Page 13 of Captive Bride

“Sweetheart,” the Governor says, suddenly being so cordial, “It’s time to take the stage and make the official announcement. Come with me.”

I plead with my eyes for Thelma to help me. But in truth, I know there’s nothing for her to do. My future’s set in stone, and I’m afraid.

He grabs my hand and takes me up to the stage. On the way, my mother finds us. She immediately starts to schmooze the Governor. He loves when people suck up to him, and my mother has no shame.

“This is it, Isobel. Aren’t you excited?”

Excited is definitely not the word. Terrified, yes. Depressed, obviously.

“Smile, Isobel. All eyes are on you. Make us proud, or you know your father won’t be happy.”

The Governor pulls me away from her and leads me up to the stage. He’s crushing me with the weight of his arms. My size pales in comparison to this guy.

I look into the crowd. I see my father, and he’s not happy. I think again about Thelma and Theo, all that he could take away from me.

And in that moment, I plaster a smile on my face.

Fake it until you make it, right?

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