Chapter 2

UNWANTED ENGAGEMENT

You know that feeling when your stomach starts churning right before you're about to go on a rollercoaster? That's exactly how I felt outside Dad's study. I could barely even grab the doorknob because my hand was so sweaty. It was never a good sign to be called to the study, but this time? It felt different, like something was off.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. "It's okay, Kylie," I muttered to myself. "You probably forgot to do something minor; no big deal." I pushed the door open and walked in, trying to pep talk myself into feeling better.

"Man, was this room always this stuffy?" I quizzed, Dad's cigar made the place smell like a truck, and I swear the walls were closing in on me. Dad looked all broody and serious behind his desk. He motioned toward the chair across from him and said, "Sit down, Kylie."

As I perched on the edge of the seat, I felt like a little kid in the principal's office. "What's up, Dad?" I tried to sound casual, but I think I came off somewhere between squeaky and terrified.

He just stared at me for what seemed like forever. I started counting the ticks of the grandfather clock in the corner, wondering if he had forgotten how to talk or if I had gone momentarily deaf.

Finally, he delivered the bombshell. "The agreement is now in effect. You will be marrying Lysander Vincenzo."

It felt like some crazy dream; for a moment, I thought I had fallen asleep. I even pinched myself under the desk. "Ouch," I was not entirely sure if I was fully awake.

"Wait, what?" I exclaimed. "Is this some kind of joke, Dad? Because if it is, your timing is way off."

His expression told me that it wasn't a joke at all. "The deal is set. When you turn eighteen, you'll be marrying Lysander Vincenzo."

My mind went haywire. This can't be real. How can my life be over before it even begins? Arranged marriages in this day and age? Am I in some kind of period drama?

I stuttered, "But... but I don't know him." "I haven't even seen him! He could be a serial killer for all I know, or have some weird obsession with feet or something."

Dad raised his eyes at that last bit, and then he straightened himself fast. "That has nothing to do." This union will confirm our partnership with the Vincenzo family. Our future depends on it absolutely.

"Our future?" I repeated, my voice raising to a level dogs could hear. "What about my next? I do have some say in this. What if I wanted to work as a professional cheese taster or practically anything else or join the circus?"

"No," Dad answered, one syllable cutting off my aspirations for cheese-tasting. "This is final. This decision is."

Though I blinked fiercely, I felt tears prickling in my eyes. I wouldn't provide him with the gratification of seeing me wither. I also didn't want to look like a raccoon since I was sporting the mascara Ava had purchased me for my birthday. "Is there anything else I ought to know?" I asked, attempting to keep a calm voice. "Like, does he have any interests outside of ruining teenage girls' lives?"

Dad's demeanor softened a little, but his words remained stern. "Vincenzo focused especially on your background. One cannot negotiate an all-girls school."

I laughed, but it sounded like a choked hiccup. "So you sent me to St. Catherine's to prepare for this arranged marriage? Do you expect me to meet a guy before my wedding day? Do you think I'll turn into a wild, boy-crazy lunatic?"

"Dad's reaction was just okay, not great. The silence between us felt heavy and uncomfortable. I even half-expected tumbleweeds to come rolling through the room.

"At least for now, that's it," he said quietly, dismissing me with a wave of his hand as if I were some kind of servant. Smooth, Dad. Real smooth.

As I stood up, my legs felt like jelly. Just as I was about to grab the door handle, Dad's words stopped me in my tracks.

"Kylie," he continued, his voice faint now. "Though it's challenging, I know this is for the best. You'll grasp it someday."

I gave no thought to answering. I was supposed to say, "Thanks for wrecking my life, Dad. You are the greatest!" Rather, I booked it out of nowhere, as my butt seemed to be ablaze.

I raced for my room as soon as I left the study. Already tears were flowing, and I almost pushed poor Ava down the corridor.

"kylie? Looking troubled," she asked, "What's wrong?"

I was mute. I just shook my head and pushed past her, staggered into my bedroom, and then slammed the door behind me. I dropped onto my bed and covered my face with a pillow to stifle my tears. Right now, this has to be a nightmare. I would wake up right now and chuckle over this bizarre dream.

Still, the minutes passed and I woke up nowhere. Actually, this was genuine. Right then, this was my life.

Her quiet knock on the door hardly registered through my pity party. "Kylie?" Ava spoke quietly. "Is there anything I could do? I had ice cream with me."

I answered, "Nothing," but a second later I felt the bed dip as Ava sat next to me. My favorite, the aroma of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, permeated everything.

Ava remarked, caressing my back, "Whatever it is, it can't be that bad. Did you not pass a test? Get caught leaving without permission? Oh goodness, what are you expecting?"

That last one had me sit up, "No, I have not become pregnant. God, Ava?"

Grinning, she handed me the pint of ice cream and a spoon. "That is a relief, then. What then best represents a human sprinkler system in your work?"

"Dad has set up my marriage!" I said.