**Arranged Union**

Fatima stood before the mirror, her brown hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of chestnut hues. Her brown eyes sparkled with a mix of emotions - excitement, nervousness, and a hint of trepidation. Today was the day she would meet her arranged husband, Lawand, a 22-year-old mafia boss. As she took a deep breath, memories of her parents' words echoed in her mind. "Lawand is a good man, Fatima. He will take care of you, provide for you, and give you a life of luxury." But at 19, Fatima couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being pushed into a life she wasn't ready for. The doorbell rang, signaling Lawand's arrival. Fatima's heart skipped a beat as she made her way to the living room. Her parents were already seated, a warm smile on their faces. Lawand walked in, his black perm perfectly styled, and his brown eyes seemed to bore into her soul. He was tall, imposing, and exuded an aura of power. The room fell silent as Lawand's gaze swept over Fatima. His eyes lingered on her face, but there was no spark of attraction, no warmth in his expression. He nodded curtly, and Fatima felt a shiver run down her spine. "Hello," he said, his deep voice sending a tremor through her. Fatima's parents beamed with pride as they introduced them, and the conversation that followed was stilted. Lawand's cold demeanor was a stark contrast to Fatima's youthful energy. She tried to engage him in conversation, but he responded with monosyllabic words, his eyes never leaving hers. As the evening drew to a close, Fatima couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She was bound to this man, a man who seemed to regard her as a duty, a responsibility. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the practicalities of her new life. As they exchanged vows, Fatima's mind wandered. She thought about the life she was about to embark on, the life she had never chosen. The mafia boss standing before her seemed more like a stranger, a man she was duty-bound to obey. Little did she know, their arranged union was only the beginning of a complex dance, one that would test her limits and push her to the edge. The ceremony ended, and Lawand's grip on her hand tightened. Fatima felt a surge of adrenaline as he led her out of the room, into a future that was both uncertain and daunting. She knew that she had to navigate this new life, but she was determined to hold on to her individuality, no matter what lay ahead.