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Back in my room, I call Aurora, but silence greets me on the other end.
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
“I am getting married. Tomorrow.”
“I’ll be there. And your uncle?”
“He doesn’t know. My phone is still at my father’s place. And I don’t want you to get into trouble because of me.”
“Shut up, what are friends for?”
“Love you.”
“Best friends for life,” I say, then we hang up.
I am going to bust up that wedding. That guy won’t know what hit him, but first, I have to escape my father’s tyrannical clutches.
He’s been more lenient with me in the last few days. I’ve gritted my teeth and played the role of the dutiful daughter who has come to accept her impending role. But it will all go to shit after tomorrow. A tremor rocks me, but I don’t have time to think of the consequences because my best friend needs me.
Going over the plan keeps me awake most of the night, but when I wake up, I am fueled with determination.
Viviana finds me at the window, studying the time and the movements of the guards. Outside these walls, the summer’s sun blooms to its full capacity, not perturbed by humans’ despair. Inside these walls, situations, circumstances, and life itself concoct a mighty storm, not even a hundred suns, nor a hundred summers, could overshadow.
She approaches me. “Chiara . . .”
“Hmm?”
“These last few days have been good, and you have that look on your face when you’re about to do something.”
“Would you help me?”
“Please, don’t drag me into this,” she whispers.
It will be more difficult, but I’ll find a way, regardless.
“What do you want me to do?”
I stop midway to the walk-in closet, surprised to hear her speak. Viviana bites down on her lower lip, her eyes widening in curiosity and apprehension.
“My best friend is getting married. I need to be there.”
“I don’t think Papa will have a problem with that.”
Her trust in him is unparalleled. For a moment, I wish I could look at our father the same.
“I am going there to stop it.”
Her jaw drops, eyes blinking. “Why?”
“Because no girl should be forced to choose between two evils.” I grab her hands. “Just go into his office and try to keep him in there for a while.”
“But you’re coming back, right?”
I nod. I am not delusional. Where would I go without money, without a new passport? For that, I need to buy myself more time.
“Of course I’m coming back.”
“You know, I kind of admire you.”
