Page 88 of Hateful Games

I share a look with Bianca and mutter, “Our girl is growing up.”

Honestly, if the situation were reversed, I’d be saying the same thing. Ultimately, it is a battle of wills. A vow of hate.

“And if you want us to kidnap you or help you escape, just say the word,” promises Bianca with a wink. “If we’re in a public place, blink twice.”

“I’ve finally brought you both to the dark side.”

“What else are bridesmaids there for?”

“Pretty sure stealing the bride from the wedding isn’t on the to-do list.”

Iris takes a sip of her mimosa and snickers. “It should be on the top.”

I laugh. A genuine one.

“And, Ro,” says Bianca, grabbing my attention. “The offer doesn’t have an expiration date.”

God! I have the most amazing and wild best friends. As the afternoon passes in laughter, bickering, and drinking, I forget all the worries about my future for the time being.

***

Later in the evening, I return to my home from the secret entrance. Slightly tipsy but I can’t seem to give a fuck about the hangover I’ll have tomorrow. The security guard buzzes me through until the large iron gates open and the cab driver ventures down the circular driveway.

Our house sits on a large acre of land surrounded by lush, tall trees with the mountains as the backdrop. Every square inch of the garden we’re passing by is lit up with thousands and thousands of blinding colorful lights. So, anyone who crosses the street can immediately tell a wedding is happening in the family.

As if the world didn’t already know it.

The press is perched outside on the perimeter, hoping for an insider’s scoop. It will be even worse tomorrow. My cheeks are already hurting imagining the fake smiles and devoted looks I’ll need to give.

The dreadful small talks with all my relatives arriving. Some of whom I haven’t seen in years. The last time we all gathered together was for one of my second cousin’s wedding. As if that wasn’t enough, I have to worry about mingling with Nova’s family too.

Fuck. The more I think, the more it feels like my biggest nightmare come to life. My breaths turn short as I start to feel overwhelmed. I tell myself it’s just wedding jitters. Before it can turn into a full-blown panic attack, the car comes to a halt and I look into the rearview mirror at the driver.

“Could you pay in cash, ma’am?” he asks.

I reach out for my purse and answer, “Sure.”

Paying him, I unlock the door and step out. My legs wobbling from being cramped in the back seat for too long, I lean on the door for a few seconds before shutting it behind me. Just as the taillights of my Uber ride disappears, I catch sight of a familiar figure from the open garage.

Uncle Raghu.

Besides my mom and sister, he is only other confidante in the house. I was a little girl, maybe five or six years old, when I first met him after Dad hired him to be my full-time bodyguard, driver, and caretaker since my parents traveled constantly. Never realizing he’d come to mean so much to me. The man who cares and protects me more like a father than my real one does. Now, he simply works in the garage and helps with security.

Sensing my gaze, he looks up from the hood of the car he is working on.

He waves me over and I walk toward him. When I’m within earshot, he straightens and warmly greets, “Where were you, pretty girl?”

“Missing me, were you?”

“I hardly ever see you anymore, kid.” His tone is sad with longing. “You’ll be gone soon. Who am I going to teach dirty tricks about cards and help sneak out to go alone on late-night drives?”

I’m a night owl and some nights, I would just go out to drive down the highway with the moon chasing me. It helped me think, calm my anxiety. Nothing is as serene as the cool wind caressing your face and stars gazing down. None of which would be possible without Raghu distracting all the eyes guarding me.

A sudden idea strikes. “Why don’t you come with me?”

A resigned weight sags his shoulders while disappointment darkens his soft eyes, and he answers, “I already tried but your soon-to-be husband refused.”

“You talked to Nova?”

---