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1NINA
Two years ago, I made a deal with the devil.
The devil being my papa.
In exchange for my years of freedom, I agreed to dedicate the rest of my life to becoming a prisoner to my own word.
I signed the contract; I have to agree to any of my papa’s terms, no matter what it costs.
As time passed, I forgot some of the rules he laid out for me.
* * *
“I can’t believe you’re married,” I say as I fix my sister’s makeup.
“I know. I’m just glad I was able to get to know him over the years,” she says. “It’s much better than having a random man waiting for me at the altar.” Her laugh is soft, coated in gratitude.
Ana is a strong girl, but she would never do anything to try to piss off Papa. He never fails to remind us that we will marry whoever he wants us to. I can’t help but think he was planning their marriage for years.
The Genovese family has been connected to ours for as long as I can remember. My sister and Carlo seemed like best friends growing up. When I was ten and they were riding their bikes outside, I stared out the window feeling like I was seeing something I shouldn’t: my sister’s first kiss.
No one wants to see their sibling’s first kiss, especially when it’s their younger sibling and they’re having their first kiss before you.
Times have changed now; things aren’t as innocent as they used to be. Ana and Carlo may have clicked instantly, and I have no doubt Ana is happy, but I know it’s my father’s doing. It was a connection built on childhood fun that turned into expensive dresses and fine alcohol. I would’ve been fooled too, so I don’t blame her.
I once overheard my father talking to a stranger about how the timeline worked out in his favor. Carlo’s dad passed two weeks before my sister turned eighteen. It was a marriage that had been in the making for years.
“You’re right about that one. You lucked out with Carlo, Ana.” I turn around and place the makeup brush on the table. “He’s been great to you over the years, and I’m glad you’re happy.”
“Good. Now, get out. I want to get ready for this dinner on my own. I’ll see you in a few.”
I nod, taking a couple of steps toward the door. Her low chuckle fades as I close the door softly behind me.
The sound of my heels echoes through the long hallway. Papa made our home a beautiful place for my sister to get married. The entire place is unbelievably stunning, decorations disguising everything that made the house look like the one I see every day.
Inside, marble covers everything around me, swallowing me up. There are plants in vases, giving the room just enough color to brighten up the space. The house never has decorations, so this is a huge change.
My mother likes to have nice things, but my father thinks the opposite. He hates the house looking cluttered.
As I step outside, the wind waves the bottom of my dress in all directions. The warm air brushes against my skin.
Noticing how many people are here, I take in a deep breath. Papa has a lot of friends, and our family is decently sized, but this has to be all Carlo’s side of the family. It was only ever Carlo, his parents, and his uncle who came to visit, but never the entire lineage.
The resemblance is striking. They’re all Italian. Dark hair and sharp jaws. The women in the family all have long hair, their dresses allowing their curves to show.
Everyone is sitting at the long table, staring me down. A lot of them don’t agree with the deal Papa gave me, but that’s none of their business.
“Nina.”
I turn to my right and see my brother, Max, walking toward me. “Hey,” I say.
“Put a smile on—people will notice,” he says, handing me a drink.
It’s a mimosa, one of my favorite drinks besides classic red wine.
“I do have a smile.” I try smiling from ear to ear, my cynical actions frustrating him in the way only sisters can.
“Choose a different one. You look fake.”
