Elena's POV
"Nonna, I'm so overwhelmed. I never thought that Dad would ever do this to me." Tears streamed down my face as she held me tight to herself rubbing my back gently.
I stared out the window as the place was getting dark. I just wished things were so different. I wish my Mom was here.
"Don't cry over spilled milk, my darling. We will go through this together."
"The guy in question hates my guts, Nonna. I feel like I'm walking into a trap."
"Breathe, okay. Never forget that I love you okay much just my own thoughts I have none. I'll try speaking to your Dad."
I hugged her so tight and pushed myself off her, wiping my tears off.
She chuckled and shook her head. "I knew that was what you wanted to hear. Your Dad wants you to get dressed for dinner."
I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. "Why? Do we have guests?"
She sighed and peered at me. "Yes we do, sweetie. It's your betrothed and I heard he is coming with his sister."
"I hate him, Nonna. He is a very unpleasant person." I folded my arms, kicking my legs like some child.
"Then make him regret it. I didn't raise a spineless kid. Make him regret treating you badly."
"Okay." I whispered slowly.
"First, start by looking breathtaking tonight. You must make a statement, okay?"
"Yes, Nonna."
She walked to the room door, then turned back at me. "Less I forget, your Aunt Maria is coming today from Spain. She should be here soon, so make sure you look good."
I smiled and sat up instantly, hurrying to dress up. My aunt was my best friend and the only person that stood up to my Dad. That's my ticket out of this nonsense.
Nonna laughed and walked out of my door at my giddiness. I ran to the bathroom like my life depended on it.
***
I was touching up the last parts of my make up when a firm knock resounded on my door.
"Come in." I know it's my father.
The door knob twisted open and my father stepped in. I saw his reflection on the mirror. My father is fit and very handsome for a man his age.
"Won't you greet your father, Elena." His stern voice reverberated round my room. I don't know how our relationship got so bad that we can barely stand each other.
"Good evening father," my voice was icy and cold.
"You see why I chose a man for you? You're so insolent and a brat. You must grow up, you're a woman now not a child anymore. Your mother spoilt you rotten, see what I have to deal with."
My chest hurt at his painful words, I feel like I've been cursed. My father changed completely since after Mom left.
"I'm not her! I'm not spoiled either. I don't deserve being constantly talked down upon. I had plans for my life, you ruined it and forced me to work in the Redland Enterprises."
He chuckled with a mocking tone. "You? Plans? What plans? I have had to constantly clean your mess up. Do you remember the scum you picked as a boyfriend in college?"
My head went down instantly and my face reddened. That bastard Theo did this, he caused this. What he did to me is beyond forgiveness.
"Cat got your tongue?" My father gave me a look of disdain.
I stayed silent, slightly embarrassed.
"Now, you better be good and behave. Don't embarrass me, I have my ways of dealing with you." He gave me one last look and walked out of my room.
"I'm so tired of all these. Why did you have to leave, Mom? Now everything is turning ob me." I talked to myself.
Tears threatened to spill from my eyes, I blinked my eyes vigorously so it doesn't ruin my make up.
I braced myself up and walked out of my room. My black dress clung to my body and my blonde hair cascaded in waves down my back.
I reached the top of the staircase and heard numerous voices down the stairs.
"Welcome to my home, Ryan. My daughter is on her way down." My father's voice echoed down the hallway.
"Thank you, Sir. It's no problem."
"How are you, young lady?"
"I'm fine, Sir." Wait! That sounded like my best friend, Rosalyn.
I rushed down stairs, almost tripping on my gown. Could she be grumpy pants sister?
Soon, I got to the dining table rather clumsily. Rosalyn turned towards me and her eyes widened, mine too.
"Ro? You're here?" I rushed towards her to hug her and tripped on my dress. I closed my eyes about to fall. Rosalyn rushed towards me but strong arms wrapped around me.
"You have to be so damn clumsy everytime, Elena." My father said with gritted teeth sounding irritated.
"Careful, little one. You wouldn't want to ruin your outfit by always being clumsy." The meanie, Ryan whispered in my ears, his breath fanning my neck.
My cheeks reddened at our intimate position. He held onto me for some seconds more and I pushed him off roughly. He chuckled low in his throat and walked back to his chair.
Rosalyn, first looked at me with widened eyes and then winked. My blush deepened and I rushed to sit next to my father.
"You are such a disgrace. Don't try anything funny." My father whispered beneath his breath.
I kept my gaze low, but anger simmered in my veins. I'm a grown ass woman for crying out loud.
"I had no idea that you were my brother's betrothed, El. You didn't even think to tell me." Rosalyn gave me a pout, completely oblivious of my father's harsh words.
"I didn't know either, everything happened so fast, but I'm so glad that you're here."
"Hello people, no one thought to wait for me." A bubbly and familiar voice echoed from the front door.
My eyes lit up like Christmas lights and I rushed towards the petite figure of the woman who has been my mother figure all my life. "Auntie! I've missed you so much." I held onto her like my life depended on it.
She wrapped her arms around me. "I've missed you too, princess." My father's only sister Aunt Maria is here. "You don't seem too happy to see me, brother."
She barely spared my father a look and walked to Nonna, who was standing behind the dining and hugged her.
"Who are you people?" She asked with a smile on her face. Once she got a better look at Ryan's face, her demeanor changed.
"I see, why are they here, Charles?" She sat biting into an apple.
"Elena is betrothed to Ryan and we are having our first dinner as a family." My father looked so irritated.
"Funny how you think I'd sit by and watch you marry her off to him." My aunt pointed at Ryan accusingly.
Ryan looked too calm for comfort, eating silently. He wiped his mouth clean with a handkerchief and looked her straight in the eyes.
"What do you mean by that, Ma'am?" He asked cooly.
"I wouldn't allow my little baby to marry a killer!"
Everyone's eyes widened and the place went deathly silent.