Page 251 of Ruins
Her brows knit together. “Why not? I’ve seen plenty of girls in our world with social media accounts—designer gowns, luxury vacations. You’d be perfect for that. Plus, you could post your art.”
I let out a nervous laugh, avoiding her gaze. “Well… it’s not exactly by choice.” My fingers tighten around the paintbrush. “Santo got me a new phone before we got married, but it doesn’t have access to social media. I think it’s his way of protecting me.”
Elena’s mouth falls open slightly before she snaps it shut. “He doesn’tallowyou to have social media? Are you serious?”
I stiffen. “It’s not like that,” I rush to explain, but my voice wavers with uncertainty. “I mean, I think he just… wants to keep me safe. Things can get dangerous, and he worries.”
Elena doesn’t look convinced, her eyes narrowing slightly. “What about school? You said you were going back to campus. Is that true, or did he shut that down too?”
The question hits a nerve. Frustration and embarrassment bubble up, tangled together.
“I asked him about it,” I admit, my voice quieter now. “He said Icould…but he’s not really comfortable with the idea. I might just stick to online classes for now.”
Elena’s eyes flash with something between disbelief and concern. She opens her mouth, then shuts it again, exhaling a slow sigh.
“Were you forced into this?” Her voice is softer now, laced with real concern.
I freeze for a moment, caught off guard. “What do you mean?” I turn to finally face her fully.
Elena holds my gaze, her brows furrowed. “I mean, I know it was an arranged marriage… but were you forced? Are youtrulyhappy?”
A strange sense of relief washes over me. She’s not scrutinizing me. She’sworriedabout me.
I let out a small chuckle, shaking my head. “Yes, I’m happy. And I love Santo. Whether our marriage was arranged or not… it’s a good match.”
Elena studies my face for a moment, her eyes analyzing every expression before she rises from the chair.
“Is that just what you tell yourself?” she asks slowly. “Or do you really believe it?”
My heart races at her question, but I hold her gaze steadily.
“I believe it,” I answer firmly. “Santo is a wonderful husband, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
For a brief moment, something like surprise flashes in Elena’s eyes before it’s quickly replaced by a genuine smile.
“I’m glad to hear it,” she says sincerely. “I only ask because I dread the day when Angelo decides to ship me off to marry some stranger. How did you handle it?”
A wave of empathy and understanding washes over me, and I answer honestly.
“I always knew my marriage would be arranged, but I wanted to have hope that it would grow into love.”
Elena nods in understanding, her long strides taking her back to her chair with a heavy huff. I can feel the weight of her thoughts as she sits down.
“Yours did,” she states with a small smile.
“It did,” I reply, offering her a genuine smile. “And if Angelo were to arrange a marriage for you, I have no doubt he’d choose someone who would treat you with love and respect.”
Elena lets out a heavy sigh. “My brother… did he let you in?”
Confused, I set down my brush and look at her closely. “Let me inhow?”
Her eyes meet mine, and for a long moment, we just stare at each other, as if weighing something unspoken. Finally, we both say it at the same time.
“Scythe.”
Elena’s eyes widen in surprise. “He told you about that?”
I nod. “I know it’s a part of him, I understand and respect that.”
