2

ROSALINE

I walked into the plain room that was dim due to the thick blinds covering the large windows. "I thought I told Lauren to stop pulling them down in the morning," I mumbled as I walked over to the blinds and pulled them up so light could come into the room.

I put the key back in my purse and made my way to large king sized bed where my mother laid unconscious.

"Good morning, mom," I mumbled as I took a seat on a stool beside the bed. Once again, I was greeted with silence. I had grown used to it over the years but yet, I wasn't used to it.

"It's been about a week or two," I started as I looked at the woman on the bed. I got all my looks from her.

"I got a raise and a promotion three days ago. It was surprising but it seemed like the whole hospital knew about it, I was the only one who had no clue," I said with a chuckle.

It was my usual practice to come here once in a while to tell my mother things I couldn't tell anyone. Only Lauren, Blaze and I had the key to this place.

After talking about everything that happened in the last weeks of my life I decided to tell her about what my father had decided.

"You know when you'd tell me that you wanted me to marry early?" I said to her. "I guess your wish finally came true. I'm getting married," I said with a fake enthusiasm.

"Sadly, I'm marrying a stranger. I always believed you were going to wake up before my wedding day," I mumbled.

My heart began to sink everything in. the pain began to spread through my body. My brain began to digest everything slowly. I was getting married off because my father wanted to save his mafia.

Maybe it was because I reminded him of his wife a lot.

"So..." my voice trailed off as it became shaky.

I was getting married to a stranger.

Not just any stranger.

A powerful stranger.

"I'm getting married," my voice broke. Tears began to fall and my chest began to feel constricted. I hated acting like nothing bothered me but I had no choice. That was the only way to survive ever since my father turned cold.

"You know, I miss being dad's little princess," I mumbled as I laid my head on her lap. I wished she would just wake up.

"I'll be strong," I whispered and wiped my cheeks as I raised my head.

"I'll see you again," I smiled at her motionless body and stood up to leave.

After locking the door, I made my way to my room. It was bare because I had moved out three years ago. I only came here if it was necessary. I didn't want to get caught up in this mafia life so I moved out when I got into university.

Father didn't object and Blaze agreed because it would guarantee my safety even though he made his men watch over me every day. It's not like I couldn't defend myself.

I could shoot a gun, throw a knife, throw a punch and even fight. I could handle myself well.

With a tired sigh, I stripped off my clothes and went to bed. I still had a few hours before night came. I was going to sleep my whole day away since I had an all night shift yesterday.

I didn't even stop home because father said I was urgently needed at this place.

I snorted at the irony of my life.

Rose?

Rose was beautiful, it depicted love.

Love?

I rolled my eyes and snuggled my pillow closer.

If my father truly loved me, he'd never agree to that offer. Well, he lost all his common sense the day mom went into coma. That useless Catherina knows nothing about helping his business instead, she cared about Gucci shoes and Prada bags.

No wonder my father makes bad decisions.

At least I had Lisa and Blaze. To me, Kimberly was just a waste of space. Unlike Lisa who loved reading and minding her business, Kimberly preferred to spend her time shopping with her mother.

"Lucky me," I muttered sarcastically.

∞

I was woken up by someone shaking me. I opened my eyes to see Lisa seated on my bed. "You look tired," she stated and I yawned as I sat up. "Night shifts can do that to you," I chuckled and ran my hand through my scattered hair.

"The man dad was talking about is here," she mumbled. "Oh," I mumbled and proceeded to get off the bed. "Do you mind if I stay here throughout dinner?" Lisa asked. I chuckled and shook my head, "You're going for dinner. He won't kill you, don't worry."

I took a shower, changed into one of the dresses I left in my wardrobe and brushed my hair. It was a little damp but it made my curls look beautiful so I didn't mind.

"I wish I had your hair," Lisa said as I turned to look at her. I chuckled, "Make good use of what you have, sis." She smiled and we walked out of the room.

"I hate how smug Kim has ever since that meeting," Lisa said as we walked down the stairs. I chuckled, "It's fine, Lisa." We got downstairs and one of the maids ushered us to the dining room.

The smell of grilled chicken filled my nose made my stomach growl in hunger. I hope they made casserole or lasagna.

Everyone looked up from their food to see Lisa and I walk in. "Sweetheart," my father cooed motioning for me to take a seat beside my brother.

I was tempted to roll my eyes as I tugged on Lisa's finger, letting her know that she was safe. She reluctantly went to sit beside her sister opposite me as I sat beside Blaze.

"This is the one?" a thick Russian accent filled my ears and I felt shivers through my spine. I turned to look at the man at the head of the table, opposite my father.

"Yes, Gusev," father said with a nodded.

The man was obviously in his early eighties but yet he looked younger with his gray hair perfectly trimmed and his beard well kept. But no one could overlook the power and authority radiating off him.

"What is your name, young lady?" he asked me as the maid served my food.

"Rosaline," I replied as politely as I could. My eyes fell on three large scary looking men that stood behind him.

"Rosaline," he tested and I nodded. "Let's eat," he said and my father nodded.

I could feel my brother's unhappiness; it was like a scent from him. I sighed and placed my hand on his thigh making him look at me. I gave him a small smile but he didn't return it.

After dinner, my father led Mr. Gusev and I to his office where we would talk privately. Honestly, I wished I had been given maybe two glasses of wine, or three. How was I supposed to handle this conversation with a sober mind?

we got seated by the set of arm chairs and couches in his office and I was ready for one of them to speak.

"Tomorrow, you will be taken to get your bridal dress and engagement ring," Mr. Gusev said to me. "But I have work tomorrow," I countered with a frown. My father glared at me, "Rose."

"When does your work end?" Mr. Gusev asked me. "My shift ends by three thirty," I replied him, ignoring my father's glares. "I will send a ride to your place of work," Mr. Gusev said and handed me a black card. "Show this to them when you get there."

I nodded.

"You can ask any question," he offered and I nodded. "When am I meeting the person I am meant to marry?"

"I apologize for the absence of my grandson. He is supposed to be here today but his workload is a lot. He will be present on the day of the wedding," the man said and I wanted to laugh.

This was typical.

"It's no problem, Gusev," my father said to him. I rolled my eyes.

"Matthus, I want a word with your daughter."

That was a command.

My father looked at me with wariness but stood up and walked out of the office.

Mr. Gusev turned to me.

"Is there anything you want as a wedding gift?" he asked me. My brows furrowed, "Wedding gift?" he nodded, "Maybe a car, or a house. It's the Volkov tradition."

What did I want?

I knew I was going to leave this country getting married, that was a sure thing. I was never the material type though.

Should I take Lisa with me?

No, she hasn't graduated yet and I didn't want her life to be in danger.

Then it clicked in my brain.

"I want my mother to follow me."