Pulling the blanket all the way over my head, I squeezed my eyes shut and pretended I was a simple child in a much simpler world, hiding from monsters in my closet and not the impending marriage to a billionaire.
I had to stay strong, I had to remember why I was making this choice.
Everything was going to be fine.
My heart pounded away in my chest, rattling my ribs with its force. I wrapped my arms tighter around my body, curling up into a ball.
Everything was going to be fine.
Everything was going to be fine.
I had to believe that, I had to believe that I was not doing the single most stupid thing I'd ever done in my life by getting married to someone I didn't even really know.
Taking a deep breath, I held it hard in my lungs, struggling to calm my anxious nerves.
For the next several nights, I found myself buried away in the bed. Eyes shut, arms wrapped tight, nerves exploding like fireworks within me.
And yet, even that morning as the wedding approached, all that I would repeat to myself was a simple mantra.
"Everything is going to be fine."
Chapter Ten
That day started like any other.
I was already wide awake when the firm knock against my door echoed off the walls surrounding me, dimly illuminated by the rising sun.
How could I sleep, honestly, when I knew this day was going to be THE day?
Everything was going to change, including my last name.
I'd spent much of the remaining days before the ceremony avoiding Alissa and her wedding plans at all costs, instead choosing to hole up in the kitchen with Harry.
He was an astounding cook, and an even better baker. I had much that I could learn from him and he was all too willing to teach.
He'd even taught me how to make mac and cheese seven different ways. That taste testing session had been heaven. It was almost worth it now to marry into the Davis family just to eat Harry's creations on the daily. Before coming under George's employment in London, Harry had studied at the best schools in Paris. His stories were elegant and romantic, and mostly revolved around cheese.
Besides, I was sure Alissa could handle the wedding plans all on her own. It wasn't as though she expected all that much from me. Unfortunately, because I’d avoided her so much, I had very little information about the wedding. I didn't know where it was to be held or even what my wedding gown would look like.
I didn't find that I particularly cared either. I just wanted this day to be over.
"Come in." I sighed, glancing back towards the door as it was knocked against once more.
Hopefully it was Harry with some cheese danishes.
Instead, a prim, older woman with unmistakably familiar tan skin stepped inside, glowering at me from the doorway. Though I’d noticed a wrinkle or two at dinner, those were gone now. She’d had some Botox for the wedding apparently.
"Good morning, Karina." I said, hoping to sound friendly. Her face was honestly the last I wanted to see this morning. Wouldn't this day be difficult enough without her accosting me?
"I see you couldn't find time in your busy schedule to help Alissa with the wedding planning this week." She scoffed, closing the door behind her.
Her hair was piled atop her head in curlers, barely covered by a scarf. She was busy preparing herself for her biggest role yet - doting mother in law.
"I'm pretty sure that Alissa liked it better that way." I shot back, climbing out of the bed and wrapping a robe around myself.
"I agree." Karina shrugged.
For several tense moments, we stared at each other from across the room, my arms slowly crossing over my chest.
Just why had she come here? To give me sage advice, to pester me? Hopefully I didn't wind up miraculously missing after this conversation.
I could all but see her, standing above my limp body, cackling like a mad woman.
Shaking my head, I cleared my throat, trying to get rid of the image.
"I suppose you're wondering why I’ve come, then." She finally said, feet just barely shifting. The woman was uncomfortable. I couldn't blame her.
I hadn't seen her or George since our oh so friendly dinner meeting.
Sebastian had made himself scarce as well, I hadn’t seen him either. Harry always had an excuse for why the almost thirty billionaire wasn't around, but I was sure he just didn't want to see me.
I wasn't sure I wanted to see Sebastian either, so we were on an even playing field.
There would be no avoiding each other today though.
"I wanted to make sure that you knew that you could leave at any point." Karina finally continued, "You don’t' have to get married today. You can leave. Sebastian has already paid you off, just take the money and go."
My lips parted in surprise, staring at the Davis matriarch.
"What would Sebastian do then?" I replied, shaking my head, "He'll lose his business."