Faith [Donati Clan #1] [Complete]

Chapter 9

DAHLIA

Everything in me ached.

A bride...?

A Present is all I can offer, and he wanted a future that I can't have. Scarier is being a bride of a monster that I barely know what he is capable of.

There were several women that I knew that threw themselves at men like him, so why me? What was so special or unfortunate in me?

Killing would have been easier.

Normal choices were never in my hands, and neither was this one. I couldn't escape because I didn't know where I was or the outcome if I tried. My fear paralysed me from finding out even if my end was impending. I wanted to tear myself apart from the unexpected disappointments and misfortunes.

I laid on the soft surface of the bed once again, pain flowing in my bones and head, and waited for the slumber to take over with hopes that this was just a nightmare.

***

NEXT MORNING

Feeling the sweet surface felt like I had been sleeping in clouds with eyes closed. Frowning slightly, I realised that I had never felt such before. Alert, I sat straighter and opened my eyes wide in hopes to find an answer.

I did, but it was unexpectedly expected.

Putting a palm over my face, I tried to get rid of the tiredness, silently thanking for not having a headache. Before I could get out of the bed, I saw water on the nightstand.

My gaze caught sight of a black box with a letter on the bottom. Curiosity taking over me, I opened the box first. I found the most beautiful and expensive diamond ring with a proud stone in the middle.

It took my breath away, not from the four round full cut diamond that sat on his hands, but the fact that he had not been joking. The fact of this ring suggested that he had been serious.

I touched the note that still rested on the nightstand. It went something like this...

To my bride,

I am assured that you had a glimpse of the ring by now. It belongs to you now. Wear it, don't make me take a drastic decision.

First rule – don't disobey me.

Your breakfast will arrive soon, and you will be able to find your clothes in the closet.

-MD

Something wet dropped into the letter. Touching my cheek, I could feel wetness around it, and I understood that I began crying. These tears were from the inability to express to feel freedom made me suffocated in my own skin.

Before my breathing became worst, and so did my crying, I wiped my tears.

Instead, I closed the box that contained the alluring ring, like I had been closing my dreams. I stood up slowly and made the bathroom. After a warm shower, I went to the attached wardrobe and selected a flowery blouse with a skirt.

Looking at the mirror, I saw a reflection of a woman that I didn't recognise. I had been always accustomed to raged clothes and a dull face that the woman in front of me scared me. There was a sliver of happiness that radiated from this simple gesture.

It scared me deeply.

Turning away, I exited the bedroom. There I found an older lady with a tray of bread, eggs, bacon and orange juice. The details had been so prominent because I had never had the luxury of a full meal.

I wanted to cry.

The woman broke my thoughts with her enthusiastic voice, "Of finally, my dear, where have you been?"

I opened my mouth, but I couldn't find any words, but she continued, "My name is Elsa, dear. What is yours?"

Whispering, I said, "Dahlia."

She smiled sweetly like no evil had touched her, "Beautiful name. I have so much to tell, but I am sure that you are hungry, come."

Tearing my gaze from the food, I asked her, "Me?"

Still unreal from the small things.

Elsa giggled a little, unaware of my situation, "Of course, you. The Boss has given specific orders to feed you. You are too skinny, but don't worry, I will make sure that you become fuller."

After her words, she put the tray on the table and called me once again, "Come on, Miss Dahlia."

Looking at the older lady, her blonde hair was washed out and traces of white lines were visible. The laughing lines around her face were prominent and her beautiful grey eyes still had the sparkle.

I made my way to the table and sat down. In front of me was the food that Elsa had prepared. Sensing my hesitance, Elsa encouraged, "Eat before it gets cold."

The value of food or water is taken when there is no option. The plain bread that I had eaten all my life had been nothing compared to what I was eating now. People take richness for granted. I could never afford to buy something exceeding the budget.

Once again, the soft voice broke my train of thoughts, "Is everything alright, Miss Dahlia?"

Unable to look at her, too afraid that I would break into tears, I nodded lightly.

She continued after few heartbeats, "Hope you are liking it. If you want something else, let me know."

Clearing my throat, I spoke, "This is perfect."

It was truly perfect with each bite I took.

Elsa started again, "I have known Mr Matteo since he was a baby. I have worked for the Donati family for two generations and they have helped me a lot. I know what they say about them, but they are good people. You don't worry, he will protect you."

Protect me from the monstrous world or for himself, I wanted to ask.

But I didn't.

Her smile reached her eyes as I looked at her with detail. I didn't want to ruin her make-believe reality. I chose not to say anything.

The silence filling the air once again.

Elsa chooses to say, "Well, I must go now, I have work to do. If you want to see the garden area, please let me know. I will show you around."

I nodded and she left me with her words still running in my head.

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Author's note:

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