Page 112 of Hateful Games

While I may not be marrying my dream man, I am wearing my dream dress.

The black sparkling lace ball gown has a sheer bustier top with off-the-shoulder straps. It molds to my body like a second skin and lifts my breasts higher, making them even perkier. Since I was going for a dark, gothic look, my designer wove a gothic English rose. Black roses are embroidered from the top all the way down through the tulle bottom.

My wedding dress is dramatic, shimmering—one of a kind.

Just like me.

And I’ve a beautiful, just-as-dramatic veil to match. Though, I’ll wear it once I go downstairs since it couldn’t be brought up. After all, it is seventy-five feet long.

If I’m going to piss Dad off, might as well go all out.

“Oh, my goodness,” cries out my mom, appearing from behind me. Her frail hands fly to her mouth as she sees me for the first time and tears up. Meeting my gaze, she smiles through the tears and compliments, “You’re the most stunning bride I’ve ever seen, my love. I would’ve been a fool to ask you to wear anything other than this.”

“Really?”

“Far more beautiful than my imagination, Rosa.” Grabbing my wrist, she kisses the inside and cups my cheek. “I only ask for one thing.”

“What?” My voice is small.

“Please give Nova and his family a chance.”

“Why? How are you so sure they’ll be good to me?”

“Because even though I blindsided you, I would never give my daughter to someone who wouldn’t cherish her and keep her safe.” Peering deep into my eyes, she promises, “If you open your heart to them, you’ll know.”

Gazing at her while her own eyes plead with mine, I lie to my mom for the first time in my life. “I’ll try.”

It assuages her fear and I feel like the worst daughter in the world. But I can’t make her a promise that I have no intention of keeping. Eight years ago, I vowed to myself I will never be a pawn to any man.

I’ll die before I break it.

“Thank you, love.”

Jasmine and my best friends surround me a second later, wearing expressions of wonder while taking in my dress. They each give me hugs and shower me with compliments. A knock on the door pulls us all apart.

Tamana enters with her clipboard. It might as well be an extension of her body. “It’s time. Everyone has arrived.”

Taking a soothing breath, I nod.

Jasmine carries a hyperactive Suhana while Mom walks alongside her. Iris and Bianca linger back.

“Last chance, Ro,” murmurs Bianca.

I smile brokenly. “I have to do this, Bee.”

I need to because deep in my heart, I know Nova will chase and drag me back if I don’t. Because for some reason, he’s dead set on marrying me after vehemently forcing me to say no. And if I stand the slim chance of escaping, I have to tread the dark waters that will be the coming months.

Holding the skirt of my gown, my best friends help me out of the room and into the elevator that takes us downstairs. It’s bustling with energetic staff while the rhyming trio are waiting to attach the matching long veil that looks too delicate to touch.

Iris goes to check the venue, where all the guests are seated with the dais at the front. Nova and his family must already be outside. The priest was chosen by them, of course. I’ve grown up binge-watching Hollywood movies so it feels like I manifested my own Christian wedding.

Iris comes back with wide eyes. “I’ve never seen so many people at the same time.”

It’s moments like this I’m reminded that Iris doesn’t come from a world like ours. She’s grown up in a conservative middle-class family. In the beginning of our friendship, her parents were skittish and didn’t approve of Bianca and I, thinking we would be a bad influence. They were worried our lavish lifestyles would send her on the wrong path and she’ll make bad decisions trying to blend in with us.

However, we bonded so quickly, there was no way we were letting her go without a fight. It took time but her parents eventually warmed up to us.

“I swear the setting and the decoration is so romantic and beautiful,” she gushes with a starstruck grin.

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