Chapter 2
1283 Words
It was a bright Friday morning, and I barely gave thought to what happened last night.
I freshened up and made my way down to the dining room.
“How was your date?” my dad asked, a look of excitement lighting his face.
“The wedding is in two weeks,” I replied, my voice completely emotionless.
“Wow! You children are really fast. It’ll definitely be the biggest wedding of the year.”
“I still don’t like him,” I said flatly.
“Why? You both agreed to get married.”
“No, we didn’t. He just told me the date of the wedding. Quite bold for a respectable young man,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.
“Our families will meet for the proper introduction soon. Lord Vale has been bedridden for three months, and there’s little hope he’ll recover. His son, understanding this, knows he shouldn’t waste time.”
“He’s not interesting,” I said, stabbing my fork into the food.
“And what does that matter?” my dad countered. “You’ll form a strong alliance and build both the Vale and Moretti empires to greater heights.”
“It has always been business with you,” I snapped, dropping my cutlery.
“Listen, beautiful one,” he said, his tone firm but oddly affectionate. “If you wait for love, it may never find you. What’s greater than building a name that will be remembered for generations? Elena Moretti, heiress of a dynasty, your children will be grateful someday.”
I scoffed, refusing to let my emotions show.
“I’m full,” I said, pushing my chair back.
“Listen, Elena. You may think he isn’t your type, but there are a hundred girls who would kill to be in your position.”
“They can have him. Besides, he said I wasn’t his type.”
“And yet he’s willing to call you his wife,” Dad replied sharply. “Don’t doubt it. You’re beautiful and elegant, but while he needs time to see that, he’s decided to be more sensible than you. Marriage builds empires, love builds fantasies. Two weeks should be enough to bond.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I said, forcing a smile before walking away.
---
I wanted to cry, but then his call came in.
“Good morning, Miss Moretti,” his voice sounded calm, too calm.
“Hi,” I replied emotionlessly.
“Just wanted to know how my fiancée is doing.”
“I don’t have a ring on,” I said coldly.
“Do you want one?” His tone was unreadable half teasing, half commanding.
“I suppose I should have one before someone else gets smarter.”
He chuckled softly. “You’ll get one this evening.”
My breath caught. What a pampered dog.
“Any plans for the evening?” he asked.
“Yes, I’ll be attending a friend’s baby shower.”
“Hope they’ll come to yours by November,” he said.
“What do you mean?” I asked, shocked.
“I’ll be needing an heir as soon as possible.”
“I won’t be having babies until I’m ready.”
“We’ll see about that. Meanwhile, I have a meeting with your dad to discuss our engagement party on Tuesday.”
“Oh,” I muttered, half shocked, half furious.
“Be good,” he said and hung up.
I stared at my phone, anger burning in my chest. He didn’t just make me feel powerless, he made me feel owned. Just like my father.
I walked over to my vanity, resting my chin in my palms as I stared at my reflection.
“He was dead serious,” I murmured. “I need to play my role well. It’s either I show up as a radiant bride or a gloomy, drained one. The latter won’t be good for my image or my career. The tabloids will definitely carry this wedding.”
I took out my journal and started listing a few things I wanted for the ceremony. Then, I called Stacey.
“Hey girl!” she said excitedly.
“My wedding is in less than two weeks, and my engagement is coming up on Tuesday,” I said quickly.
The line went silent then erupted in laughter.
“What do you mean you’re getting married in two weeks and engaged in four days?” she asked between giggles.
“I haven’t recovered from the shock either,” I said dryly. “But I have to show up as Elena. I don’t want this to sound weird at the baby shower. Plus, I’ll need help colors, fittings, styles. He’s starting to feel like the main character.”
“So who’s the lucky man?”
“Damian Vale and he isn't the least lucky”
The scream that followed nearly burst my eardrums. I had to pull the phone away.
“Elena! I have contacts with one of the best wedding planners in town. We’ll talk at Eve’s party. Everyone needs to hear this,:two celebrities getting married!”
Before I could respond, she’d already hung up.
Typical Stacey chaotic but oddly comforting. I actually felt lighter after her call.
A glance at the clock showed it was past noon. I had to get ready. I pulled an olive-green dress from my closet and laid it on the bed. Turning back to the mirror, I loosened my messy bun and let my hair fall softly over my shoulders.
Feeling a spark of motivation, I called my makeup artist and hairdresser. I needed a serious makeover.
I placed my silver jewelry beside the dress. Despite everything, I felt a little happy, if not for the wedding, at least for Eve’s baby shower.
A knock came at my door.
“The door’s open,” I said.
The steward, Alecia, walked in. “You have a call from security, ma’am.”
I picked up the telephone. “Elena Moretti speaking.”
“You have guests, a hairdresser and an artist. Should I send them up?”
“Of course,” I said, hanging up.
“Alecia, don’t leave yet.”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“Should I match this olive-green dress with the black purse or something else?”
“A silver purse would look better, ma’am.”
I smiled faintly. “You may go. Please send them up.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
---
A while later, we were done. I stared at my reflection flawless makeup, glossy hair, confidence reborn.
“You look perfectly amazing”
“Special thanks to your expertise.”
After tipping them generously, I dressed up. The time was almost 3 p.m., and Eve’s party started at 4. I couldn’t be late, Stacey would make a dramatic scene if I was.
“Ma’am, Mr. Vale sent a package,” Alecia announced.
My stomach tightened. “I’ll be down shortly.”
I gathered my things, went downstairs, and stopped by my father’s library to tell him I was leaving. Then, Alecia handed me the box large, elegant, and exquisitely wrapped.
As I began unwrapping it, a letter slipped out.
"From today onwards, you are mine. Inform the others to back off."
My hands froze. Then it hit me….the ring.
Alecia dropped a bouquet of flowers beside me and quietly left the room.
Inside the smaller box was a ring made of a shimmering white stone pure diamond. I slid it on, and it fit perfectly.
“How did he even know my size?” I whispered.
I stared at the bouquet again, feeling my pulse quicken. Damian Vale was… another level of spoiled brat.
Or maybe, something much more dangerous.
- Writer
