When Nadia returns home from college abroad, she has no choice but to agree to an arranged marriage to a wealthy man—a man chosen by her parents. But as the tentative date for their wedding draws closer, Nadia decides to test him, to truly understand who she’s marrying.
I never imagined that I’d find myself disguised as a homeless woman, sitting on a sidewalk outside of a restaurant. I sat there, hunched with a shawl wrapped around my shoulders.
A woman sitting on the floor | Source: Pexels
People passed me without paying any attention, as I watched for the sleek black car that often carried my fiancé, Danny.
Despite it being the 21st century, in my culture, arranged marriage still holds its own.
A black Mercedes-Benz | Source: Pexels
But I had been studying in America for the past four years, and my ideal of independence and personal freedom was something very different from what I had left home with.
Now, I found myself rebelling at every turn.
A woman in a red coat | Source: Pexels
When my parents first broke the news of my engagement to Danny, I was still ensconced in the States—my mind buzzing with new ideologies and lectures on autonomy.
“Now that you’ve been abroad and have studied,” my mother said, “it’s time for you to become a wife.”
I tried to protest, but it always fell on deaf ears.
A smiling woman in a white dress | Source: Pexels
“Nadia,” my mother said, “there is no choice here. Your father and I have done our research. Danny is a good one. He will take care of you.”
My mother moved around the kitchen, mixing a concoction of spices as she began to cook dinner.
Assorted cooking spices | Source: Pexels
“And that’s just it?” I asked, making some tea. “I have to marry this man?”
She nodded and smiled at me.
“Nadia, your father and I did it—we had an arranged marriage, and everything turned out well for us.”
A bride and groom holding hands | Source: Pexels
Now, I was faced with meeting a stranger whom I was going to marry—a stranger and his affluent family.
“You’re going to meet him soon, and his family. They own a line of restaurants, darling. They’re always going out of their way to help people.”
Restaurant interior | Source: Pexels
A few days later, we were all settled around the dining table. It was the first time that I was meeting Danny, and I had no idea what to expect.
When I stepped out of the house, he was there in the driveway, dressed in a suit—holding a gift bag and flowers.
A bouquet of roses | Source: Pexels
On first impression, he was good-looking, but I needed him to be more than just a nice face to look at.
This man was going to be my husband. I was stuck with him. And judging from the way my parents were behaving, I didn’t have a choice in the matter.
A man wearing a suit | Source: Pexels
As my father welcomed Danny and his parents into our home, my mother brought out a tray of tea and sweets.
“I didn’t know what you’d like,” she said, “so I got everything.”
Tea on a tray | Source: Unsplash
Danny smiled at her; he seemed to genuinely care about impressing my parents. We exchanged polite conversation during the tea, and when it was time for us to have dinner, we sat around the table.
“Danny,” my father said, pointing to the head of the table, “sit here.”
My mother began to fuss over Danny and his family, ensuring that she piled their plates high with food.
A table full of food | Source: Pexels
“I need you to leave here knowing that you’ve been fed,” she said.
I poured myself a glass of juice. It was going to be a long meal.
“Why did you decide to study in America?” Danny asked me, frowning over his glass of water. “Didn’t you want to stay around family?”
Juice in glass bottles | Source: Pexels
“I applied not thinking that I could get in,” I admitted. “But then I did, and I wanted it to be a new challenge for me.”
“But being away for so long?” he pressed. “I bet you spent time in the library.”
“It was just four years. I came home a few times anyway.”
A library | Source: Pexels
“Family is very important to me, Nadia,” he said firmly.
I looked at my mother, who refused to meet my eye. Without me replying to Danny, the silence took over for a few moments. Only the sound of scraping cutlery and chewing could be heard.
A woman eating | Source: Unsplash
“Tell Nadia about your charity,” my father said, beaming at me.
“Oh!” Danny’s mother exclaimed, quickly putting her fork down.
She went on at length about how Danny feeds homeless people all the time, and that he had scheduled a roster for different areas around us.
Bags of food | Source: Unsplash
“Nobody will go hungry if we can help it,” Danny’s mother said.
My goodness, I thought to myself as I dug into my chicken. Do I really need to bear this for the rest of my life?
The dinner ended, and my husband-to-be left the house.
A plate of food | Source: Unsplash
“Don’t you love him?” my mother asked as we washed up the dishes and cleaned the kitchen.
“I don’t know him, Mom,” I said.
“But you will,” she replied, drying the plates with a dish towel. “You will get to know him soon.”
A person washing a glass | Source: Pexels
I didn’t have the energy to deal with it further. I went to my bedroom and sat down, wondering how I could just give in to tradition after having been away and free for so long.
I yearned for my college dorm and the liberation that had come with it. But I also knew that I would have to let go of that.
A woman in her room | Source: Pexels
Instead, I had to wait for the day of my arranged marriage. As the months closed in, the wedding drew closer, and I began to get anxious—needing pills to sleep.
I didn’t know how I was going to marry Danny, knowing only the bare minimum about him.
One morning, while pouring myself some cereal, I decided that I would dress like a homeless person and wait outside the restaurant that Danny was based at. I needed to see how he would react to someone in need.
A bowl of cereal | Source: Pexels
As the car approached, I huddled into my disguise, my voice hoarse as Danny stepped out of the car.
“Excuse me, Sir,” I said. “Could you spare…”
Danny paused, his brows furrowing slightly.
“Ma’am, what do you need? I can’t just hand you money or food for the day. We need to help you long-term.”
A man frowning | Source: Pexels
My heart tightened.
“There’s a shelter not far from here,” he said. “I can take you there, my mother volunteers there, too. You’ll be safe there. You can get a meal, a shower, clean clothing, and we can talk about getting you on your feet.”
I stood up and pulled my shawl away, revealing myself to him.
“Nadia?” he exclaimed, his eyes wide. “What are you doing?”
A shocked man | Source: Pexels
“I was testing you, Danny,” I said. “I wanted to see if you really are the person they say you are. I just needed to know. How else can I marry you?”
Danny looked stunned, then a wry smile spread across his face.
“I guess I should be honest too, then. I’ve been horrible on purpose, hoping you’d call off the wedding.”
His candidness took me aback.
A smiling man | Source: Pexels
“Why would you do that?” I asked.
Danny sighed, running a hand through his hair as he silenced his ringing phone.
“Because I thought it was all a farce. I didn’t want to be part of an arrangement. Not really. I knew that it needed to be done, because of my age. But I’ve wanted love. I’ve wanted to marry for love.”
A man holding a phone | Source: Pexels
As we sat down on a nearby bench, Danny opened up about his past.
“The parents you met are my adopted parents. My mother died when I was very young, and they took me in. I’ve built my entire persona to help people who are where I once was. It’s not just philanthropy—it’s personal.”
His words echoed in the cold air—each syllable heavy with emotion.
“Yes, I am successful. But I never wanted to use that success as leverage for a marriage. I wanted someone to see me, not my money or my past.”
Flowers on a grave | Source: Pexels
We talked through the evening, unraveling the misunderstandings and the pressure from our families. It was the first time we truly connected, seeing each other beyond the expectations set upon us.
In the weeks that followed, we began dating—real dates, filled with genuine laughter and shared dreams. Our parents saw the change in us, the way we looked at each other with newfound respect and affection.
Soon, we’ll be married, but now, I’m content with the reality of it.
A couple holding hands | Source: Pexels
What would you have done?
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This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
Jim Carrey Offers His 12,700-Sq-Ft “Sanctuary” For Sale For $28.9 Million in Retirement Transition.
Jim Carrey is a Canadian-American comedian, actor, and writer who has left an unforgettable mark on entertainment.
Carrey was born on January 17, 1962, in Newmarket, Ontario, to a working-class family. He liked to laugh from a young age and kept doing that even when money wasn’t enough; things happened in his family.
Carrey’s career as a stand-up comedian began in his late teens, and he quickly became known for his fast-paced and often unexpected performances.
He traveled to Hollywood in the 1980s in search of better possibilities, and it wasn’t long before casting directors and producers recognized his talent.
Carrey always did enjoyable comedy routines and was very dedicated to making people laugh. This made him one of the most loved comedians of his generation.
His ability to make people laugh originated from his lively stage presence and provoked laughter through wonderfully produced sketches that included physical comedy, impressions, and intelligent dialogue.
He often used music to highlight the absurdity of circumstances, frequently improvising songs about them on the go.
Carrey’s performances in traditional roles such as The Mask’s Stanley Ipkiss, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective’s Ace Ventura, and Liar Liar’s Fletcher Reede have left an eternal impact in Hollywood.
He has maintained his popularity in a variety of genres, including drama (The Truman Show), fantasy (How The Grinch Stole Christmas), and romance (The Number 23).
Jim Carrey’s hilarious performance in 1990’s “Once Bitten” affected moviegoers. However, his iconic portrayal as Ace Ventura in the 1994 comedic classic of the same name catapulted him to prominence.
Carrey’s dynamic and outrageous portrayal of the quirky pet detective grabbed audiences and critics.
He immediately became a household figure, famous for his exceptional physical comedy talents and ability to inhabit a wide range of crazy personalities. He was frequently compared to classic comic performers such as Jerry Lewis and Charlie Chaplin.
Carrey has had a highly successful film career since his breakout performance, playing in several popular films such as “The Mask,” “Liar Liar,” and “Bruce Almighty” in the years since.
His distinct sense of humor has captivated millions worldwide, including Jim Carrey’s place as one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedy actors.
Aside from his movie success, Carrey has used his popularity to assist several humanitarian projects during his career.
He has been an outspoken supporter of mental health awareness and environmental conservation measures, making a significant impact outside of the entertainment industry.
Jim Carrey, the experienced actor and comedian has accumulated a sizable fortune throughout his career, with an estimated net worth of $180 million.
The 61-year-old is currently putting his Los Angeles home for sale for $28.9 million.
Despite his success and celebrity, Carrey’s life has been spoiled by many tragedies and challenges, including opening out publicly about his struggles with depression and speaking out on mental health concerns, such as raising awareness for others to seek assistance.
In 2011, he published ‘Memoirs and Misinformation,’ a book that combined elements of fiction with personal facts to convey the tale of his life and experiences in Hollywood.
Aside from acting, Carrey has begun to dabble in other artistic pursuits, such as painting and writing. He was most recently seen in the famous film ‘Sonic The Hedgehog,’ which will be followed by a sequel in 2022.
Jim Carrey has enormously impacted the entertainment industry, which cannot be overstated. Because of his particular comic approach and ability to bring joy and happiness to people all over the world, he has served as an inspiration to countless aspiring performers and actresses.
On the other hand, Carrey made news in April 2022 when he announced his retirement from acting, telling Access Hollywood that he was “pretty serious” about it and was “taking a sabbatical” from the industry.
He went on to claim that he appreciates the gentler side of life, such as painting on canvas and engaging in spiritual pursuits, and that it’s something no other celebrity would ever say: “I have enough. Enough is enough. “I am enough.”
These heartfelt sentiments highlight Carrey’s happiness with spending his life away from the spotlight and why he is so beloved by fans worldwide for his genuine personality and down-to-earth approach.
Jim Carrey is getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life, having recently put his Los Angeles home for sale. The beloved comedy actor announced in February 2023 that he was selling his thirty-year-old Brentwood mansion for $28.9 million.
The house includes a five-bedroom, nine-bathroom home with high ceilings, large windows that let in plenty of natural light, and luxurious hardwood floors.
The chef’s kitchen features cutting-edge appliances such as a multi-burner stove, two ovens, and an island that acts as both a food preparation station and a breakfast bar. In contrast, the home theater features a stunning Art Deco design.
Aside from the stunning interior design, the outdoor space provides a tranquil respite with various recreational luxuries, such as a waterfall pool surrounded by lush foliage, a hot tub, tennis court, and sauna, as well as an organic vegetable garden where guests can cultivate their fresh produce.
All of this is housed within 12700 square feet of the ground.
Jim Carrey, the actor best known for his role in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, bought a home in 1994 for $7.71 million in today’s money.
In a Wall Street Journal interview, Carrey characterized the mansion as “a source of wonder and inspiration” for almost three decades.
But, Carrey confesses that he no longer spends as much time at his house as he once did, so he has decided to move on and allow someone else to enjoy it as he had for thirty years.
As he bid goodbye to his cherished home, he quoted David Bowie’s Changes line: “Cha cha cha cha… Changes!”
Have you ever had to leave a place where you have lived for many years? Do you have any thoughts on Jim Carrey’s decision to sell such a unique piece of real estate? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with us and your friends and family.
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