Chapter 5 5

Bianca's POV

Disappointment and depression were the only feelings I knew about. I could fake a smile for the moments I was with my family, but the truth is, I am unhappy. I am unhappy and miserable because some idiotic man wanted to make me his wife because his great-grandfather told him so! Well, that changes today.

No longer will depression rule my life. My family sparked the flame that once burned inside me. I will fight for my family. I will fight for my freedom. Once I'm free, I will remember what happiness feels like.

I said my goodbyes. It wasn't as hard as I thought because we're all determined to get our old lives back. Still, I took my sweet time hugging each person in my family and reminiscing about old times.

It was mid-afternoon when we heard the lushing of mud in the front yard. I peered out the window to see four large SUVs pulling up.

"They've arrived," Mama whispered urgently.

"Alright, listen carefully. We're short on time, and I meant to give this to you when you were supposed to leave, but now is as good a time as any," Papa said as he reached into his pocket, retrieving my old cell phone.

It was my trusty, adorned iPhone 4. I vividly recalled the day my parents surprised me with it on my first day of high school. I had been ecstatic, relishing the newfound freedom to chat with my friends without my younger brother eavesdropping and to text boys without Papa's watchful eye. That phone held a treasure trove of cherished memories, and I couldn't believe my parents had held onto it all these years.

"Papa, I'm not sure if having a phone is a good idea." I hesitated.

"You're right; technically, you can't have one. But if we're going to make this plan work, you need a way to stay in touch with your family and me at all times. This is your lifeline," Mason chimed in.

Papa continued, "I had some friends of mine block your location from anyone except us. So, in case of any emergencies or unforeseen events, we can always find you."

"Mason... I can't request that you jeopardise your job on my behalf! This is a risk my family and I must undertake. I won't allow you to put yourself in harm's way for me."

"Honey, from the moment I first met you, I knew I'd go to any lengths for you. You remind me so much of my own daughter. I'd do anything for her, just as I'd do anything for you."

In that moment, I believed I had exhausted my tears, but a fresh wave poured from my eyes. These weren't tears of sorrow; rather, they were an inexplicable blend of relief and anger. I felt relieved that my family was willing to go to any extent to assist me, even if it meant risking their own well-being. Family meant everything to me, and if I ever gained my freedom, I vowed to show my own family the same level of love and sacrifice that my current family was demonstrating.

Suddenly, loud bangs on the door startled the household. They were approaching, and they were doing so swiftly!

"Should we open the door?" Mama pondered.

"No, if they're so determined to find me, they can figure out their own way to reach me." I sighed.

"Shall we find a hiding spot or retreat to our respective rooms? What's the best course of action here?" Papa inquired, his impatience evident in his tone.

"I think it sends a pretty badass message if we just remain here and don't act like the raiders banging on the door bother us," Gilberto remarked with a sly smirk.

It was hard to deny that Gilberto had a valid point...

So we settled in my room, engaging in casual conversation while we awaited the inevitable sound of the door being violently breached. We signalled to Mason to make himself scarce because if I were to lose him in this situation, I doubted I'd ever escape. The heavy thud of footsteps and the harsh accents of the intruders resonated from downstairs. I could already discern the authoritarian voice of the Fascist's barking orders.

"WHERE THE FUCK IS EVERYONE? DOES NO ONE LIVE HERE?" He roared.

"I wish you jackass," I muttered under my breath.

They searched the lobby floor before coming up the steps. Stomp after stomp, the sound getting closer and closer.

"Okay, this is it. You ready for this Bianca?" Gilberto asked. I got up from my bed and walked over to the window.

"I was born for this Gil. Let's do this."

A fast push of the door and heavily armed guards swarmed my room, taking in the scene before going into a neutral position. Mama couldn't help but roll her eyes at the guards. She never feared a soul.

I couldn't turn around to see the sight unfold. I kept looking out at the window, trying to memorize the scenery for when I come back.

I heard the last set of walking before the door slammed shut. I am guessing that is my prince to be. I didn't have to look at him to know he looks like a jackass. A rich, arrogant lady-killer looking jackass. That is his new name.

"So you couldn't hear my men knocking the door?" His voice was deep yet clear as day. Each word held power and dominance.

"We heard. We don't care." Papa snapped.

"Brave for a man who can have his whole family taken away in a blink. Where is Bianca? It is time for us to go."

Really? The room wasn't that small, and there were 4 people besides his men in here, how can he not know who I am? He is stupid as well as a Jackass.

"I am not leaving with you. Pact says I have 6 more months. You'll be breaking code. You'll be found in violation." I spoke proudly, the scenery giving me all the courage to speak.

"She speaks... Well princess, I thought I will cut the anticipation and excitement early and just get on with the rest of our lives." I could hear the snark in his disgustingly beautiful voice. It made me want to punch him.

"Like I said I am not leaving with you. There hasn't been any anticipation meeting you and that won't change anytime soon. So if you would please leave with your henchmen that would be greatly appreciated."

"Why don't you turn around and say that to my face?"

"I don't like to repeat myself, Mr. Gustavo."

"EVERYONE LEAVE NOW!" He demanded. Instantly his henchmen disappeared in an orderly fashion while my family stayed put.

"Did you not hear my call?" His irritation seeped through his voice.

"We are not your slaves. We go when our daughter says to go." Mama spoke.

"Mama it is okay, I will speak to him and they will go. You can leave" One by one they came over to kiss my cheek before leaving my room.

Leaving me alone with this beast.

"You have some nerve talking to your husband like that."

"You will never be my husband, let's get that clear and I will talk to anyone and everyone in any way I please. My mouth, my mind."

"Like I said, Turn around and say that to my face. Princess." I could feel his anger and it only brought me joy. Maybe I can do this.

I slowly turned around with a smirk on my face. Once I saw him, my smirk fell.

Oh, fucking shit.