04
742 Words
It's been two weeks, two weeks since my father told me about the betrothal, and by now I've accepted the fact that I won't be able to do anything about it until the ceremony happens.
I've tried to talk to my father, but he's made it clear that he won't change his mind. He sees the alliance with Rossi as a way to increase our family's power and influence in the organized crime world, and he's not interested in my feelings on the matter.
The thought of marrying Rossi makes me sick to my stomach. He may be a powerful mob boss, but he's also a ruthless criminal who's responsible for countless deaths and crimes. The thought of spending the rest of my life with a man like that is unbearable.
Despite having resigned myself to my fate, I can't help but harbor a glimmer of hope that somehow, someway, I'll find a way to escape the betrothal and live the life I want. But for now, all I can do is wait and see what the future holds.
I'm snapped out of my daze after my sister Viola enter's the dining room I'm sat in, her heel's clicking on the shiny white marble tile's.
"Cora, what are you doing just sitting here like this?" my sister asks, concern written all over her face.
I sigh and look up at her. "There's nothing I can do, Viola. Father's made his decision. I have to marry Valerio Rossi, even though I want nothing to do with him. Or with any of this." I gesture around me, taking in the elegant dining room with its ornate chandeliers and velvet curtains.
Viola takes a seat next to me, sighing heavily. "I know it's hard, Cora. But we have to accept it." She places her hand on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "You're a Wood. You're part of the family, and you have a duty to uphold."
Despite her words, I can see the sadness in her eyes. She knows I don't want any of this. Just like I know she would never agree to marry someone like Rossi.
We sit in silence for a moment, each lost in our own thoughts. But finally, I take a deep breath and stand up. "You're right, Viola. We have to accept it." I offer her a weak smile. "But that doesn't mean we have to like it."
"I'm glad you understand," Viola says, returning my smile with one of her own. "I just hope you can find some happiness in all of this."
I nod. "I'll try," I say, more to myself than to her.
We sit in silence for another moment, surrounded by the hushed sounds of the elegant dining room. Then, with a sigh, I stand up again. "Well, I should probably go get ready for tonight's party," I say, referring to the formal dinner that our family is hosting in honor of our alliance with Rossi's family.
Viola nods. "Me too," she says. "Remember, you're not alone in this."
I smile at her, feeling a small measure of comfort in her words. "I know," I say. "Thanks, Viola."
With that, we both stand up and begin to make our way out of the dining room, taking a deep breath as we enter the hustle and bustle of the family compound.
As we make our way to our respective rooms, I can't help but wonder what the future holds for me. But for now all I can do is hope that somehow, someway, I'll find a way to escape this betrothal and live the life I want.
I open my abnormaly large bedroom door, stepping inside the large room and making my way over to the large walk-in closet I've had for years, it's had numerous touch ups to keep it tidy.
The door creaks open, revealing a massive room filled with all kinds of clothes, shoes, accessories, and other items. It's a wardrobe room like no other, fit for a princess.
I take a deep breath as I step inside, running my hands over the various hangers and racks, feeling the satin and silk against my skin.
It's a room that's been crafted to my precise specifications, and as I look around, I can't help but feel a sense of pride. This wardrobe room is mine, and it's the perfect place for me to escape to when the world gets to be too much.
- Writer
