Page 17 of The Bratva's Forced Bride

I didn’t know her, his family, and certainly not the man I was supposed to marry. Beyond their under-the-table businesses and how my dad stole from them, I didn’t know anything. It made me feel helpless and petrified.

I didn’t want to be whisked into something so serious, but I also didn’t want to turn Raya away either. She seemed to be there to genuinely help me, and if I could get to know at least one person, I assumed I would be better off.

When I didn’t say anything, Raya seemed to pick up on my hesitance, and her expression softened.

“I know how alarming all of this is, I was in your position once. I was terrified and angry when I was swept into marrying Isidor, yet I came to love not only him but the family too. I’m here to help. In time, everything will work out,” she said, offering me her consolation.

While I wanted to believe her kindness, it was all too much to bear at once. To be expected to jump on board with everything seemed unreasonable.

“I don’t even know him, or why he’s determined to make this happen,” I said, overwhelmed by how fast my heart raced. “I don’t know what’s going on.”

“It’s okay, hon. Neither did I. Nobody blames you for not looking forward to this,” Raya said empathetically. “From what I can tell, he has some more explaining to do. But for now, I’ll be with you to make sure you’re just fine. I’m sure it doesn’t feel like it right now, but this is a special day.”

She was right, it didn’t feel that way.

But even if I didn’t want to partake in the wedding, I had no choice. I couldn’t just run away and hope for the best. Yaro’s family had money and manpower from the sound of it, and I knew I wouldn’t make it very far.

Finally giving in, I sighed and opened the bedroom door.

Looking happy but considerate of my feelings, Raya walked in with her supplies, and I was swept into a whirlwind of preparations.

She started with my hair first as she put in hot rollers to let the set while she got started on my skincare and makeup. Everything she used was from brands I wasn’t familiar with, each feeling lusher than the last.

At one point, she pulled out a bottle of champagne and two small flutes. “This might help ease your nerves a bit,” she murmured, pouring it carefully.

While I didn’t want to admit it, the attention and care were nice. And the champagne helped smooth out some of the ridges.

As Raya talked through it all, her voice was enough distraction to keep me from completely losing my mind. It made me wonder if she had exactly that in mind or was that chatty.

But the closer my hair and makeup were to being done, the more that reality ebbed back in again.

That anxiety put me on edge, and the thought of leaving behind everything I wanted to achieve to marry someone I didn’t know felt like cheating myself. Forgetting about school felt like mourning the life I hoped to make for myself.

Every dream I chased since I was a young girl desperate to get away from my dad was all shot down in one sweep.

All the effort I put into working and saving for school down the drain.

All because of him.

“Alright, and you are now done,” Raya said, admiring her work. She smiled brilliantly. “I have to pack up and help with some last-minute preparations, but someone will come get you when it’s time. How are you doing?”

Sucking in a deep breath, I could barely look at her through the mirror. “I’ve been better. But…thanks for your help.”

“Anytime. And if you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always here if you need someone to lean on.”

While I wasn’t entirely keen on joining the family, her kindness went a long way. At the very least, I was grateful for that.

Before long, Raya gathered her things and slipped out the door, looking much more enthusiastic than I felt.

Staring into the mirror once I was left alone, there was something uncanny about it. Me, wearing a gorgeous wedding dress and the nicest makeup I could ask for, yet I felt anything but ready. Everything but happy.

I had always dreamed of finding someone I loved and marrying them in a ceremony we both put time and consideration into when the time was right. But that choice was taken from me.

While my apparent fiancée wasn’t the worst to look at, and I did find him attractive, I didn’t know him. It felt like going on a blind date to end up married right after.

None of it was how I imagined, leaving a pit in my stomach.

Waiting for whoever was meant to get me, I never expected it to be my dad.

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