Unwelcome thoughts of being engaged to Michael resurfaced with more power. The solace that Michael was currently giving Zee began to lose its comforting purpose. Instead, his body surrounding her was giving her fear. She started struggling to be free from his embrace that had earlier given her some sense of comfort. Michael felt her struggling and increased his firm hold on her so that she would not be able to break free from his arms. Somehow, he knew that the reality of their impending engagement was finally dawning on her and with how strictly he was handling her, it was only natural that she would be afraid. “Shh.” He hushed her soothingly but continued to maintain a firm hold on her as she kept struggling. “I will never make you cry without reason. Just be a good girl and we’ll be fine.” Despite the hint of threat in his assurance, a sense of c

The guard came for her at six the following day. She was prepared and already dressed with a pair of black sandals and a purse. Her hair was arranged in a center parting and held neatly behind her. Her face was almost without makeup except for her signature smokey-eyed look that drew attention to the cobalt color of her eyes. Her mother had helped her to dress up, hugged her, and wished her well, before escorting her to the living room. Her father had Israel in his arms and they all waved her off at the front porch. She felt like her life with them was fast coming to an end. A wave of nostalgia hit her and she began to feel lightheaded, as though she was going to faint from a sick feeling. Zee forced herself to be strong. Inara had gone through all this, she told herself. She had to believe that she would survive too. She held onto that thought as she got into the car through the passenger side door that the guard held open for her. Although she was h

As soon as the words of acceptance left her mouth, cheering from their spectators burst forth, creating a merry air. Flashes of camera lights intensified around them as he took her hand and slipped the ring onto her engagement finger. Then he rose to his feet and drew her into his arms, his fingers, caressing her hair. The musicians who had paused the music and joined in the cheering, began to play a soft tune. Her arms came up around him, even though she felt like disappearing from everyone’s gaze. She was glad that he was holding her, even though he was the one she was afraid of. Still, he was the danger she had no choice but to embrace. The ambiance surrounding them was ecstatic. “The first step is done, Elizabeth.” He said roughly against her ear. “I cannot wait to welcome you into my world.” “Even though it won’t be pleasant.” She said knowingly, her voice almost a sob. Anyone looking at her would have thought she was crying tears

TWO DAYS LATER, Zee met Michael’s family who visited her home. His parents were aristocratic and gracious. His big sister and her husband were kind faced and friendly. They all had dinner at the table in a friendly air. Their warmness got Zee wondering if they were really mafia. They had a peaceful air around them. Perhaps, they were pretending, she thought. She also pondered on why his parents did not accept Cassy. What was the reason? It was quite a shame that her fiance was seated right by her side and she could not bring herself to ask him the questions bugging her. Bodyguards hung around their home as though a celebrity or big time politician was visiting. Their presence was overwhelming. The affluent lifestyle they lived did not so much as confirm their mafia involvement as much as the b

“Even though, I ruined your wedding?” Zee asked pointedly and Cassy smiled. “You did me a favor. I was messing around. But with your help, I’m maintaining my current relationship, which has always been there, anyway.” She laughed and her friends joined her heartily. Zee and Inara exchanged glances for the umpteenth time. “I don’t believe you.” Inara said, looking at the girls squarely and they stopped laughing, a remorseful look appearing on their faces. Cassy dropped to her knees and her friends joined her. Zee and Inara’s faces registered shock. The other girls caught sight of Cassy and her friends on the floor and stopped dancing. Even the DJ lowered the music. “We are very sorry.” Cassy apologized. “And we are not blinded by pride or ashame