In Your Clutches

Part 19: "I Don't."

AMELIA

It should be the happiest day of any girl's life—a day she got to wear a designer label wedding gown and beautiful heels.

Instead, the soft layers of white lace and exquisite embroidery that embellished the delicate bodice and sleeves of the dress handmade by one of the world's most famous designers made me feel like a sacrificial lamb adorned with wealth so the Gods would accept my family's offering.

Not a day went by in the past eleven years that I didn't think of this day. Wondered how it would be, how it would all play out. The day that marked the beginning of a future destined for me because of the name I carried.

It was yet to be determined whether the Valentino name would be a blessing or a curse. The warning at the back of my skull said the latter. For years I prayed this day would never come. I dreaded it, feared it, even rebelled against it. But my father had made the decision without deliberation, and my fight against it only rewarded me with my father's scorn. I came to be here today, dressed in a wedding gown with only a few moments of freedom left.

"Amelia." Aunt Rufina strolled into my room just as the hairstylist placed the last pin in my hair and took her leave.

"Oh, my God. You look..." She struggled to find her words. "I'm speechless."

The plush white carpet muted her heels as she made her way toward me. My eyes met hers in the mirror, the reflection creating a daunting image.

It was my wedding day... The moment was finally here. The moment I'd been counting down to. I was down to the last few minutes of being Amelia Juliette Valentino.

The pain in my chest was back at full force. The taste of misery was bitter on my tongue and agony—its poison—crawled under my flesh.

"Do you think this is right?" I whispered, my voice shaking.

"It isn't." Aunt Rufina said. "But I know that you won't back out so easily. You will fight and prove yourself. You will make everyone believe you."

"And my future husband." I added.

She huffed. "His opinions don't count."

My lips twitched, even through the tears. "He is your nephew. How can you talk like that about him in front of me?"

"He made you cry, my precious girl. Of course I'll talk like that about him and please, for the love of God, don't start crying. You'll mess up your mascara!"

I let out a teary laugh and then I was pulling Aunt Rufina down for a hug.

"Thank you," I breathed. "You're the best thing that has ever happened to me. Thank you so much for taking care of me when everyone here loathes me."

She kissed my cheeks. "It was my pleasure, Amelia."

I never knew what it felt like to have a mother. Mine died while giving birth to me. But Aunt Rufina changed my life in an irrevocable way. I didn't know how much needed a mother, until I met her. I needed the guidance the most and she was there, every step of the way, supporting me, encouraging the idiot girl with a broken heart.

I swallowed my tears, sniffling. "Help me up?" I asked, grabbing for her hand.

With her help, I stood on my two feet, but I wobbled a bit. The dress was so dang heavy, I was unable to move. She fixed my veil, looking as emotional as I felt.

The corner of her eyes wrinkled when she blinked, the tip of her nose was red and she sniffled. "As your Aunt, can I give you one last bit of advice?"

I nodded, feeling the way my throat closed and burnt with unshed tears.