Arranged To Love

Richardson Estate, Upstate New York

Four years. It had been four years since Malani left her childhood home and swore she’d never return. Soon after graduating high school, Malani left for her dream college in Boston, excited for the adventure ahead. Although moving to a whole new city wasn’t what Malani expected, she grew to love it; the city of Boston had a special place in her heart, and it slowly became her second home.

Despite that, the New York air felt strangely comforting; this was truly home, whether she liked it or not. Malani gazed out the window. The further they drove, the fewer houses could be seen. They were getting close, and Malani was not ready for it.

It had only been two months since she graduated from university, a ceremony her parents did not attend. They only delivered congratulatory flowers and jewelry, Malani was one hundred percent sure they did not pick out themselves. Much to her horror, however, her parents ’gifts were an invitation (she hoped she would not receive) to her father’s 60th birthday ball.

Her attendance did not seem optional after her mother wrote in bold letters at the bottom of her invite, ‘presence required’. After much fuss and complaining to her mother on a call that didn’t even last ten minutes, Malani was on a plane in two weeks.

Then there it was, the large steel gates which held a huge R right in the middle in reference to the family name. It slowly creaked open, allowing the driver in. The drive up the perfectly graveled driveway was longer than Malani remembered, but once the house came into view, a cold feeling of dread washed over her. She sighed as she looked through the tinted glass, dreading what awaited inside the mansion. The outside looked exactly as she remembered it.

Large bushes of numerous flowers lined the entire front lawn, which wasn’t covered in stone. Several gardeners could be seen tending to the plants, making sure they were ready for spring. The vintage brown brick home in all its five-story glory had been passed down from six generations now, and the Richardsons were proud to call it one of their many homes.

This was what Malani had been mentally preparing for almost two weeks.

“Miss?” Malani turned to face the middle-aged man who held the car door open for her.

Malani smiled politely at Keno, the man who’d been driving her around most of her life.

“My pleasure, it’s good to have you back.”

Wish it were good to be back.

The woman held her tongue and simply smiled as she left the car. Clenching her shaking hands, she looked up at the five-story home, trying to suppress the memories this place held. Malani tried to reassure herself, It’s only two weeks. With that in mind, she made her way up the front steps, opened the big old wooden door, and walked in.

As she stepped inside the opulent home, Malani was pleasantly surprised by how alive it was. The foyer was as busy as ever; it took her by surprise. Her parents were very private people, and their staff was always very small growing up.

It looked like something had changed. Everywhere she looked, people were running around, in and out of entryways, most of them disappearing into different hallways while others carried boxes to what looked like the kitchen. She even spotted maids bringing her bags up to her room. Malani wasn’t too sure what was going on, but she just prayed it wasn’t a welcome home party of any sort.

Everyone was so busy they didn’t even recognize her presence, and Malani was thankful for that. Amidst the chaos, she took her time to look around. Nothing here really changed on the inside, just a few things here and there, but nothing too exciting.

The memories in this house weren’t pleasant; in fact, Malani could count on one hand the happy memories she shared with her family while growing up.

“Mal?”

Malani yelped in surprise at the high-pitched squeal, which she recognized immediately.

“Mother.”

She tried not to sound too enthusiastic.

“Oh, darling.”

Malani yelped as her mother pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. The two swayed side to side as her mother talked about how much she missed her. Awkwardly patting her back, Malani looked around to see if anyone was watching, confused as to why her mother was being so nice.

“I missed you too, Mom.” She lied as her mother pulled away.

Lindsey Ritchderson, the elegant wife of the one and only Emerson Richardson, was the embodiment of classic sophistication. Malani was always impressed by her mother’s ability to maintain her composure, even in moments when it was far from natural.

Her mother’s flawless skin radiated in the afternoon sun, and her long, dark hair, which was naturally curly, was sleek and straight, cascading down her back. Dressed in a simple white blouse and loose-fitting jeans that pooled at her feet, the tip of her pointed high heels peeked out just enough for you to know it was there. Gold jewelry adorned her neck and wrist including the large Golconda diamond placed perfectly on her ring finger. Lindsey simply exuded an air of perfection that characterized their social circle.

Malani was amazed at how little her mother had changed over the past four years. Not a wrinkle or grey hair was in sight. Malani prayed she looked this good at her age.

“How was your flight? Did you take a plane?”

Lindsey guided them both to the set of sofas to sit, not before quickly telling a nearby maid to bring them some refreshments.

Malani almost laughed at her mother’s question. Her father would never let her take one of her family’s private planes.

“No, I flew regularly.”

Lindsey gasped

“Don’t tell me it was economy, it is not clean back there.”

The woman held such disgust on her face it was almost laughable.

“No, Mom, I sprung for a first-class.”

Lindsey clutched her chest in relief, mumbling a quiet thank God.

A few more questions flew by, and Malani gave short answers. Lindsey was running out of things to talk about with her own child. After a while, the air grew silent and stiff, making Malani uncomfortable. Although it was hard to render her mother speechless, and the sight was slightly enjoyable, Malani was exhausted from her flight and simply didn’t have it in her to pretend like she and her mother had any relationship at all.

Just as Malani was about to excuse herself a familiar voice almost sent her flying out of her seat.

“Welcome home Lani.”

“Omari?”

Malani practically ran into her brother’s arms, squeezing him tightly as if he would disappear.

“I can’t breathe, Lans.”

“My gosh, it’s been way too long.”

It had been almost a year since Malani last saw her brother. He visited Boston quite frequently, but sooner rather than later, life got in the way. Malani sized him up. A lot seemed to have changed from when she last saw him.

His curly hair was no longer there; instead, he rocked a low buzz cut that made him look way older than he was. Omari was tall, and he used to be lean until he began to work out, and Malani couldn’t help but notice how muscular he had gotten.

His eyes were bright, and his dark skin was glowing. He looked happy. Omari was a spitting image of his mother, which at times he hated, and other times he was grateful he didn’t look a thing like his father.

“Omari, darling.”

Lindsey rounded the coffee table and hugged her son her embrace was long and loving. She wasn’t sure when she’d see him again. Omari welcomed it. Things were hard between them, but he still missed his mom. Clearing his throat, he pulled away.

“Hi, Mom.”

The three of them stood still, just for a moment, neither of them saying a word. It was beyond awkward.

“Well, I’ll leave you two to catch up, oh, and don’t forget dinner is here tonight.”

Both Malani and Omari shared a look.

“Dinner?”

“Yes, your father has an announcement.”

Lindsey didn’t wait for her children’s protest and quickly left the room.

Malani groaned loudly, moving back to the sofa. Omari only laughed while joining her.

“It’s bad enough I’m staying with them for the next two weeks, I have to sit at dinner too.” Whined while crossing her arms over her chest, “What does Dad possibly have to tell us?”

Omari shrugged his shoulders, but Malani’s mind had already traveled elsewhere.

“Hey, when was the last time you saw Mom? That was pretty awkward.” She questioned. Malani knew their mother took Omari’s disownment the hardest, yet she did nothing to stop it.

“At the farmers' market two weeks ago, well, I saw her. She didn’t see me.”

Omari shrugged unbothered, still confused as to why he was invited to this dinner.

“Geez, that’s really-wait, you hate the farmers market, what were you doing there?”

Omari’s face twisted with regret, but the excitement was evident in his eyes. Omari looked around the open space to make sure no one was lurking.

“Steven and I got serious.”

Malani gasped while grabbing onto her brother’s forearm. Her eyes stayed wide with anticipation as he gave her all the details.

“We bought an apartment downtown. It’s perfect, Mal, too perfect. That’s why I didn’t say anything yet. It’s just, ugh, I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

Omari rambled, and Malani laughed, grabbing his hands and giving them a comforting squeeze.

“Hey, there’s no other shoe, besides one of us deserves to be happy.”

Omari scoffed.

“Don’t give me that nonsense. What happened to your Boston guy?”

Malani visibly cringed; the very few relationships she had, well, kind of had, all just fizzled out or ended badly. It never really bothered Malani; she’d always been busy with school and then her job. She was surprised she even had a social life, no matter how disappointing it was at times.

“That ended horribly.”

Omari’s brows furrowed in confusion. The last time he visited his sister, she wouldn’t shut up about the guy. But he didn’t pry.

“Anyway, when do I get to see the apartment?”

“Wait.. you’re staying here you said?”

Malani almost leaped for joy.

“You were living in a one bed with a new guest every night. Last time I stayed with you, I ruled you out.”

Omari scoffed, his eyes growing wide with disbelief.

“Oh shut up, it wasn’t every night,” Omari tried to defend but he could not even be upset, he was just happy to have his sister home. Pulling her close, he smiled.

“I missed you.”

Omari mumbled, and Malani smiled.

“You shut up, and I missed you too.”

Later that day, Malani and Omari decided to head out for lunch and do some light shopping. Light shopping was quite an understatement. There were many things Malani didn’t miss about New York, but the stores weren’t one of them.

Light shopping turned into three boutiques, an outlet mall, and a stroll through SoHo. Malani’s somber mood lifted, there truly wasn’t anything like shopping therapy. Through all this running around Omari constantly complained, sitting or standing in different stores like a child on punishment, it sure felt like it to him. Malani couldn’t care less, humming around without care while thrifting through the new arrivals rack.

“What are you wearing to Dad’s party?”

Omari’s face twisted in confusion.

“I was not invited.”

Malani paused and spun around.

“What do you mean you were not invited?”

This time Omari looked at his sister as if she suffered a case of amnesia.

“I’m cut off, remember. Disowned, thrown out, shunned.”

“Yes but -”

“But nothing Lans, even if I were invited I wouldn’t go.”

Malani wanted to press on the subject but the look on her brother’s face she decided not to. In all honesty, she’d never thought her father would go through with it. Ever since her brother came out he swore once he was 18 he’d be dead to him. Their mother assured them both that he’d never do such a thing. But low and behold on Omari’s 18th birthday his father cut him off leaving him homeless and broke. Malani could still remember the day like it was yesterday.

She could only imagine the strings her mother had to pull for Omari to be allowed back home to greet her today. But she had a feeling it had something to do with this dinner tonight. Glancing over at her brother Malani decided to change the subject. She knew Omari had come to terms with his disownment and was not surprised when their father stayed true to his word. It was their mother, losing her hurt him the most.

“Call Steven, we should meet for drinks tonight.”

Malani gazed up at Omari when he didn’t answer her right away. He was staring down at his phone with a deep frown.

“What’s wrong?”

Omari let out a loud sigh, his eyes filling with deep concern by the minute while they remained glued to his phone.

“Does Khia know you’re here?”

Crap

Malani smiled nervously.

“It slipped my mind, and if she knew, I’d be greeted by the entire Upper East Side.”

“Well, she’s threatening my life right now and-oh my goodness, she’s horrible!”

Omari turned his phone towards Malani, allowing her to read the messages from her best friend. Malani tried not to laugh while more messages came in, and Omari grew more disgusted by the minute.

“This is not okay, I’m calling the police!”

Omari paid attention to nothing but his phone while his arms were involuntarily filled with shopping bags that weren’t his. So much so that he didn’t notice the man who was just about to walk into the boutique; if he had, he would have warned his sister. Malani was distracted as well, laughing at the numerous disgusted faces Omari made.

Suddenly Malani bumped into a tall figure, knocking over the few bags she held. Without even looking at the stranger she bumped into, Malani apologized while going to pick up her bags.

The stranger apologized as well, crouching down to help. Both their hands fiddled, picking up the dresses and other accessories that spilled over. But something caught her eye, and Malani froze. She watched the man’s right hand place the last of her things into the white shopping bag before he stood up to his full height.

Malani blinked rapidly, still kneeling on the floor, not wanting to stand up to look at the person she thought this was. If she wasn’t so occupied with her racing thoughts she would have heard her brother’s low but very audible slew of curses once he too realized who this person was.

“Malani?”

The deed was done. It was him. His voice sounded so different yet the exact same.

Malani got up slowly, her eyes shifting toward the long scar on the not-so-stranger’s right hand before she mustered up the courage to finally look at him. Malani was embarrassed at how loud she gasped when she finally got a look at him. This man has certainly grown since high school.

Michel Finly. Malani’s high school sweetheart was no longer the tall awkward nerd she once knew. He was a man. A very much more attractive man. His blond hair was cut short and seemed much darker than she remembered. His lean shoulders were now big and hard, his muscles clear as day through the white tee he spotted. The same dark blue eyes that once made Malani melt were not boylike and mischievous anymore. Instead, they were mature and filled with shock. Malani hated how good he looked.

Unknown to her, Michel was just as stunned to see her, if not more. Last time he saw her, she swore to never come back to this place, let alone be in the same vicinity as him. The girl he knew wasn’t a girl anymore. She was so.... grown, womanly, and she wore it exceptionally well. The man tried not to stare, he really did, but couldn’t help it. Malani was as beautiful as he remembered, and something about her just rendered him speechless.

“H-hi?”

They both did not know what to say. Their last encounter was sour; words were said. It was a complete mess, and right now, four years didn’t seem that long ago.

“So when did you get back?”

Malani paused; he was trying to engage in conversation. Malani’s gaze shifted to her brother for a second; the look on his face almost made her wince. Omari’s face was twisted as if the awkwardness physically hurt him.

“A few hours ago.”

Malani looked between Omari and Michel, not knowing what else to say. Omari finally said a word to ease this dire situation.

“How’s your mother? Last I heard, she closed the flower shop?”

“Uh, yes, she retired and lives in Florida now with a cat named Fremont,” Michel replied, a lone smile on his lips at the mention of that dreadful cat.

Omari internally cringed. He had a personal beef with that State. But he kept smiling nevertheless.

“Oh, lovely.”

Another second of awkward silence weaved the air, and Omari had enough. In one swoop, he grabbed Malani’s hand and was about to drag her out of the store, but it was too late. Another wave of awkwardness arose when a particular blonde entered the store, wrapping her arm around Michel.

Malani’s feet froze in place.

That could not be who she thought it was. Could it? Could Michel be so grim? A burning anger flared in Malani’s chest, but none were the wiser. She hid it pretty well with a painful smile. One of the many things Malani learned about growing up in the one percent as a girl. Be kind to a bitch so kind her victim would never even notice her cunning ways. Unless, of course, they were a bitch themselves.

Malani spread the biggest smile on her face, so much so that her cheeks began to hurt. There stood the girl she had hated since the first day of middle school. Zoe Branford, the embodiment of an angel with the heart of an evil spon. There she stood, all 5′9 and leggy, her blond hair freshly blown out, pulled together with a classic baby blue Chanel tweed suit.

Along with the Richardson's, the Branford's were another one of the richest families in the city, if not the country. They were known for being stuck-up and snotty. A stereotypical white old-money family.

What confused Malani was why the princess of New York was all cozied up with a man who didn’t have half of what she called pocket change to his name.

“Goodness, Malani Richardson.”

Zoe clung to her chest and gave the fakest smile. Malani repeated the same action, smiling even wider than the blond.

“Goodness, Zoe Branford.”

Malani didn’t intend to sound like she was mocking the woman (although she was). Her voice betrayed her, suddenly taking a higher pitch similar to the woman in front of her.

The look on Zoe’s face was completely worth it, though. Malani knew that look all too well. Zoe’s blue eyes flared for just a moment, her face twisting with irritation. Then, it was gone, in the blink of an eye. If you didn’t know her well, you’d miss it.

“When did you go again? Oh, what was it-”

Zoe snapped her fingers, looking as if she were in deep thought. Malani stayed quiet; she knew it was just at the tip of her tongue.

“-Ditorit?”

Omari audibly gasped. The audacity!

“Boston”, Malani simply corrected, squeezing Omari’s hand for some type of comfort. “How was the four-year gap year?”

Zoe laughed.” It was actually an internship at the family company; now I have a more permanent role. And what perfect timing, you know, with the wedding and all.”

Wedding?

“Wedding?”

Malani’s gaze shifted to Michel, who looked quite nervous, then to the diamond ring on Zoe’s left hand. The grip Malani had on Omari’s hand grew tighter as she tried to keep her cool facade on.

“Yes, Mikie proposed a few weeks ago, it was the most perfect thing-”

Zoe went on a rant about how Michel proposed the two holding on to each other, finishing each other’s sentences in between their loving gaze. They looked happy. Michel looked happy. Malani just stood there, barely registering a word they said as she thought back to the time when Michel looked at her like that. Her heart felt heavy. She truly thought she was over all that had happened. And maybe she was, but this right now was all too much.

Omari tugged on Malani’s arm, pulling her out of her trance. “Let’s go.” He mouthed.

“That’s lovely, congratulations to you both.”

They didn’t wait for another second and practically ran out the door. Both Michel and Zoe stared at the now empty space in front of them with confusion. Zoe looked at Michel with fake concern and nothing but amusement in her eyes.

“Was it something I said?”

“Shit shit shit. That was so awkward!”

Malani didn’t pay any mind to her brother and just kept walking. It was strange. She knew she was over Michel, but the way they broke up was so messy and painful. Just seeing him today, all happy and about to get married, made her wonder what life would have looked like for them if he hadn’t-

“Lani?”

Omari grabbed his sister’s shoulders, concern clear in his eyes.

“Are you okay?”

Malani only nodded as they made their way to the awaiting vehicle. As soon as they got back to their car, Keno, their family driver, turned to them with a phone, quickly stating that their mother needed to speak with them.

“Where have you been? I’ve been calling you and your brother; you need to get home.”

Malani and Omari shared a look of concern.

“Mom, is everything alright?”

Omari asked, anxiety already rising in his chest.

“Your father moved up dinner you need to get here now.”

Lindsey spoke calmly but the children could both hear the slight tremble in her voice. Malani and Omari shared a look but decided not to comment on it.

“Mom, are you sure I’m invited to this thing?”

Omari questioned. The last time he set foot in that house outside of today was seven years ago, and being invited back by the person who kicked him out, no less, was unsettling, to say the least.

"Be back by seven.”

That was all Lindsey said before hanging up. Malani looked at her brother, who looked more nervous than confused. She didn’t blame him; she wasn’t the one who was shunned. Meanwhile, Malani felt like she could shit bricks.

Their father was a very calculated man, and from their experiences when he had an ‘evening planned’, it would normally end quite messily. Malani prayed and hoped tonight wasn’t a complete disaster. But who was she kidding? Malani could already sense a shit show.