Wed or Dead

XX

After changing clothes and makeup, Eliana decided to go downstairs. Casey was in the kitchen eating lunch.

"How do I look like?" Eliana directed the question at her sister.

"Great. Are you going somewhere?" Casey asked, so mildly interested in her outfit.

"Yes. Rafael organized their engagement party"

"Seriously? He's a tyrant, and his brothers are no better. Can we move out?" Casey complained angrily, stuffing a handful of French fries in her mouth.

"Did they hurt you in any way?" Eliana asked, worried. She needs to speak with Rafael about Casey.

"Not particularly, but they're trying to order me around. I hate when people do it. Besides that relationship of yours is progressing too fast"

Eliana sighed as she sat down in front of her sister. Sooner or later they had to have this conversation.

"I needed to protect us from Ethan and Harvey. This is the place where they can't reach us. Think of this as a temporary arrangement, can you survive living like that just a little longer? Please Casey"

Casey was silent. She knew what Ethan had done, of course.

"How is living with Rafael saving you from Ethan or Harvey?" She asked sceptically.

"They can't do anything to him and by extension to us as long as we're here"

"What does he want in return for helping you?"

Before Eliana could answer the door opened and Raphael stood in it.

"You look beautiful," he said, looking at her.

"Really?" Eliana asked surprised at his compliment.

"I'd like to kiss you"

What, really? He wanted to... I?

"Disgusting," Casey said making a sour face. They ignored her.

"Kiss... me?"

He came over and kissed my lips. Holy shit. "After all we need to play a believable couple" he whispered into her ear.

"I don't think I can get used to it," Eliana said weakly.

"You will have to"

Eliana pulled away from him when Casey started making choking sounds.

"Casey are you okay? By the way, how was the first week at the new school?" Rafael asked.

"Shitty. It's school" she grunted.

"What a cheerful ray of sunshine she is," said Remi with amusement as he entered the kitchen.

"Come on sweetie don't you enjoy our company?" said Milo, and smiled to himself.

"You're the worst company I could think of" Casey responded drily.

The brothers began to prepare the food for themselves, which Casey took as a signal to disappear.

Rafael gave his brothers a warning glance before placing his large hand on Eliana's back.

"Time to go," he whispered, his warm breath tickling his fiance's neck.

🌹🌹🌹

The engagement party was held at Lorenzo's restaurant.

As Eliana and Rafael passed through the room, everyone greeted them with respect. Eliana saw people looking at her with curiosity. After all, she was the mysterious fiancée of Rafael Vincenti.

At one point a woman appeared in front of Rafael blocking their path. She looked at Eliana with disgust and then her eyes returned to my partner.

"Rafael"

"Elizabeth"

"You know, after you get bored with this one" she pointed at me, I may not be around anymore"

Did she really just say that? Eliana looked at a strange woman feeling shocked at her hostility.

"I told you we're done. I'm not going to change my mind"

"You always say that and then you always come back to me"

"Am I coming back to you or are you bothering me? Speaking of which, why are you here? "

Eliana was sure that this woman would be offended,  but she just smiled and said, "I thought our families work closely together, how could I let go of such an important occasion in your life?"

"I'll go get a drink," Eliana muttered, wanting to give them time to discuss whatever they wanted to say. They both looked surprised. Eliana was also surprised to see real emotion displayed on Rafael's face.

After ordering drinks, Eliana headed to the table but was stopped by a man who introduced himself as Oliver Moretti. He kindly invited her to dance and I felt like it would be rude to say no, so I said yes.

"I can't dance," Eliana said shyly.

Oliver was smiling. "So it's a good time to practice," he winked at her, and Eliana smiled back.

🌹🌹🌹

Second part today... later. I need some more time to edit.