Florence
I was so engrossed in my book that I didn’t hear the knock at the door right away. It wasn’t until it came again, accompanied by my sister’s impatient voice calling, “Flo, are you in there?” that I snapped out of it. She was always like that—bold and loud, with no regard for boundaries. In this family, she could get away with anything, while I was barely allowed to breathe. Still, I loved her despite it all.
— Yeah, come in… — I said softly.
Justine burst through the door, strode over, and plopped down on the bed next to me.
— Mom and Dad want to talk to you. They said it’s something important!
Knowing my parents, I could already guess what this was about. Probably another trip for the three of them, leaving me behind at home. Not that I could complain too much—at least I had my phone now, and they trusted me to stay here alone. Considering what happened after that incident…
I bit my lip without realizing it. No, I shouldn’t dwell on that. I’d almost managed to forget, and that’s how it should stay.
— Maybe you’re all heading off somewhere again, — I said finally. — Where was it you wanted to go, Bali?
Bali and other fancy resorts were places I could only read about. And even that was a recent privilege, now that I was finally allowed to use my phone and the internet.
— They said it’s about you, — Justine drawled. — But I don’t know the details. Come on, let’s go!
She grabbed my hand, but I quickly pulled it away. I’ve never been comfortable with being touched, which only gave my parents more reason to think there was something “wrong” with me. But they were the ones to blame for everything that happened. I guess the only reason I didn’t resent Justine was because she always lived in her own carefree world, floating through life without a worry. Maybe I envied her a little, but I loved her sincerely, knowing I could never be like her.
***
When Justine and I walked into the living room, Dad and my stepmom were sitting on the couch, deep in conversation. Their faces looked tense. As soon as they saw us, they fell silent and flashed matching smiles, almost as if on cue.
— Girls, you’re here, great. Have a seat, — Dad said, his smile a little shaky. — We’ve got some exciting news for you!
I felt a wave of unease. I could tell they were both nervous, and I knew Dad had been having trouble with his business lately. But what did that have to do with us?
— You’re both getting married soon! — my stepmom suddenly clapped her hands together. — Aren’t you thrilled? You must be! They’re wealthy men, from good families… Well, at least one of them definitely is! — she added under her breath. — Though… the other is incredibly rich! And powerful!
— Oh yes, everyone at the conglomerate can’t stop talking about him, — Dad nodded, though he didn’t sound entirely convinced.
My thoughts drifted to Oliver. He was the son of Dad’s friends, and Dad was always saying how perfect it would be if we got married. He was the only guy I actually enjoyed talking to. Maybe because he was so calm and easygoing, and we could chat about books and movies for hours. I started to think that maybe marrying him wouldn’t be so bad. I could finally live freely, away from my parents’ constant control. Maybe I could even switch to in-person classes at school…
— I want the powerful one! — Justine piped up immediately. — He’s for me, right? Who is he? One of the shareholders’ sons? Please tell me he’s not some old geezer pushing forty!
— Oh no, sweetie, you’re marrying Oliver, — my stepmom chirped. — Oliver’s not old at all, and he’s the son of a shareholder, just like you wanted!
— That wimp? That weirdo?! — she scowled. — No way, I’m not doing it!
— But you said Oliver was supposed to marry me? — I dared to ask.
— Oh, we said a lot of things! We’ve found someone even better for you. Someone experienced and influential—none other than Gordon Frost! — my stepmom declared with dramatic flair.
I noticed Dad press his lips together and look away, as if he couldn’t bear to meet my eyes.
— The Gordon Frost?! — Justine gasped, horror in her voice. — But people say he’s…
— Justine! — Mom hushed her sharply, then turned to me. — Flo, get ready to leave. Pack your things. A car will pick you up tomorrow morning and take you straight to Gordon. That’s what he requested.
— Take me where? — I was completely lost.
— To your future husband. From now on, he’ll be the one taking care of you, — my stepmom continued. — Be grateful that such a wealthy and powerful businessman has agreed to marry you.
I couldn’t speak. My throat tightened so much I could barely breathe.
— Come on, — Justine nudged me. — I’m so mad. Why do I have to get stuck with Oliver?
— He’s a good guy, — I felt tears welling up in my eyes. Once we were out in the hallway, I leaned against the wall and took a deep breath to hold back the tears. — Why do I have to go anywhere? They didn’t even ask if I want to marry this Gordon!
— Mom and Dad have lost their minds… That Gordon, he’s a monster. Four fiancées have run away from him… — Justine said, her voice trembling with fear.
— What do you mean? — I wanted her to laugh and say it was just a joke.
— I’ve heard he has a special room, — she blushed. — You know, like in those movies… And he does whatever he wants with those girls in there. Then they call off the engagement.
— But don’t fiancées usually move in with their husbands after the wedding? — I tried to argue, even though I knew Justine had no say in any of this. — We’re not even engaged yet. Why do I have to move in now?
— Exactly… Usually, it’s after. But this guy… He uses them and then tosses them aside, — she looked away. — And they all keep hoping he’ll actually marry them, every single time.
***
As Justine and I tried to process the news, the doorbell rang. Justine rushed to answer it, and I followed behind. For a moment, I thought about opening the door and just running away, disappearing where no one could find me. But I had no money, and even my passport was locked away in Dad’s safe in his office.
— Oh, Oliver, hey, — Justine’s disappointed voice echoed from the entryway. — Do you know what our parents have cooked up?
— Where’s Flo? — he asked, sounding worried. Just then, they both stepped into view. — There you are… We need to talk! — He reached out as if to touch my wrist but stopped himself. I’d reacted too strongly once before, and since then, he’d been careful not to touch me. — Can we go to your room?
— Yeah, let’s go, — I glanced at Justine. — Will you cover for us if Mom and Dad ask?
— Sure, — she nodded.
Oliver and I went into my room. I closed the door behind us and turned to him.
— They want me to marry Gordon Frost!
— I’m in shock too… I always thought our parents would arrange for us to be together, — he said, gently touching my hand and looking into my eyes. — I’ve always wanted to be with you. You know that… You know how I feel about you.
— Yes, I know, — I wanted to cry from the despair that wrapped around me like a thick fog, clouding my mind. — Can’t we figure something out? I was so hoping I’d marry you and finally be free!
— I… — he looked away. — You know I can’t just go against my father’s wishes. But I’ll try to come up with something, I promise, — he said quickly. — And who knows, maybe you’ll break off the engagement. It’s happened with him before, over and over.
I remembered what Justine had told me, and a wave of nausea hit me. My head spun, and I nearly collapsed.
Oliver caught me. He held me close, wrapping his arms around me. This time, I didn’t feel the usual fear I had when men got too close. But that was because it was Oliver. I’d always liked him—maybe I even loved him. Yes, I probably did love him.
— You’ll break off the engagement, — he continued. — And then I’ll call off mine with Justine. She’ll be on board too, she’ll help us.
— I’ll do everything I can to make sure he doesn’t want to marry me, — I whispered. — If he rejects me, then Mom and Dad will have to agree to let us be together.
— I love you, — the words slipped out of him. He looked into my eyes, and I could see he truly meant it. When he leaned in slowly, he stopped just a breath away from my lips, closing his eyes. As always, he didn’t push, just gave me the choice—something my parents never did.
I closed my eyes too and hesitantly leaned forward until my lips brushed against his. He kissed me so gently. It was my first kiss, and it was so overwhelming.
When he pulled away, our eyes met again.
— Please, hang in there, Flo… You’ll see, everything will be okay. We’ll figure something out, I promise.
— I’ll hold on for you, — I whispered. — Because I love you.
***
By morning, I was ready. I didn’t have much to pack. I hardly ever left the house, so there was no need for a big wardrobe. I wasn’t really into clothes anyway… Though maybe that was because no one ever offered me the chance to care. Often, I just wore whatever Justine picked out for me—she’d buy stuff for both of us, even though it sometimes annoyed our parents.
I don’t know why Dad seemed to dislike me so much… Was it because of what happened a year ago, right after I turned eighteen? Back then, he and my stepmom said it was all my fault.
Thinking about it made a lump rise in my throat. Combined with the fact that I was being sent off to this creep, the memories hit me harder than ever. Even my hands started trembling, something that hadn’t happened in months. I thought I’d left all that behind me.