Chapter 2 2

Exactly two weeks had passed.

Today marked the day when I was to make my formal acquaintance with Ghost, a momentous event that had been looming over me. The occasion was a grand party, an extravagant affair where both men and women adorned themselves extravagantly, not only to display their wealth but also to vie for the spotlight. The idea was to be the most captivating presence in the room, but it was a paradox because, as my father had made clear, this was an arranged affair. Even if Ghost found another woman appealing, he couldn't simply choose her as his bride.

I had meticulously applied my makeup, and my mother had artfully styled my hair into an elegant arrangement. Her words were both reassuring and affectionate as she held my hands. "You look absolutely beautiful, my princess," she whispered, her eyes brimming with maternal pride.

"Thank you, mamá," I replied, returning her smile, a mixture of gratitude and trepidation in my eyes.

Just then, a knock came from my door, and Miles, our family's loyal escort, arrived to accompany me to the front door. We stood there, waiting for the sleek black limousine that would transport us to the event.

At last, my father emerged from his office, mere minutes before we were scheduled to leave. "The limo is on its way," he announced with an air of indifference, his voice devoid of any discernible emotion. It was evident that he couldn't wait to be rid of me, and his detachment was palpable. I avoided making eye contact with him, not because I wanted to, but because I didn't feel the need to subject myself to the cold indifference he projected.

Miles erupted with indignation, his voice dripping with fury as he directed his discontent squarely at my father, unapologetically expressing his stance on the situation. The intensity of his emotions was unmistakable, a clear signal that he was not on board with the unfolding events.

My mother, caught in the crossfire of this heated exchange, responded with a hushed yet urgent hiss, imploring Miles to restrain himself. She seemed to be acutely aware of the futility of arguing with my father.

My father's reaction, on the other hand, was anything but restrained. His response was laced with venom, and he spat his words out with a savage intensity. The frigid air seemed to mirror his mood, as I could see his breath crystallising in the cold. His demand to me was clear, delivered with a menacing growl: "Take off that jacket as soon as we step inside, understood?" I nodded in rapid agreement, feeling the weight of his expectations press upon me.

As the limousine finally pulled up, my brothers and I climbed into the car. My mother was there to assist me, ensuring that my dress didn't get crumpled in the process. Meanwhile, my father sat impatiently, his agitation palpable.

"Faster," he snarled at my mother, his impatience surfacing once again.

I couldn't help but shoot my father an angry glare, reminding him of his own choice regarding the dress I was wearing. It was a pointed remark, one that underlined the fact that I would have been perfectly content donning sweatpants and a simple t-shirt for the event. His gaze snapped towards me, and for a moment, I forgot my manners.

Under the weight of his icy, unrelenting stare, I longed for the ability to shrink into a small, unnoticeable form, desperate to escape the overwhelming intensity of the moment. His words dripped with venom as he scolded me, clearly aiming to establish his dominance. The mere thought of living up to his expectations sent chills racing down my spine, and I avoided his gaze, my eyes fixed on a point in the distance. However, my attempt to evade his eyes was short-lived as he suddenly grabbed my chin firmly, forcing me to meet his gaze head-on.

"Never address me in that manner," he hissed, making it clear that he was in control. He leaned in uncomfortably close, and his commanding tone carried a menacing undertone. The pain from his strong grip on my chin made it challenging to speak, but I managed to utter a hushed "Yes." As he released his grip, a scornful scoff escaped his lips, seemingly directed at his own musings.

My mother, who had been watching the scene unfold in stunned disbelief, finally broke her silence. Her gaze bore into my father with a stern, unwavering determination as she folded her arms across her chest. She disregarded him and continued speaking: "You're bringing her into another man's life; the least you could do is leave her with a positive memory of you, or at the very least, a tolerable one." Her words carried a weight of disappointment and frustration, leaving my father momentarily speechless.

Meanwhile, Miles, standing by my side, took my hand and held it tightly in a reassuring gesture. I remained in silent contemplation, my nerves nearly overwhelming me. The scrutiny of my brothers' stares weighed on me, but I couldn't muster the courage to meet their eyes.

My arm interlinked with Miles' as we walked into the ball. I shivered in the massive hall due to the dropping temperature, where people were gathering slowly. It had just started to snow outside for the first time in a few years.

"Take that fucking shawl off you immediately!" My father gripped the rim of my shawl and ripped it from my freezing body.

"But father...." I voiced my concern.

"Don't speak unless I tell you to; I'm this close to teaching you a lesson." He hissed into my ear so that no one else could hear, making shivers run down my spine. He showed me the tiniest gap between his thumb and finger.

Why can't I keep my mouth shut?

I saw a lot of people standing around, and some were just staring at me. Don't they know that it's rude to stare?

Sadly, it's one of the many downsides to being part of the biggest mafia in the world: if they're able, they will watch you.

"Everyone always watches us," I muttered under my breath to Miles as we stared at the crowds of people. "They stare at me because they're afraid; they stare at you simply because you are beautiful yet powerful, like a rose." Miles smiled gently at me. "I'm sorry I can't stop this arrangement; I wanted you to find love on your own."

"Maybe it won't be so bad." I shrugged, trying to look on the bright side, when suddenly the doors opened and the room fell silent.