The courtship began in high school and continued throughout graduate school, culminating on their tenth anniversary. When Dario asked for Nori’s hand in marriage, she said yes because he cried, and she felt sorry for him. When Nori glanced at the ring, she found it rather small for ten years of dating. Nori worked in the private sector, a staunch saver and frugal, unlike Dario who worked in the public sector and had little to show for it. As the higher income earner, Nori carried more financial responsibility and was fine with it. Nori never had any interest in an elaborate wedding reception. She preferred the simplicity of flying to vegas. Dario wanted bells and whistles with 150 of his closest friends. Dario secured the venue, DJ, writing of invitations, seating arrangements, limos, honeymoon, while Nori singlehandedly paid for everything. She was never mistaken for a happy bride. Playing along for Nori was routine. The evening following the wedding reception, Nori had no interest in consummating the marriage. While on the honeymoon, Nori realized she had made a grave mistake in marrying Dario. Outside of a long courtship, there was very little they shared. There was no intimacy during the honeymoon. Upon returning from the honeymoon, Nori wanted to pack her belongings and leave Dario. The only thing preventing Nori from leaving the marriage were the opinions of people. Nori believed she had no options. Appeasing her parents and societal norms outweighed anything she ever wanted.
The Price we Pay
