Chapter 4 MEETING HIM

I just wanted to sleep, to crawl into bed and forget about the chaos that was my life right now. But apparently, that was going to be a mistake, because I was on my way to go meet my supposed fiance. I didn't know what to expect, and that was what was making me so anxious. I just hoped he wasn't an abuser, or someone who would make my life even more miserable than it already was.

I sighed and thought about what to wear, standing in front of my closet and staring blankly at the rows of clothes. I knew I had a lot of options, but I was indecisive. Can you blame me, though? I was just a girl, after all, and I wanted to make a good impression. Or, at the very least, not a terrible one.

I ended up settling on a sleeveless red gown, one that hugged my curves in all the right places. It had a slit that reached up to my thighs, and was tight from the bust to the waist. I felt a little daring wearing it, but I also felt powerful. Maybe this was exactly what I needed, a reminder that I was still in control, no matter what my father or this stranger thought.

I quickly got into the shower and had a bath, scrubbing myself clean and trying to wash away some of the anxiety that was building up inside me. I shaved and exfoliated, making sure my skin was smooth and soft. Then I got out and started on my hair, blow-drying it and styling it in loose waves that cascaded down my back.

I quickly sat down at my vanity mirror and started with my makeup, trying to focus on the task at hand. I was going for a natural look, because I'm not really into makeup; I'm just too lazy to learn how to do it properly. I applied a light foundation, some mascara, and a swipe of lip gloss, and then stepped back to admire my handiwork.

I stood up and was surprised at the way I looked. I looked...beautiful. The red dress hugged my curves in all the right places, and my hair cascaded down my back like a waterfall. I barely recognized the person staring back at me in the mirror. I looked...grown up, somehow. Like a woman, rather than a girl. And that was terrifying, because I wasn't sure if I was ready for that.

Just then, I heard my father scream my name from downstairs, making me jump. "I'm coming!" I shouted back, hurriedly unplugging my phone from the charger and spraying some perfume on my wrists. I grabbed my purse and took one last look in the mirror before heading downstairs.

As I entered the living room, I saw my mom and Mira looking at me with guilty expressions. I couldn't blame them, really, they had known about this arranged marriage all along, and had been keeping it from me. "You look beautiful, dear," my mom said, trying to smile, and Mira nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, ma," I said, trying to sound calm despite the turmoil that was brewing inside me. My dad led me out of the house and to the car, where the driver was waiting to take us to our destination. I sat down in the backseat, trying to catch my breath and process everything that was happening.

Soon, we stopped at an upscale restaurant, one of those fancy places that made me feel like I didn't quite belong. A man in a suit opened the door for me, and I thanked him as I got out of the car. My father got out as well, and we walked into the restaurant together, my heart racing with anticipation.

The place really did look fancy and chic, with its sleek decor and dim lighting. We walked to the front desk, where my dad gave his name for the reservation. Just then, an old man around my dad's age stood up and waved slightly at my father, and we walked over to him.

But there was another guy standing there, his back facing us, so I couldn't really see him. I wondered who he was, and why he was here. Just then, my father and the man I now knew as Mr. Matteo greeted each other warmly, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries.

The other guy still hadn't turned around, and I was starting to get curious. Who was he, and why was he here? Just then, Mr. Matteo said, "Alex, I want you to meet your fiancee." And that's when everything changed.

I looked up, expecting to see some stranger, but instead, I saw him. The guy from the car accident, the one who had yelled at me and then looked at me like I was crazy. We said it at the same time, our voices overlapping in a shocked screech "You!"