Devil's Queen

Chapter 3

If only she had not agreed to her deal.

Rona’s deal was simple, listen to her obediently and meet every single guy she asks to for next four months. If Rona failed to get her a boyfriend/fiancee/husband in these four months, she won’t bother Elisha for marriage for a whole year.

The offer was too tempting for Elisha who wanted nothing but to escape from Rona’s torture.

After returning from Pelorem two years ago, Elisha immersed herself into work. She started her own business. She also helped in family business. As Kyle and Victor were expanding their family company in multiple countries Elisha’s help was much appreciated. Due to this reason she didn’t get the chance to date or have a boyfriend. Or at least that’s what they thought.

But the truth was different. Wounded and killed by the love she blindly believed previously, her heart has become stone cold and is completely closed for anyone. Love is nothing but a painful memory for her now.

Friday arrived and she’s suppose to go on another blind date. Dragging her tried body, she entered the luxurious restaurant. The guy was dressed in sleek blue shirt with white blazer. His bleach curly hair contradicted his cardiologist image.

‘Not bad.’

He looked better than her previous date, hope the personality is also better. Elisha smiled at him and introduced herself formally.

Half an hour later. Elisha’s lips formed a thin line, her first impression earlier was tossed out of the window.

“Well working woman are good. But, I don’t see any need for my wife to work. I earn a lot. I expect my wife to stay home, interact with family and take care of kids. Going out and earning is men’s duty. Since I’m a doctor, I’ll be at the hospital most of the time, having a wife to take care of kids and other things is what I’m looking for.” He continued to utter nonsense.

“Well, I think you need a nanny more than a wife.” Elisha spat the words finally. Being respectful and declining the proposals politely was her goal. Since most of the guys Rona asked to meet were from her friend’s circle so Elisha tried to be courteous. But narrow-minded prick like him didn’t deserve it.

“But a nanny can’t bear my kids.” He continued shamelessly.

“Good for her.” Elisha said indifferently. His face turned a shade of red.

“It’s time for me to leave.” Elisha got up before he could say anything.

Exiting the restaurant Elisha made her way to the mall. She had to pick Rona and update her on the date.

“Aren’t you going to ask about the date?” Elisha was surprised as she was not bombarded with questions.

Rona sighed.

“Well, Georgia called earlier. After hearing his personality and the kind of women he was looking for her, I knew this was supposedly a disaster. Hope you haven’t damaged him much.” Rona gave a knowing look. Elisha shrugged.

“Thankfully he didn’t cross the line. But didn’t you say he’s well mannered blah blah blah.” Elisha raised her eyebrows.

“Honestly I didn’t know.” Rona shrugged as if nothing.

“If only you had selected one among the 20 guys. Kyle was two years old when I was your age. When I was a kid, I listened to my mom, I was obedient and honest, never worried her for unnecessary things. But look at you, almost 24 yet single, no love life, always ready to pick a fight with me.” Rona poured out her concern and frustration.

“But grandma said, you always fought with other kids, had bad temperament. Never listened to her, made a huge ruckus before you married dad.” Elisha gave a pointed look.

“Jeez. So what if you knew, I dated three guys before your dad. All were scums, that’s another story. But you, have you at least kissed a guy in truth or dare?” Rona snorted. Elisha was baffled.

It’s because whenever other guys tried to touch her intimately, she was reminded of that psycho beast, her body repulsed feeling cold needles pricking all over her body. His every touch is still engraved deep inside her heart.

“Do you have to mock me every single time?” Elisha was tired of these conversations.

“Then get married, you punk. I have picked a new date for you.” Rona rebutted.

“I won’t. And I’m done with the dating as well, so keep the waiting list guys for yourself.” Elisha had reached her limit. But Rona didn’t take her seriously.

“Mom, I’m serious. If you force me for another date. I’ll be going back to Pelorem and won’t come back until I turn 40.“ Elisha said with determination. Rona knew her daughter better than anyone. She knew now was not the time to press her button if not she’ll definitely go back to Pelorem.

It was beyond Elisha’s thoughts why Rona was so obsessed with her marriage .

“Why are you going that way? I have a meeting in an hour, I can’t join your shopping spree. “

“My shopping is done. I want to gift a custom designed dress for Kristine’s daughter. Thought you would help me with the design.” Rona sighed.

“Sorry. I need to hurry.” Rona nodded taking her shopping bags from Elisha and walked into ‘Loya Boutique.’

The boutique was extravagant, it was a place only rich people could step in. Rona’s confidence and aura attracted lot of attention.

Giving the specifications for the designer Rona walked around looking for a dress for Elisha.

“Hi.” A lady around in early fifties greeted Rona. She was sophisticated and screamed elegance with every look. She had seen this face before.

“I’m Sharon. I was at Kaiki’s party last time. Kaiki spoke about you but unfortunately I couldn’t meet you.” The lady explained, Rona remembered her right away.

“Yes, Kaiki said the same. I saw you in the party, but you left early.”

“Yeah. Hmm… The girl you were talking to earlier, is she your daughter?” Sharon asked cautiously.

“Yes.” Sharon’s face brightened up slightly.

“Is she married? Any boyfriend?” Sharon continued.

“No. And that’s what I’m worried about…” Rona replied with a sigh. But Sharon’s face became brighter with an elegant smile. Rona immediately understood the unsaid words and replied with her own smile. They were passengers of same boat.

“Have you picked the dress?” Rona asked entering Elisha’s room.

“For what?” Elisha asked in confusion.

“Of course, for the date tomorrow. I have texted about it” Elisha’s face turned sour.

“Mom, I wasn’t joking about dating. I’m serious, one more date proposal I’m leaving to Pelorem the next moment.” Elisha snapped.

“I’m serious too, Eli. How long are you going to be like this? When do you at least plan to settle down?” Rona rubbed her temple.

“Not sure, maybe two year or maybe even more. I’m not ready for this yet.” Elisha sighed.

She has experienced a lot in that hell for eight years, it's not easy to forget those things. Now her focus is on upcoming events. There will a lot of chaos in coming years, and she doesn’t have time for dating or marriage.

Moreover, what would love bring anyway, pain and death. It costed her everything. She doesn't hate love, it's just she finds it meaningless now.

Elisha’s hand shivered as she was reminded of the time when Allen chained her to stop from escaping, that was her third attempt. And that was when reality slapped her hard, his cruel and disgusting side was exposed. He bathed her in Victor’s blood. He killed Victor right in front of her eyes. She was wiped until it was hard to distinguish whether it was Victor’s or her blood.

Elisha rubbed her skin unconsciously trying to erase his touch, erase all the awful memories,. Her lips were clenched tight trying to control herself.

Rona’s heart ached looking at her daughter. This is not her first time to see this side of Elisha. For years Rona had seen her suffering from nightmares, always yelling and crying to not to touch her. Rona had confronted Elisha about it. Only to learn that no such events has occurred and it’s only her imagination. To make Elisha happy and live like a normal person she knew she had to take extreme measure.

----

It’s been two weeks since their last conversation and nothing happened since then. Elisha was glad Rona didn’t bring any proposal again, but it still bothered her. Rona wasn’t the kind of person to admit defeat so easily. More importantly she hardly stays home these days.

“Mom, where do you go these days? You’re hardly seen at home.” Kyle finally asked the question Elisha wanted to ask. Victor also turned his attention to Rona as they sat for dinner.

“Nothing much, I spend time with my friends. You shouldn’t bother yourself about this old lady.” Rona replied nonchalantly. Elisha bit her lips.

“Now that’s definitely suspicious.” Kyle spoke bluntly.

“Hah... look at this brat. Weren’t you going for Nina’s family’s place for a vacation? What are you doing here?” Rona changed the topic.

“Well, plan changed. Nina’s college friend is getting married. She went to her bachelorette party tonight.” Kyle shrugged.

Nina is his girlfriend for six years. Both are already engaged, marriage will be held next year.

Elisha tried to be as casual as possible feeling a piercing gaze from Rona. Fortunately, no one continued the marriage topic and the dinner proceeded as usual.