Page 27 of Eternal

“Serena, I don’t think that’s necessary. I mean, it’s probably not worth the pain.”

Serena shakes her head and pushes me toward the masseuse waiting for us, “Believe me, Freya. It’s worth it. Besides, most guys want a silky smooth pussy over anything else. You want his first time seeing your pussy to be glorious, right?”

I turned red as the receptionist is stifling a grin as she shuffles papers on her desk.

Thankfully, the appointment is over quickly, and I limp out of the spa; while Serena cackles next to me. I almost slap the fuck out of her sadistic ass. Abe drives us to my parent’s house, where the wedding will be held.

Pulling up the driveway, it’s all hands on deck between florists, landscapers, and decorators. Abe opens the door for Serena and I, and we step onto the white carpet laid out for people to walk onto as they exit their cars. There are flower arrangements on the porch, and inside there is greenery hanging from the chandelier, with white flowers cascading up the railing of the split staircase. My mother is berating someone about a missing ice sculpture. Serena pushes me up the stairs trying to bypass her, knowing I don’t need that stress at the moment.

It’s a lot to take in. All the elegant decorations. Things I never would have picked out for my wedding. And an ice sculpture? Ridiculous.

We hear another car pull up, and Serena pokes her head out the door of our suite. I can hear Soren’s voice trailing up the stairs. My mother is next to him, keeping him engaged in a conversation. His voice is tense and draws closer to us as if he’s backing away from the conversation. My erratic heartrate lulls to a calm thus at the sound of his voice. Serena shuts the door and announces that Soren is here as the hairstylist curls my hair. I wasn’t given a choice in my hairstyle or my makeup either. But, at least I got to pick out my wedding dress.

Serena pulls out a white shoe box embossed with gold lettering when we are done with hair and makeup. Sliding the box over to me, I recognize the combination immediately. It’s something, Jimmy Choo. I smile over at her and rip into the box. Tucked inside is a pair of heels. And not just any pair, but the pair I’ve been scouring for. They’re a satin white mule style with a crystal strap running along the foot's arch. I look over at Serena, my jaw slacks at the heels sitting in my lap.

“I thought it would be fitting to have new shoes for your wedding. It’s a wedding gift from me.” She giggles while shrugging her shoulders.

I gasp, “They’ll match my dress beautifully.” I pull her into a hug, a blanket of comfort enveloping me as Serena returns the hug. I abruptly yanked myself away from her, “Oh shit, Serena, did you grab the gift and letter I had on the table for Soren?”

She giggles, “Yes, I knew you’d forget, so Abe packed the car up last night.”

Serena hands me the small box, but I don’t take it. “Will you give it to him?” I whisper.

Serena nods and puts the box to the side. “Let’s get dressed first, and I’ll take it to him, okay?”

I gulp, nerves starting to rear their ugly head, but I agree. Serena and an assistant get me into my dress, buttoning me up along my back and placing the veil in my hair. After they’re done, they stand back to examine me. Serena’s hand covers her mouth, and her eyes start to water.

“You look so beautiful, Freya.”

I can’t take my eyes off the mirror, studying every piece of tulle, crystal, and lace detail clinging to me.

“Will you take the gift to Soren, please?”

Serena wipes her tears and nods, turning to gather the little box and closing the door behind her. A knock on the door rings through the room moments after Serena leaves. Without a response, my father and Luca appear in the room. They don’t even give me a moment to respond. I turn to give them my full attention,

“What are you doing here?” I question defensively.

I notice another figure behind the door, and they stay put. They are ensuring no one enters. My guard goes up even further, and alarm bells go off in my head.

“Freya, we are here to ensure you understand how important it is to go through with this.” My father starts but is interrupted by Luca.

“Yes, there is also an expectation that you will have your first child with Soren in two years. You will never be a part of the business your father deals in. Soren will step in and handle all work that is required of him. You are to stay at home and mother your children. If you do not follow through with this, Serena and Abe will be killed. AndIwill make sure the deed is done. Do you understand?” Luca says, emotionless.

Tears well in my eyes. Who the fuck does this guy think he is? And what does he have over my father? Luca threatens my sister’s life, threatens to rape me, and he stands there. Doing nothing. The fucking coward.

I’m shaking, but I have to stay strong. He won’t hurt me. He can’t without facing Soren’s wrath. Not without a fight. I don’t let any tears spill over my cheeks, as I imagine carving him up like a pig. I will kill him one of these days. I refuse to let anyone dictate my happiness anymore. It’s my life. And I’ll take down anyone who threatens my dream for happiness.

Holding my head up a little higher, I cross my arms over my chest, “I'm kinda in the middle of working on your first favor.”

Luca’s face turned red, “Hey, don’t get smart with me, you little bitch. Don’t fuck this up.” He barks, his sausage finger pointed in my face. I flinch when it gets a little too close for comfort.

I glare at him but stand my ground as he flips the fuck out at me. Wavering between losing it on him or keeping my mouth shut, I decided it’d be better to keep my mouth shut.

He’ll get his one day.

“Good. Perhaps, you might be a good wife for my son.” Luca straightens out.

Just wait till I tell your son about how you talked to me, motherfucker.

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