RYLEE
"I wonder what type of person he is…" My hands brush the lining of my snugly fitted dress while I stare at my reflection in the mirror.
"At least decent enough for your father to have decided. " Mom's pats my shoulders.
"You don't have to... already done the dirty work for you sister." Kami's devilish grin reflects through the glass, eyes keen on her phone screen. She had always been the carefree goose; untamed by the restrictions of our parents. Just two years apart but a distinct view of life in contrast with mine.
"The Eldest daughter of The Demitri family engaged to the heir of Regal Group" Kami announces with an exaggerated gesture.
"You could object if you don't want to be a part of this." Her quick shifted tone suggests a concern yet sweet defiance of father's wishes.
"Kami! Whatever impertinence, smother it. It's your sister's big day." Mom reprimands but to kami's sarcasm.
"Sure, a big day it is."
"I can't. We both know that" I return a faint smile. "It's a business arrangement. And we need this."
"You mean father needs this" She scoffs and blows me a kiss.
"Happy engagement sister."
***
It had barely been few minutes since we arrived at the Regal family Mansion but I was starting to feel nauseated by the countless pleasantries that I make my exit to the balcony a few distance from where I stood.
"What an evening!" I roll my eyes in exhaustion that I do not seem to realize a man standing just a few steps away from me. A cigarette on one hand, a lighter on another. Our gaze meet and for a brief moment I recognize him from the photos Kami had shown me previously.
He was more handsome in person than the picture depicted!
"You do know this is simply an arrangement." He says with a keen gaze I could feel pinned towards me.
"I am aware but the look on your face tells a different story." I speak with every ounce of courage I had ever gathered but he stays silent.
It wasn't that he was frightening, he had a weird aura that made me want to succumb to his every whim.
"I know that…doesn't mean we have to hate each other." I look away. Unable to hold contact for another second.
"You're enjoying this aren't you?" He scoffs.
"Of course not! I'm merely trying to think positively about the situation." I shoot back. My slightly trembling pitch and flustered cheeks defies my initial motive. To which I hope he doesn't notice.
"You sure about that Miss?" He drops the lighter and unused cigar on the base and pauses for a second. Then takes bold steps towards my direction.
My heart races faster. Threatening to escape through my mouth as he closed the gap between us. Groping me by the waist.
"A lot will happen once we get married…:" He whispers to my ear, sending a cold sensation down my spine.
The way in which he emphasizes on 'A lot' gets me spun but I am unable to physically react to his skillful play of words.
"You can leave if you want to…
Or we could walk right through that door and make it happen..." He gestures towards the house entrance.
Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had taken him on the first offer.
***
I wake up to a strong migraine and my hair flung in angles it shouldn't be. My phone alarm rings but I am reluctant to get out of bed. With my head buried in the pillows, I stretch out my hands to slide the snooze button but I fail repeatedly. Forcing my grumbled self to fully awaken.
My role as the head of illustrative designs has been rather on the low since I had chosen to work from home since the past few months. A role much far from the limelight in my family's line of business I had specifically chosen.
– I sometimes throw myself into writing poetry.
After a long shower and a quick breakfast, I grab my phone lying in the table.
"Urgh! Who is it?" My annoyance climbs as my phone bleeps for the third time.
"Well…Haven't you been dodgy Rylee!" Kami's voice shoots through like a speaker while I make my way downstairs. She goes on about the unreplied messages she had sent me two days ago. I had been so engrossed in self-sabotage mode that I completely forgot about any other existence. Any world outside mine and Adrian's.
"I'm so sorry Kami…so much has been going on lately". I confess while my heart drops with the same frequency.
"Pray tell! I am all ears." She switches to video call and I could read the excitement on her face. As if waiting to hear some drop bomb news.
Perhaps I would feel some sort of comfort or relief but I couldn't. One word would lead to a whole load of explanations and I didn't think my mind was ready to open up that wound.
"Nothing I can't handle". I tease her and smartly change the topic of conversation. "You're no fun" Her jaw drops with a grumble.
I listen while she goes on about the new changes at the office to her long bizarre list of date line-ups. Sometimes I imagine myself in her lifestyle. But I'd bring myself back with a cold shiver when I try to imitate her sassiness and dare-devil thoughts.
"You know, I heard Melissa's coming for the dinner party Dad's hosting." My rivalry step cousin whom we never got along as kids. Some would say she desperately snooped around everything I had just like her mother.
"Sneaky little bitch if you ask me…" Kayla scoffs
Kayla, don't be cynical" I giggle. But the truth couldn't have been better stated.
"Just know she breeds trouble wherever her presence exists." She warns.
I place the phone on the kitchen counter while she goes on. From the hour long talk to the narcissist ex-lover fighting for a second chance. All to which I gave into a hearty laugh. A healthy distraction I desperately needed. Although it did make we wonder if what Adrian and I had was a toxic relationship like the one she mentioned. But in this case he wasn't gonna come back to fight for me.
What was going on in his mind?
Did he really love me as much as I did him?
Unanswered questions runs through my mind for a moment. I sit in my thoughts while peeling an apple until I am called back to reality by Kami's scream.
"What is it Kami?" I shoot back with a jerk. Almost throwing off the apple in my hand.
"You seemed lost in thought girl. Had to do something to snap you out of that naughty day dream" She giggled.
I wished it was.
"But do I want it?" Signing the divorce papers would prove that the time we had spent together was futile. My gaze stumbles on the wedding portrait hung in the center of the room.
It takes my mind back to the good days. Times when we tried not to step on one another's toes, but now we can barely stay put without crushing both of our hearts.
But then again I ponder at the thought of going back in time to reignite our forgotten flame. Back to when we couldn't breathe in air that didn't hold each other's scents.
"Damn! Those good times…" Perhaps things would be different. If he could love me again. I brush off my illusions and head for the room even though the question still lingers in my mind.
If I could stop the divorce,
What happens then?