Chapter 57

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Joe POV
As I walked down the stairs a group of men followed closely behind me listening to my every word. "Make sure you send the invitation to all the families. Erika likes white Lilies. The color theme should be white and vibrant red. Erika looks the best in red" I told the wedding planners.

"What about the dress sir," the woman asked. "We will be meeting with her parents and she will want to go with her sister. To go get her dress". "When will you be meeting with her parents" the woman said and I paused. I turned around looking down at the woman.
"Tonight" I said continuing walking to my office.

Erika POV
I had been force fed, scrubbed by Joe last night. I wasn't allowed without an escort or Joe beside me. It was for my safety Joe said but I knew. The child was the heir to this empire. Nothing could go wrong with me or this child. The door opened and the maid from earlier came in. She had a platter with a covered steel top.

She walked over sitting it on my lap. She took the top off as I looked at the food and back at her. "What is your name" I asked. The maid blinked and cleared her throat. "Maria, mam". "Maria" I muttered. "Could you do me a favor? Could you take me out of here? I've been stuck in here for three days in this stuffy room" I held Maria's hand.

"No" the other maid came walking in. "You need to ask the Don for permission" she said with an arrogant voice. Maria glared at the old woman but she huffed. Using my fork I plunged my eggs onto the fork and stuffed my mouth. Quickly downing all of my breakfast I pulled the covers off standing up.

"Where are you going" the old woman sassed . I ignored her going out the room. I stomped down the stairs heading to Joe's office. There were men along the hallway standing like statues. When I got to the door two men stood blocked the door. "Move" I told them. One guy moved while the other opened the door. "Madam" he bowed.

I rolled my eyes walking into the room with a woman and three men. They stood in front of Joe staring at me. "As I said we will finish later" Joe said while staring at me. The people bowed and rushed out of his office. My face felt hot as Joe intense eyes looked at me.Once the door was closed Joe came around his desk trying touch my arm. I backed away clicking my tongue. "You could have asked the maids to come get me if you needed me. What's wrong" he grasped my hand. "I have to get your permission to go outside" I sassed.

"I will be your husband soon so yes" Joe said holding my cheek. I shook away from his palm clenching my jaw. "I am my own person Joe. You know I'm not one to listen to anyone" I came close glaring at him.

The jerk smiled "that's what I love about you. However, once you become Donna that will have to change only when you're around the others. Plus you are carrying our child I just want to make sure you're safe. So, no leaving this house without me" Joe said.

"Fine. Can I go to the garden. I've been stuck in the room for three days not able to go anywhere. Since I'm locked up in this hell hole" I spat. Joe took a step closer making me gulp. "You need to get your attitude under control. You can go to the garden but you can't be out there more than two hours. It's bad for the baby".

I scrunched up my nose at the word baby. "And also we're not eating dinner tonight here" Joe said holding the sides of my stomach gently. "Really. Where are we eating dinner" I asked happy to get out of here. "Your parents home. I told them we have a surprise for them" Joe smirked.

"What the hell" I pushed against Joe chest. "Hey" Joe said holding my arms. "You thought your parents wouldn't know about us getting married" Joe said darkly. "No" I stuttered moving back. "Your parents will know. You won't have anywhere to run too. And when we do meet them tonight. You will tell them nothing of our contract. Or ....." he smiled moving his finger across his neck.

A deep sob came from my chest coming up my throat. Joe eyes widened and he tried touching me but I yelled "No". My body shook and I ran out the room. I headed outside towards the garden. I sat on the swing connected to the tree. I put my hand in my face sobbing.
Is this my life. Being force into everything. Not having a say. Lying to my parents. I wiped my tears sucking up the snot streaming down my lip.

I'm doing this to protect everyone I love. They won't end up like Will or .......

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Poor Erika, all alone. Do you think any of Erika's family will figure out the lie that Erika truly wants to marry Joe? Please vote and comment it encourages me to write more!

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