Forced To Be His Bride

One -Marietta

PI settled in a room similar to my old room in my mother's apartment back in New York. The walls were painted a dull brown color, and had everything I would need to survive.

Her humiliation didn't take anything away from me. Due to my change of location, I had to change my university and apply for a transfer at UCLA.

Mr Romano, who earlier discussed it with my mother despite their dispute, wanted me to continue my undergraduate schooling there. Aware of the family dispute going on between us and given that I won't be accepted into the family, I want to keep my distance and will be applying for campus accomodation. I will stay in the school hostel.

And the last thing I wanted was for Joyce to get in Natasha's way or try to protect me from her and get humiliated in the process.

There was a knock on the door, I muttered a 'come in' and it was the sweet angel I was just thinking about.

I smiled at her and paused unpacking clothes.

She still had a sad look in her eyes. I hardly expected her to, but she consumed me in a comforting hug, she smelt like cinnamon and little hints of spices. Her blue eyes glistened with moist

“I never imagined Natasha would stoop so low. I am so sorry, I am sure your father won't take this lightly.“

I smiled sadly at her. “It's not your fault and I don't expect anything from anyone. Whether Mr Romano or not. He wouldn't go against his wife and the last thing I want is to be the source of chaos in the family."

She sighed at me, annoyed at my words. “You are his daughter. Natasha bullies anyone she perceives she has power over. And the last time, I remember, chaos had existed in the family since those two had been married. Your father should be held accountable for his actions, not you, my sweet child.

She looked around, dissatisfied. “You are not a servant that you should spend your days in this house living like one. Don't worry too much.“ She caressed me fondly.

“This room is not that bad, and if living like a servant for a little while brings me peace, I don't mind.

She brushed my words off like my hand would ward off flies.

“Don't say those things to annoy me. Come out for lunch. You can join us if you don't want to eat with the family.“ She offered, aware of the hesitation in my heart.

“You already know who I am willing to eat with. Can I join you to make lunch?“ I asked, bored with arranging my clothes.

“Sure mi hijo.

∆

I sliced the carrots, smiling at Joyce as she narrated a funny story to Micheal, who relaxed at the counter. Following her instructions, I sliced them into thin strips. Once done, I poured it into the pan and stir-fried

A shrill scream pierced through the house, an excited one, nothing frightening, I guessed.

We soon knew of the cause when Clarrisa, Mr Romano's daughter, said excitedly to her mother.

“Galen will be here for lunch.” She shattered excitedly.

“Your father, too, will be coming from the office.”

From her tone and cheer in her voice, I instantly knew Galen was someone special, but the thought of my father coming back for lunch unsettled me.

“Who is Galen?” I asked, curious.

“Clarissa fiance,” Micheal responded

Wow, she was engaged. She looks like someone out of a fashion magazine. She was a world-famous model and the heir of her family business, so I guess it fits

Luster blond hair, full faint pink lips plump at the lower lips, olive-tanned skin and her slim model body carved into a beautiful feminine form.

“He is lucky, she is beautiful,“ I said.

“I could say the same for her,” Micheal chimed in. “She is engaged to the son of a famous family who has the charms and face to match her. They are a couple well-fitted for each other.

This was the first time I had seen her in real life not in the form of blogs and magazines.

Lunch was also ready, and I went back to my room to have a change of clothes because I spilled on my clothes due to my stubbornness to wear an apron. Now, changed into clean clothes, a similar jumpsuit as the initial one but in a feminine design, I walked back to the kitchen. Joyce was plating the meals she had prepared, it was like a mini-feast.

Assorted meals that looked foreign to me lined the counter.

I walked past the dining area, walking towards the kitchen to have my lunch with Micheal and Joyce.

Clarrisa was dressed in a beautiful short black dress, revealing her long legs and Mrs Natasha a two short-piece silk shirt and pants with Versace insignia on them. Just when I thought I had no more issues to deal with, I was called back by my stepmother.

“Marie.

I stopped in my tracks and turned around, a weary feeling at her next antic washed my soul.

Clarrisa looked uninterested and kept her eyes peeled on her phone, barely paying any attention to the scene unfolding in front of her.

Joyce and Micheal walked out of the kitchen, probably wondering what was happening.

“Yes, Mrs Natasha.” I said more sweetly than I intended to

She smiled at herself, deeply satisfied. “You are fed by this family, clothed, provided shelter, and now we are burdened by your schooling. What do you offer us in return?“ She asked.

I said nothing. I wouldn't give her the pleasure of a response

“I will answer that for you. You are a maid's worth, Marie. Your mother sent you here for servitude. In return, we are giving you these niceties you weren't privileged to have.“

Joyce stepped in, angered by her words. “Mrs Natasha, I think you are overstepping your boundaries now. It is against the house rules to even treat a maid with this much contempt.

Natasha paid her barely any attention. “The only person overstepping boundaries is you, Joyce.

“I want my boiling broth and I want her to serve us.”