The Fourth Wife

Chapter 2: Before Saturday

ARIA'S POV

I slowly opened my eyes, and morning light poured in through the curtains.

Everywhere was bright.

Good. It’s morning again. The whole world moved on like nothing happened, like I didn’t cry myself to sleep.

The memories of last night flooded in before I could even stop them. My parents begging me. The news I watched. My father’s words. My pleas on the cold floor. The date had been set.

I stared at the ceiling for a long time, the only thing that stayed still when everything else had shifted. My body felt drained, like I had exhausted all my energy last night.

Just as I was about to gather my thoughts on how I got to bed last night, a soft knock came at my door. I couldn’t move my mouth to answer. Slowly, the handle turned. I didn’t know who I was expecting, but nerves gathered in my chest. Finally, the door opened, and my mum stood there.

Relief washed over me. Strange relief. I sat up, waiting for her to come in. She lingered in the doorway, unsure whether to step forward or go back.

“Morning,” I said at last.

It was like she had been waiting for my permission. She came closer and whispered. “Morning, Sunshine.”

I heard it. Her voice broke. She moved slowly, her hands clasped in front of her, and sat at the edge of my bed. The mattress dipped under her weight. That familiar scent followed her, the same one I had buried my face in last night while begging her to save me.

“Did you sleep at all?” she asked.

I gave no answer. I didn’t know if I should nod or shake my head. My eyes stayed on the blanket. The pink drawings on it were fading, like they were tired too.

“I’m sorry,” she continued. “If you don’t want to marry him, we will call it off. We’re so sorry we forced it on you.” Her gaze dropped to her fingers, twisting them. I couldn't tell if she was fighting back tears or if she simply couldn’t bear to look at me again.

“Mum—”

“Aria.” She cut me off. “Think of yourself now. I know there will be another way. It might take a long time, but another way will come.”

She reached for my hand. Maybe it was something she had only just learned to do, but this time I let her. I stretched out my hand and she held it tightly.

“Thank you,” I forced a smile, “but I’ve thought about it… and I’m going to marry him.”

Her eyes widened. “What?!”

“Life is too short to spend it buried in debts.” The words spilled out before I could stop them. Where was this coming from?

Her shock showed in her face. She said nothing.

“Who knows what will happen tomorrow?” I shrugged, though I didn't even understand why I was saying it.

Why are these words spilling out of me? Why can’t I stop?

“Excuse me. I want to use the toilet,” I muttered, standing quickly. Her eyes followed me, as if she no longer recognized her own daughter.

My legs felt weak and sore, probably from kneeling so long last night, but I hurried to the bathroom before she could see through me.

I shut the bathroom door quickly, twisting the lock. My chest rose and fell like I just ran a race, although all I did was avoid my mother's eyes.

I went to the mirror, I wanted to see the girl who said yes. Yes to a widow. Not just any widow, the one rumoured to have killed his three wives.

The mirror didn't lie. My eyes looked swollen, my face pale, cracked lips curved upward slightly, like they still remembered the fake smile I gave earlier.

I splashed cold water on my face and sat on the closed lid. The porcelain was cold.

I knew she was lying, there was no other way. Marrying Dominic was the only way. The only option left.

I can't hide anymore. This is my reality. Weather I like it or not.

I stood up and stepped outside. I wasn't expecting my mum to be there, but it stung that she wasn't, the bed was empty. So, I left my room to look for her. To say, “I'm fine”. Even though I wasn't.

So I went looking.

That's when I heard it. A voice. A man voice. I froze.

“... it's going to be this Saturday. He couldn't be here because he is busy. Please sign here, and on Saturday we will do the wedding.”

Saturday? My stomach twisted. I counted on my fingers. Thursday. Friday. That's… that's two days. Two.

My approval didn't even matter. They'd decided already. The wedding would happen weather I said yes or not.

I tried to go back to my room, quietly, but of course my legs betrayed me. I tripped and fell flat.

Oh no….

“Aria!” My mum's scream was so loud,the neighbours probably jumped. She ran to me. My dad came too. And then I saw the other man, Victor Sterling. Dominic's Uncle.

Heat rushed to my face. This is so embarrassing. “I'm fine,” I muttered, brushing off my mum's hands.

Her eyes looked at my like I'm some prize possession. I just didn't know if she meant as her daughter or the key to a debt free life.

“You must be Aria”, Victor said, smiling like he already knew me. “I see your mum passed her beautiful genes to you”.

My mum smiled proud. My dad nodded. Me – I forced one.

Victor kept talking. “We will be happy to welcome you on Saturday. Be rest assured.”

Assured of what? my death? my prison?

This was supposed to protect me? I'd never met him, but the dislike was instant, like poison.

He turned to my dad. “I'll be on my way now. Bring the documents on Saturday.” Then to me. “Take care of yourself, okay?” Another smile and he left.

The second he turned his back, I hated myself for saying nothing. For looking like a weak little girl. If Victor could make me feel this small, then Dominic…

What about him?

Would I even see him before our wedding day?

“Are you hurt?” My mum's voice pulled me back.

“I'm fine”. I said quickly, avoiding her eyes. Then I looked up, “Saturday, huh?”

She sighed. “Yes. He said the earlier the better. Before the debts gets worse”

Something in me cracked. I felt the tears rise, but no. Not now.

So, I laughed. It sounded really fake. “Let's start shopping then”. And laughed.

I walked back to my room, and closed the door. Tried to cry, but nothing came. My eyes were empty. Empty like the rest of me.

So, I lay on my bed, closed my eyes, and wished the world would end before Saturday.