It was the night before our wedding rehearsal. To say I was nervous was an understatement. The thought of marrying Zeus so soon made my stomach turn in knots to the point where I was throwing up every day. I blamed it on morning sickness.
Why was he pressing so hard? What was the point? If everything he said was true, why did he want to marry me so soon? Yes, his explanation was sound, but why the hard push?
"You look stunning!" Tanya beamed, "That dress is perfect for tomorrow!"
"I mean, she did put a rush on all the dresses. I'm surprised she got all four done in such a short amount of time," I commented. I love how our dresses are nearly identical—just the sleeves are different."
"So expensive," she added.
"Yeah, never had a dress so nice, not even when Callista and Dimitri bought them," I concurred.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Come in," I called.
Eric entered my room. He was so handsome. His wet, loose, touseled hair fell around his face. He was wearing a black suit with no undershirt and matching black trousers. His Versace shoes and cufflinks were a nice touch. I don't know if it's the lighting from the candles and the fireplace, but I wish I could devour him.
"Wow," Tanya gawked.
Eric's eyes were locked onto mine; it wasn't lust-filled like usual but looking for approval.
"I've never seen you wear a tux," I smiled as I walked over to him and adjusted his loose tie.
"I feel ridiculous," Eric commented, "I've never worn a suit before."
"You look handsome," I reassured while caressing his cheek.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked.
No.
I held the urge to speak the truth and regained my emotions before they erupted. Having all of these extra hormones pumping through my body wasn't helping. I looked down at my tiny baby bump to find the right words, but they evaded my lips. Unexpectedly, I saw Eric's hand gently rub my stomach. Unable to control myself, a silent tear trickled down my cheek.
"I wish this could be different," I whispered, "More than you know."
Tanya came over and held her hand on the opposite side of my stomach. My heartstrings were being pulled left and right. If only I could run far away. I placed my hand on top of theirs and forced a smile.
"Who knows? Maybe the three of us can go to California and leave this place. We'll love your son like our own," Tanya reminded.
Her comforting words made it worse.
"I could be his father, and Tanya can be co-mommy," Eric joked.
"I know. I believe you'd both take care of me no matter what type of mess I'm in," I said, "But I'm twenty-five and five months pregnant. I must grow up, hold my head high, and fix my mistake."
They removed their hands from my stomach as I pecked them both on the cheek.
"Do you think I can have a minute?" I choked.
They both left my room as I unzipped my dress. Part of me wanted to throw it in the fire and watch it burn, but hesitantly, I tossed it on the bed. I looked in the mirror in shock. Not even a week ago, I had a flat stomach, and now I look bloated, about to start my shark week.
"Enjoying yourself?" a female's voice echoed the room.
I abruptly turned to an unwelcoming site, "Eve, what do you want?"
She strolled into the room as if a snake stalking its prey, "Do you think I'm stupid enough to think that baby in your stomach is my brother?"
If she wants a fight, I'll give her one, "It could be Reigns."
"Please," she scoffed.
Her short blonde hair accentuated her strong jawline. She wore a maxi black turtleneck dress with long sleeves that hugged her sleek frame. Her red lips made her seem like a creature of the night waiting to eat its dinner. She began walking in a circle around me as if studying me.
"Do you think this will work out in your favor?" she questioned.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I bluffed, "Whatever you're thinking, you have it completely wrong."
She smashed the champagne glass into the fireplace, sending the flames into the chimney. "Don't play stupid! This child, you won't take everything that I have built! This company, this castle, it's mine!"
"You're dumber than you look," I scoffed.
She froze in her tracks, eyes locked onto mine, and approached me angrily. She was so close to me that I could smell the Chanel perfect on her neck. Her look of annoyance turned into a sneer.
"Be careful," she cautioned, "We wouldn't want anything to happen to my little brother."
Just as Eve slithered into the room she was gone. I held my stomach, what the Hell was that threat supposed to mean?