“I think the dress looks beautiful,” Mandy coos as she longingly trails her eyes down my white chiffon dress. A dress that denotes innocence and purity. A dress picked out by my parents to please my master.
“It’s very long, but it is beautiful. Look how elegant it is, Evelyn. I’m so jealous.”
I laugh sarcastically under my breath, but she doesn’t notice. Yes, the dress is beautiful. It has sleeves with slits down the sides and is held up elegantly on the shoulders by silver and diamond jewellery. It comes in at the waist and cascades down to the floor. I will be the belle of the ball … as my mother calls it.
Tonight, my parents are having a party in honour of me and Drake, and anybody who’s anybody will be there. I am to conduct myself with dignity and grace, but all I want to do is escape. All I want to do is run.
When I don’t say anything, Mandy turns and frowns at me. She’s about to say something when there’s a knock on my door. “Come in,” I shout.
The door opens, and in comes Drake with a huge grin on his face. He spots Mandy hovering around the dress. “Good afternoon, Mandy.”
Her cheeks instantly blush. She makes it so obvious that she likes him. “Hi, Mr Salvatore. How are you today?”
He sucks in a breath, making his chest expand. Why does he have to look so good? He’s wearing a navy button-up shirt today with beige chino trousers. His hair is spiked with gel, and his eyes are sparkling with mischief. I hate to admit it, but he looks good enough to eat.
“I’m doing well today. In fact, I’m on top of the world.” He purposefully looks at me when he says this.
Mandy, noticing our exchange, moves a little closer to my door. “Would you two like some privacy?”
At the same time as I say no, Drake says yes. He gives me a frustrated glare, and Mandy looks hesitant. “I don’t think you’ll want Mandy here for what I have to say.”
Feeling defiant, I stand my ground. “Mandy is my friend, and she was here first. It’s rude of you to barge in here and expect her to leave.”
Drake glances across at Mandy, and she timidly shrugs her shoulders. “Very well,” he says walking towards me. Once standing a few inches from me, he kneels down in front of me. “Close your eyes, and give me your hand.”
“Why?”
“Just do it, please,” he replies through gritted teeth.
Sighing, I close my eyes and give him my right hand. Nothing happens for a moment, but then I feel him tug at my left hand instead. Soon after, I feel him placing a ring on that finger. It’s Mandy’s gasp that makes me snap my eyes open.
I look at Drake first, and he’s smiling. Mandy starts clapping. “Oh my God! Oh my God! Evelyn, it’s beautiful. Look at it!” she screams. Drake chuckles, obviously glad that he has someone in his corner.
“So, what do you think?”
Bewildered, I look down at the big diamond I have on my finger. It’s a single diamond with smaller diamonds surrounding it on either side.
“It’s a white gold, eighteen carat diamond ring. Nothing but the best for my girl.”
I hear Mandy go, “Aww,” and it makes me want to hit her. Maybe making her stay here was a bad idea after all.
“And what is this for?”
Drake looks at me like I’ve grown two heads. “Your engagement ring of course. I meant to give it to you for your eighteenth, but plans have changed. Now you can show everyone at the party tonight.”
Realisation dawns on me. “So, that’s why we’re having a party?”
“To announce our engagement.” Drake stares at me like I’m stupid. It makes my blood boil.
“You haven’t done this traditionally, Drake. You’ve forced this upon me. You haven’t asked, and I haven’t said yes.”
Seeing the anger in my eyes, Drake’s frustration rears itself. I see the moment his jaw ticks and he grits his teeth. “Mandy, I would appreciate the privacy now.” Although it sounded like a request, it wasn’t.
“Sure,” she says, quickly scurrying out the door.
The minute he hears the door click, he grips my hand. “I thought we had already discussed this?”
I shake my head. “No. See, that’s the thing. We haven’t discussed anything. As usual, you’re making plans behind my back.”
“What is there to discuss? I love you, and we’re getting married. It’s as simple as that.”
I try to get up, but Drake grabs my hips and sits me back down. “You’re not going anywhere.”
“I’m not wearing this tonight,” I spit.
He grips my hips tighter. “Yes, you fucking well are. If you defy me, Evelyn, I will punish you.”