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Paul hands me a small Tiffany’s box.
“Go ahead and open it.”
I do. A pair of diamond earrings are nestled in the box. Beautiful. At least two carats each.
“They are beautiful. You really shouldn’t have. They are too extravagant. Thank you.”
“Nonsense my dear. You are going to be my daughter- in-law soon. Family. Nothing is too good for you. Put them on. I want to see how they look.”
I put the earrings on.
“Ah, beautiful. They are perfect. Don’t you think Nick?”
“Yes, sir.”
Nick glances at my breasts. I want to cover myself.
My father returns with a bottle of chilled Dom Pérignon champagne. Bea follows with a sterling silver tray carrying four crystal champagne glasses. She sets the tray on the coffee table. My father opens the bottle with a pop. He pours four glasses. He sees my earrings as he hands me a glass of champagne.
“Oh darling, those earrings are beautiful. Did you thank Paul?”
“Yes.”
“Well, Gwendolyn, now that you have agreed to marry my son Bobby, we have much to discuss.”
“Okay.”
My hands shake. I set my champagne on the coffee table.
“For business and security reasons, especially after your abduction, you and Bobby will get married as soon as possible – a month from today. The wedding will be at my home in River Estates. The wedding will be small – only Vincenzio family members. You and your father will not be able to invite anyone for security reasons. You must not tell anyone about your upcoming marriage. My family has many enemies and for your safety, you must marry Bobby in secret. We will announce the marriage to the media after the wedding. After the honeymoon, you and Bobby will live in his downtown Chicago penthouse, which isn’t too far from here.”
“What about college? I am supposed to start classes in September at Chicago University.” I ask.
“I don’t see a problem, but you will have to work that out with Bobby.”
“Will I see him before the wedding?”
“I’m sorry, dear, but Bobby is a very busy man. There is much going on in the city that requires his attention. He will not have time to properly court you. My apologies.”
“Does he want to marry me? I read on the internet he is getting engaged to Evie Bliss.”
My father, Paul, and Nick visibly wince.
“Of course, he wants to marry you. He and Evie bliss were just casually dating – nothing serious – the media likes to exaggerate; he won’t be seeing her any longer.”
Bobby had his hands all over Evie Bliss in the picture I saw on the Internet. Nothing serious? Casually dating? Maybe. Maybe not. Will he keep seeing her after we marry?
“There is much to do before the wedding. Nick will go over all the details with you. Zach, why don’t we sit on your patio? It is such a beautiful summer day.”
What? Paul and my father are leaving me alone with Nick!
Paul follows my father out of the living room. I am alone with Nick. He walks over to my sofa and sits next to me. Eww. I can smell his strong cologne.
“My dear, as the Vincenzio’s family consigliere. I work very closely with Bobby. He has asked me to go over a few things with you.”
“Okay.”
What things?
