AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Gosh if he was my fiance you wouldn’t be able to drag me away. No way no how,” she says, making me laugh before another knock on the door stops our lighthearted moment.
My mum's head pops through the door finding my eyes.
“Sophia love. Glad to see you home. I expect you’ll be at dinner?” she asks.
“Yes mother, I was about to shower and get changed and then I’ll be down,” I tell her, which has her nodding before she leaves my room.
“Do you want me to put away your things for you?” Miss Patrice asks, as she picks up my bag from the ground where I’d dropped it.
“No, that's fine. It’s only an overnight bag I have.”
“Okay then dear. I’ll catch up with you later. It’s good to have you home,” she says, before leaving me to do my task. In my closet a blue silk dress I haven’t worn for a while catches my eye and I lay it on my bed for when I get out of the shower.
After showering I slip my dress over my head. As I stare at myself in the mirror, Lorenzo’s face pops into my head and knowing he likes my hair down, I leave it. The thought of a possible reprimand from my parents about it can’t make me tie it up. With my head held high I walk out of my room and make my way to the dining room where my parents are already seated. The sight of the huge monstrosity makes me miss the small rickety painted table in Lorenzo’s house more.
“It’s good to see you home Sophia,” my dad says, looking up as he shakes his napkin out before placing it on his lap. His eyes stare at my hair for a few beats but he doesn’t say anything. The word home seems funny to hear in the context of this house. It’s always sounded a bit off in relation to this huge mansion that is always so quiet but after the few days I’ve spent with Lorenzo it feels more foreign.
“Thank you. I’m only here for the night. I’ll be permanently moving in with Lorenzo,” is my reply. The gnawing in my gut grows as our first course of a caesar salad is delivered to the table.
As soon as I take a mouthful of lettuce my father speaks again.
“Your mother and I have been talking and we don’t think this marriage is a good idea.”
My back straightens as I finish chewing the bland mouthful of food.
“What?”
“Must I repeat myself Sophia? We don’t want you marrying him,” his voice raises.
I drop my cutlery to the table.
“That is not your decision to make,” I snap back.
“When it affects our family, it’s not the right decision. You’re making a mistake,” he scoffs.
“And who would you rather I marry? Someone who you can twist and manipulate?” I throw back at him, my body humming with rage. My mother sits there quietly not saying a word.
“At least an upholding citizen of this town would be ideal.”
“Lorenzo is upstanding. He’s a good person and has never done anything wrong,” I defend.
“He’s a mechanic, Sophia. How is he supposed to provide for you off minimum wage?”
“You know sometimes life isn’t all about money and appearances.”
“Don’t be so naive Sophia. It’s about security. How are we supposed to sleep at night worrying about your future?”
“You don’t need to worry about me. I will be perfectly fine,” I huff.
“I beg to differ.”
“Well, your opinion is unwanted,” I grunt, as I push my chair back with a screech.
“Don’t be a child Sophia. Sit down and finish your dinner,” he demands, as his nostrils flare from the end of the table.
“No. If you can’t accept Lorenzo and I are getting married then I feel I can’t be a part of this family. Enjoy your dinner,” I say, as I turn to storm out of the room.
“He made me a deal,” my dad says. His words have my feet stuck to the floor like they are covered in glue. I turn to him, and his lips pull up in his award winning smile as he knows he’s got my attention.
