Page 71 of The Virgin I Desire

“Oh.” I swallowed and tried hard to keep the smile on my face.

“It will be incredible!” Perla celebrated.

“And Dante's engagement?” I turned to my brother to take the attention away from me.

“One step at a time, little sister.” He pursed his lips at me, and I stopped myself from showing my tongue.

It wasn't fair at all, while my brother was having fun with everyone he could while not marrying a suitable bride, I had to remain chaste. Well, it was better not to discuss this point since I myself had broken the rules and given myself to Mikhail well before the wedding.

“We are still looking for a suitable bride for Dante,” my father said in a serious tone, without delving into the subject further.

“Sure.” I shrugged.

“That's a great idea, my love.” My mother looked at me before holding my father's hand and I struggled to smile.

“What if it's a masquerade ball?” I smiled, showing a little excitement at the idea that had just crossed my mind.

There was only one person I wanted at that party, and this seemed like an alternative way for him to get in.

“That’d be cool!” Perla joined me with an astonishing degree of excitement. Fortunately, she didn't seem to understand my real intentions with that proposal.

Uncle Theo and my father looked at each other, until the head of the family ended up nodding his head in affirmative.

“We'll have a masquerade ball, then.”

“Thanks.” I was thrilled and took another piece of fish and started chewing again.

We finished the meal, and everyone went to their rooms. I was happy that my sister got distracted talking to Manuela about something that I didn't pay much attention to, and I locked myself in the room, while I waited for the most opportune moment for my risky escape from the mansion.

I lay down on the bed, looking at the ceiling and picked up my cell phone.

Pietra:

Waiting for everyone to sleep.

Mikhail:

Right.

Pietra:

I have something to ask you.

Mikhail:

Ask it.

Pietra:

When we get married, will you let me continue studying?

I know I won't be able to work in a hospital, but I can fix some bullet holes in soldiers.

Mikhail:

Do you want to be a doctor?

Pietra:

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