect silence. Thomas could feel himself cringe already as Mr Becker cleared his throat and focused his gaze on the blonde sat opposite of the younger Becker. “So, Amber – what are your plans for the future? Did you go to college? University, maybe? Or do you work?” Thomas held his gaze firmly on his now empty plate as he swallowed the last piece of his meatloaf. Though at the same time, he was curious about her answer. If he had to judge her based on her entrance, then she didn’t strike him for one that wanted to study, then again, he wasn’t one to judge on a one time thing. So, as he awaited her answer, he slowly lifted his head up to look at her.

The only thing Amber truly appreciated about that night was the fact that instead of going to a fancy restaurant, they were gathered in the house of one of the families. Ever since she was a little kid, she detested being seen as a business project for her Dad. And in time, as she realized she would not be able to prevent him from treating her like a task that needed to be excelled; she decided to ruin his project altogether as a reaction. Tonight, she would be repelled by the idea of the families sitting together and discussing the pair’s marriage like some business topic that needed to be discussed in depth. Mrs Branson never cooked, there were people who helped her with anything she asked for in home; and it was a nice change to see a mother put an effort to make something for Amber every once in a while. So as she looked down at her meal, she gave Mrs Becker a faint smile, this one not as icy and forced as the previous. As inexplicably stupid as the whole thing seemed to the blonde, she couldn’t help but feel sympathetic towards the woman sitting at the far end of the table. At least, Mrs Becker seemed like she was making quite an effort to ensure they were provided with a warm environment. 

As Mr Becker started asking questions about her academic life, it took everything in Amber not to roll her eyes. It wasn’t exactly the most convenient way to start a conversation with her, but it was clear Mr Becker simply wanted to feed his curiosity. “I did. I went to Cornell, majored in Business Management. I’d much prefer psychology but well... like I said, I let Daddy choose.” She answered immediately. Generally, people who weren’t used to her vocality and outspoken behaviour were quick to assume nothing sparked her interest but partying. Education was something Amber valued, but of course did not have the opportunity to choose. Even if the girl did not want to go to college, her father would surely intervene and start calling the shots. Her college years were, however, the times when she had the chance to act the way her heart desired without having her parents around to scold. So, she couldn’t really complain about having to go to college anyways.

“What about you?” Amber asked, just as her father opened his mouth to probably ask the same thing. The least she could do under the certain circumstances was to try to converse with Thomas directly. Instead of waiting her mother and father to provide the interaction between them, she was to take the matters into her own hands. At the end of the day, she was going to have to be alone with this guy at some point, right? It would be quite difficult if their honeymoon would be the first moment they spoke two words with one another. “Where did you study? What was your major? Did you get the whole college experience package?” She asked with a wink, knowing it would probably make everyone else in the room slightly uncomfortable. “Promise I’m not nosy, it’s just that I’m curious about my soon-to-be husband’s college journey.” Without breaking the eye contact, she leaned forward on the table towards Thomas. “And the work talk bores me to death, so...” She announced, lifting her shoulders slightly bit as her blue pair of eyes focused on his.

[amberxbranson-blog]

lipa1x1:

@amberxbranson

Ten days before the wedding

The only thing going through Thomas’ mind was the fact that something he thought would never happen was slowly becoming reality. In just ten days he would get married to someone he had yet to meet. Letting out a sigh, he took one last glance in the mirror as his hand glided through his hair, which was slicked to one side. The black suit that clad his body felt… different than usual. Almost as if it was suffocating him. His mother had kindly offered to cook up a home cooked meal and inviting her family over, instead of going out for dinner. His mind was running through all the possible topics they could talk about – obviously, the wedding, but also their new ‘home’, him slowly taking over his dads company, just everything. It made him nervous.

Walking downstairs, he found his father sitting on the couch in the living room, a glass of Scotch resting in his hand – as usual. It was something that was passed on to Thomas from the moment he was legally allowed to drink. Thomas made his way into the kitchen, placing a soft kiss on his mom’s cheek as he watched her add the last things to their meal. “You look dashing, sweetheart,” his mom commented as she looked at him, offering him a smile. “Thank you,” he mirrored her smile, trying his best not to show how nervous he actually was. As if it was on cue, the doorbell rang. “I’ll go,” his dad announced, standing up from the couch. Letting out a soft, shaky breath, he walked back to the living, his mom following him shortly. Thomas could hear some voices, and soon enough they walked into the room. His eyes immediately locked with hers, her blonde hair and blue eyes catching his attention. Walking up to her, he put up his best smile and held out his hand. “Hi – I’m Thomas, Thomas Becker.”

If there was one moment in Amber’s life that she could never forget even if she desperately wanted to, it was probably the minutes her parents announced their decision about an arranged marriage for her. When their words echoed in her mind, she couldn’t help but wanted to burst into laughter. Marriage had not been a topic she was even considering for the distant future, let alone being forcefully encouraged to get married in just a few days. Amber refused to degrade her intelligence by neglecting the fact that this was probably result of her “irresponsible” actions. Her parents never quite managed to make peace with her habits; partying, smoking and alcohol consumption in general were issues that were so frequently frowned upon by Mr and Mrs Branson. However, never for a second did she believe they would be so quick to make their decision about wedding her.  Nevertheless, Mr Branson was a man of his word and he never took a step back from his agreements. Apparently, the Becker family and the Bransons had already said what needed to be said. 

The only slight problem with the flow of these events was that Amber was not one to follow instructions. She had always been a headstrong person, a feature that her parents were absolutely not content with. It was nearly impossible to persuade her into doing something she did not want to do. In this case, however, it wasn’t much of a compromise. Despite how much she detested the idea of spending the rest of her life with some person she only knew by name, she wasn’t given a choice. Although to be frank, that never stopped her from acting out before. 

As the blonde found herself standing in front of the door of the Becker household; she ran a hand through her blonde locks before she crossed her arms on her chest. If she was going to be forced to make a life changing decision regarding her life, the least she could do was to make sure nobody else got much enjoyment out of it. “Frowning does not suit you at all.” Her mother commented, a wide smile spread across her own face that resembled Amber’s very much. As the girl rolled her eyes at Mrs Branson’s remark, she opened her mouth to disagree. She was quickly interrupted when the door was opened by a man who did not seem familiar to her at all. Of course, it wasn’t possible to distinguish anyone her father was doing business with and that was understandable. A tiny smirk appeared on her lips as Amber talked. “Well, I must admit when you said marriage, I was thinking of a bit younger version. Still... not bad.” Upon hearing her words, her father’s head turned to her immediately, clearly anger was boiling inside him as his eyes focused on hers. Breaking the eye contact that never failed to intimidate her, Amber turned her attention back to the inside of the house. Finally, a boy and a woman who she presumed to be Mrs Becker appeared on the doorstep as well. She stepped in as she offered him her hand, trying to look as casual as possible. “Now, that’s a relief. You’re cute. Amber Branson. Or should I say Becker from now on? I’ll let Daddy decide.” She added in a snarky attitude, gracing Mr and Mrs Becker with a forced smile.