Page 97 of Die for You
The thought of slaying the real dragon in my story is liberating, and perhaps that new life I have dreamed of may be within reach. With Lettie’s return, anything is possible.
My future with Lenny is still unknown.
But after everything I’ve done, and will do, I doubt we’ll go sailing off into the sunset together. That’s a risk I’m willing to take, though.
“Will you be my mommy?” Elena says, her big blue eyes slaying me where I stand.
Dropping to a squat, I gently stroke her cheek. “I promise that whatever happens, I will keep you safe.”
Her lower lip trembles before she throws herself into my arms, wrapping her tiny arms around my neck. She holds on tightly, afraid that I’ll disappear. I know the feeling too well because once upon a time, I was Elena.
I was every orphan in this place.
I’ll ensure the money raised tonight goes to the orphanage and that no child will suffer the fate I did. I feel responsible for each one.
As a tear rolls down my cheek, I finally realize that I am not bad.
I always thought I was.
But I was made to believe that I was beyond salvation, that feelings made you weak. But Gianna is wrong. It’s because of my feelings that I will happily destroy her and won’t feel a thing.
The door opens, and I quickly wipe my face, not wishing Gianna to see me crying.
I come to a stand, and Elena runs behind me. Children seem able to sense evil more readily than adults.
Gianna looks stunning in a peacock-colored sequin dress. The plunging neckline complements the mermaid silhouette with a sweeping train. It hugs her slender form, leaving nothing to the imagination. But it’s tasteful.
She wears pearl earrings and a large sapphire ring. Her hair is twisted into an elegant chignon and fastened with a diamond clip. Her makeup is light. But she wears her trademark red lips with pride.
“You’re not dressed yet,” she says, her annoyance clear.
“It doesn’t take me long,” I reply smoothly, an intentional stab since she’s been getting ready all day.
She looks down her nose at me, her lips tight. She’s looking for any signs of deceit.
She can look all day because she won’t see a thing. I’m the master of hiding my emotions, thanks to her teachings. Everything she drilled into me has been life lessons I have used against her.
And I cannot wait to rub the fact into her face. Not before I smash her head through a mirror, of course, wishing for her to see the ugliness she truly carries within herself.
I take Elena’s hand, but Gianna shakes her head. “Leave the girl. I must speak with her. I have something special planned for her. You’d like that, wouldn’t you, sweetie?”
Elena squeezes my hand, begging me to take her with me. “She’ll help Sister Gina in the cloakroom. I thought a beautiful face is what you wished the guests to be greeted by.”
Gianna smiles. “Yes, you’re right. That’s very smart. Let’s tug at their heartstrings so they open their wallets and donate vastly.”
I don’t dally and lead Elena from the room.
When we’re far away, I whisper, “Never trust that woman. Promise me.”
“I promise,” she whispers back.
When we arrive at the kitchen, Sister Ursula, who I trust, takes Elena’s hand. Elena looks over her shoulder, apprehension plaguing her, but I nod with a smile.
She eventually follows Sister Ursula.
This entire affair makes me sick, and when I enter the private bathroom and see a red ball gown hanging from the towel rack, that sickness threatens to choke me. I cough past the bitterness lodged in my throat and quickly shower.
Once I am clean, I wipe down the mirror and stare at my pale complexion.
