IRENA'S POV
Two months flew by so quickly. It was endless tears, screaming, and sleepless nights as I counted the days until my wedding day.
Today is the day. September 22nd.
The last time I heard from Saint was when he nearly suffocated me two months ago. After that, he disappeared like a Ghost. I have not heard from him or seen him. Or the mentions of his name from me or anyone else in the house. It was as if it was forbidden to say his name without his presence.
I stand in front of the mirror, staring into the eyes of a lost girl.
Uncle Ian, 36 years old and the middle brother, picked out this dress for me. Ian is barely home. He is constantly traveling for work, and I only see him during special occasions like this, which is rare.
The stretchy white fabric perfectly fits as it hugs my body. The silhouette dress is provided through the bodice and starts to flare out at the waist in a triangular fashion with sleeves that drape gracefully off-the-shoulder.
My brown skin and white dress matched perfectly. My face was barely touched with makeup. My uncles said it made me look more innocent and submissive to my husband. The makeup artist only powered me with light blush and a bit of concealer as well as my mascara, followed by a rosewood lipstick that suits well with my skin color.
I pressed my hands to my cheeks as I observed myself in the mirror. I couldn't stop the feeling of butterflies dancing in my stomach from the anxiousness. Usually, women would see this as the happiest day of their lives. I see it as my worst.
Anatol kept his word when he said it would be his duty to teach me manners. I would wake up each day to lessons on how to be the perfect mafia housewife.
Obey.
Quiet.
Sweet.
Pure.
And my personal favorites look pretty. Those are the five traits that I should religiously provide for my husband.
I don't believe in such brainwashing marriage bullshit, but sadly I had to commit to them if I wanted to be on Saint's good side and stay away from trouble.
"A woman is not important when it comes to marriage." in this marriage, my happiness was not the main priority. As they told me, I am an object to please and kiss my husband's ass.
I had pulled out my thoughts when I heard a gentle knock at the door.
"Come in," I announce.
The door creaks open, and an old lady, Gloria, walks in. Her hair is powdered white, as her eyes are fatigued. As her skin is parchment faded, creased like vellum. Her clothes are clean and fresh. She wore a white blouse with a long floral dress and thick sandals.
"I'm here to get you, Miss. The ceremony is about to start." She says with her weak, fragile voice. I sigh, defeating.
"I'll be out soon Gloria," I say to her; her eyes soften as she gives me a warm smile. "You look beautiful, Miss."
"Thank you Gloria." I utter, returning the smile. She walks out of the room, shutting the door behind her.
I look at myself one last time.
Today is my wedding day. I am getting remarried not just to any man but to Saint Dé Leon.
God, how did it come to this?
This is the day when my whole life is about to change.
➛
I kept my gaze focused on the bouquet in my hand, refusing to look at all the guests in fear of seeing Saint. Le Cygne by Camille Saint starts playing melodious music and hums in the air as the double doors open, revealing the aisle that leads to my waiting groom.
"Remember not to mess this up Irena. Your life depends on it, sweet child." Greg whispers as he takes my hand and slips it through the crooks of his arm.
The nauseous feeling of him touching me resurfaces again.
Too much is happening. Tears threaten to overwhelm me, but again, I swallow them back. Panic floods my veins with each step Greg pulls me down the red carpet. Hushed murmurs float from the guest until the sound turns into buzzing in my ears.
I focus my eyes on the bouquet in my hand, not daring to look up.
Please don't break down in front of them. Keep it together Irena.
Still, a sob builds, and I can't stop it from escaping my lips. The sound takes flight as it blends with the music and murmurs.
This is it.
My freedom is gone.
Greg pulls me to a stop, lifting the veil, he presses a kiss on my forehead.
It turned my stomach, but I had to force down the sick feeling.
The amount of times I have been violated without anyone knowing. It will be difficult not to empty my stomach. At this very moment.
Polished shoes come into view. Saint takes a hold of my hand and slips it in the crooks of his arm as he turns me to face the priest.
Everything inside me dies.
"Dearly beloved, we're gathered here today to celebrate the holy union of Saint Dé Leon and Irena Karalana Nowak."
There's a buzzing in my ears. I see the priest's lips move but I can't hear a word he's saying. He keeps talking and talking, seconds passing with each beat of my heart with freedom slipping through my fingers.
I turned to face my groom. I slowly lift my gaze and head up as I meet his gaze but he's a blur through the tears.
My heart shrivels into a dark hole. My stomach tightness into a hard knot. Silent tears spill over my cheeks, my breaths speeding up, my heart thumping harder against my chest, my throat closing up.
Then I blink, and my sight focuses on the man in front of me.
Saint.
My eyes immediately noticed a light scar stretching across his face. Which made his features more intimidating. Then I realized.
I gave him that scar.
"Saint, repeat after me." The priest says.
A hard shudder rakes through my body. My breathing stalls and my heartbeat comes to a dead stop.
"I, Saint Dé Leon, take thee, Irena Karalana Nowak, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward..."
No, no, no, no, no.
"For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish. Till death do us apart." Saint utters the last part.
His eyes are focused on me. His expression closed up, the dangerous aurora radiating from him.
He stared at me. Nor once fazed by my tears or unhappiness. Knowing that I'm getting married to Saint I bet my suffering pleases him. That he will do everything
in his power to taunt me in this marriage till I take my last breath.
"Irena repeat after me." The priest declares. As if I'm under some evil spell, my lips part and I recite the haunting words. Saint's eyes spark with an unrecognizable emotion when I end with. "Till death do us apart."
"Saint, do you take Irena Karalana Nowak as your wife?"
A pause dances in the air as we both stare into each other's eyes.
"I do."
"Irena, do you take Saint Dé Leon as your husband?"
I could hear my heart pounding in my throat. My eyes go wide in shock and disbelief, my lips part ready to say the words that will sell my freedom away.
A tear slips down my cheek as I say the words. "I do." I whisper.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife." The priest announces. "You may kiss the bride."
Saint takes a step forward, his hands find my shoulder, and as he lowers his head, I close my eyes when I feel his lips onto mine.
My skin crawled as I suppressed a shudder. Instantly anger burns through me. Drying the tears right off my cheeks.
Saint pulls away and stares down at me curiously. My hatred for this man collides with my physical attraction toward him.
"Smile, my little doe, you don't want to ruin the mood on your wedding day." he says, wrapping his arm around my waist. I yanked his hand away and turned a hot glare on him. "Don't touch me." I snap.
Saint cocks a brow. "So the girl does speak." he teased. "I hate you, Saint." I managed to say before walking away, leaving him on the altar as all eyes were on me, which didn't faze me.
Right now I need to be as far away as possible from everyone. Especially my new husband.
"Drink. You look tense." Saint says as he gestures his drink to me. I looked at it and scoffed, then shifted my gaze back to the chattering and dancing guests."I don't want to be here," I state bluntly. "Neither do I, yet here we are." he lets out.Ignoring him, I snatched the drink out of his hands and gulped it down. Allowing the burning sensation to trail down my neck. Setting the empty glass down, I crossed my arms, my gaze still fixed on the guests.Saint and I sat in uncomfortable silence at the bridal table while we stared at the people who attended this God-forsaken wedding."There's the star of the night!" A male voice cheered. I glance at Saint to see him staring at a man approaching us with a bright smile.He slightly has similar features as Saint. His dark hair is styled back, and his jade eyes sparkle with confidence. His jaw is sharp, with a light stubble resting on his face."That's my younger brother Abel," Saint whispered.Abel approached us and shook Saint's hand be
The flight to Bora Bora was devastating.I was sitting in silence, none of the staff bothered to ask me if I wanted a drink or something to eat. They didn't bother to breathe or look in my direction. I was practically a ghost.Just as I asked, Saint left me alone. He kept his distance. It was as if he wasn't even there yet I felt his dark presence. Once in a while I would turn my head to look at him out of curiosity. When I looked directly into those eyes—a deep umber with a tint of green on his left eye it caused the hairs on the nape of my neck to lift from my skin. I felt his proximity like a black hole, his pull like the gravity of the moon shifting the tide.The plane landed,, and once I stepped out of the plane, I was greeted by the lowering sun casting the lush grounds in shades of amber and smoky taupe. With warm winds licking my skin causing goosebumps to spread all over my body due to the unexpected wind. A black Mercedes pulls up in front of the plane then a man with buzzed
A vicious spark ignites my blood.Her Amazonian figure sat well on her pear-shaped body. Her skin is the hues of the rich oak in spring rains. Her thick median arched brows eased down gently to her languid eyelashes of velvet-black followed by her adorable bulb nose resting on her face. Her full two toned lips positively drooled with goodness. Her hair is a glorious tumble of light upon the night sea. Black strands glowing like a sweet poet's ink and quill and her virility-brown eyes set my heart a thump.Irena has been meticulously crafted with excellence, displaying an immaculate facade. She exhibits no discernible imperfections.As I stand against the doorway, I observe in silence as she delicately unlatches her bra, pulling the straps from her shoulders before casting it onto the bed. My gaze lingers with admiration upon her ample bosom. The persistent desire to caress and suckle them proves to be a tantalizing sensation. Irena dons her nightgown and proceeds towards the window, o
The rush of blood sears my veins.My throat tightens under the suffocating weight of anxiety, and I summon every ounce of willpower to steady my breathing even as a fierce ache threatens to consume me whole. My heart pounds frantically, a relentless drumbeat of fear that makes me question if this agony is destined to haunt me forevermore. The cruel ministrations of Saint have pushed me to the brink of what I can bear, stretching the very limits of my endurance.I barge into the bathroom and slam the door with a heavy hand, scrambling to the toilet like there's no tomorrow. Kneeling before it, I grasp my locks tightly and emit a deep sigh before a wave of sorrow hits me, forcing me to violently vomit into the porcelain bowl. My tears flow freely as I purge my emotions along with the stomach acids.When the ordeal is over, I release the seat with a heavy clack and lean my forehead on my arm, bowing to the flood of memories that assault my mind without warning.Today is his birthdayAs I
I've been avoiding him for the past 3 days.Call me crazy, but I can't be around a man who makes me feel some type of way. I don't like the way he makes me feel, I don't like how he finds joy in my suffering.The way my heart speeds up, thumping like thunder against my chest, the way the hairs on the back of my neck rise, the way goosebumps travel all over my body, how I forget to breath, to speak, to move.I don't like it at all. So the best way to avoid the feeling is to keep distance from Saint.I felt like all eyes were on me as Saint and I sat quietly at our breakfast table. It's a special occasion where couples that are on their honeymoon have an all eat breakfast buffet.All I took was an apple, pomegranate seeds and pineapple slices. I was not in the mood for anything heavy. Saint just took two croissants with strawberries and yogurt with a cup of black coffee. Just like his soul.This is the closest I've been to Saint. When it's time for bedtime. I sleep on the couch and he s
I looked up to the soothing yet vibrant streaks of colour that had filled the canvas of the sky. Strokes of pink and orange resembled the soft, supple skin of a perfectly ripened peach. The setting sun's radiant face is mirrored by the shimmering clear blue waves of the sea.Music fills the air without effort, like the waves filling holes in beach sand; the sound rushing in and around every person in the room. Some react to the beat, others continue in chatter.The distinctive scent of grilled meat and chicken along with the fusion of tangy spices of lemon and chilli aroused my taste buds. It came from the kitchen inside the club restaurant, table and chairs lined up inside and a few outside, with rose petals scattered all over the wooden floorboards as a mini lava lamp is placed on each table for light and to also set the romantic mood.I took a sip of my martini, the gentle wind brushing against my skin as I stood at the edge of the wooden dock, the waters gleaming with soft light j
His eyes are entirely black and devoid of life.As I stare into their empty nothingness. It is as if the abyss itself is staring back at me.His features are sharp, topped with malice. A prickling sensation webs my nerves with fear yet conquered with interest eager to know what he might do.Saint runs his tongue along the inside of his bottom lip. After a beat of tense silence he grabs my face, his face inches away from mine, heat and disgust licks my core as his warm breath laced with whiskey and mint kisses the tip of my nose."You're going to regret saying those words little doe." He whispers as it sends unwanted chills travelling throughout my body.In a blink of an eye Saint spins me around, he forces both my hands behind my back, my brows furrowed in confusion to what he is about to do.My questions are soon answered when I feel a fabric wrapping around my wrist till it's tightly in place. Trapping my hands from its ability to move.I try to wiggle my hands free but it doesn't s
Laughter filled the room.As I set the fruit-filled tray down on the table, the smell of tobacco fills my nose. "The corruption among the police force is a good thing," declares one of Viktor's friends, whose rotund frame sits heavily in a chair. He exhales a cloud of smoke, sending himself into a fit of coughing that causes me to wince. "I know what you mean," agrees the man beside me, whose hair has strands of white among the copper. His eyes drop towards my chest as I pick up the empty tray from the table. "Those bastards are so desperate they'd do anything for a bribe."As I prepare to leave, I try to ignore his lecherous stare. However, his question stops me in my tracks. "Where did you get her, Viktor?" He gestures towards me. Viktor's stare changes from intense to wicked as he responds, "She's from the Nowak family. They paid a good fortune for me to marry her." My stomach twists in disgust.Every year, Vicktor grows increasingly aggressive towards me. His unwelcome advances ha
23rd April 2015Laughter filled the room.Placing the tray filled with all sorts of fruits on the table, I inhale the intoxicated scent of tobacco."The corruption inside the police force is a fucking blessing." One of Vicktors friends chirp, his round figure sits on the chair like a block with a thick neck and red face, his thin hair slicked to the slide to cover his bald spot. He blows out a puff of smoke before releasing an aggressive cough causing me to cringe. "Tell me about it, those bastards will fall to their knees just to be bribed with money. So fucking desperate." The other man says besides me, his copper hair with white strands of hair kisses his cream toned forehead. He lifts his gaze, his eyes dropping to my breast as I reach out to grab the empty tray sitting on the table. I try to ignore his perverted gaze, just as I was about to leave he says something that causes me to pause in my tracks. "Vicktor, where did you get her?" He questions, gesturing his head towards me
"Angelo was not working alone." Abel declares, jamming his hands in his pockets. Prince walks out of the warehouse as he pulls out a cigarette from his pack, sliding the pack back into his jacket then lights it up, he inhales the red cherry blaring bright then pulls the cigarette from his mouth as he puffs out the smoke. He stops right in front of us, his eyes scanning my body. "What?" I snapped at him. "The blood ruined your suit. There is no need to wash it, you should throw that shit away instead." He suggested, gesturing to my clothes covered in Angelo's blood that is now soaked into the fabric and has dried up. I stared down at myself and shrugged before turning my attention back to my brother. "Why do you say that?" I questioned, my gaze narrowed in suspicion. "We know he's jumped right but people on the street are saying that Angelo was not the only one who has been offered to turn on you. Apparently other of our high class workers have been approached. Nico, Chris, Marcello
Laughter filled the room.As I set the fruit-filled tray down on the table, the smell of tobacco fills my nose. "The corruption among the police force is a good thing," declares one of Viktor's friends, whose rotund frame sits heavily in a chair. He exhales a cloud of smoke, sending himself into a fit of coughing that causes me to wince. "I know what you mean," agrees the man beside me, whose hair has strands of white among the copper. His eyes drop towards my chest as I pick up the empty tray from the table. "Those bastards are so desperate they'd do anything for a bribe."As I prepare to leave, I try to ignore his lecherous stare. However, his question stops me in my tracks. "Where did you get her, Viktor?" He gestures towards me. Viktor's stare changes from intense to wicked as he responds, "She's from the Nowak family. They paid a good fortune for me to marry her." My stomach twists in disgust.Every year, Vicktor grows increasingly aggressive towards me. His unwelcome advances ha
He is staring at me with those lifeless eyes.Blood covering the floor, spilling out of his corpse, laying dead on the ground. I can still see the fear haunting his eyes. His screams ringing in my ear. The sound of the gushing body parts being cut out. Him gurgling down on his own blood as he takes his final breath.I killed him.Not with my own hands but his death is on me. His blood is on my hands because of my stupidity. I did this. Knowing the consequences I still turned the other cheek and allowed a man to follow me in his own death trap.Tears shimmered in my eyes, biting down on my lip as guilt washes into me like a strong tsunami crashing its powerful waves into the city destroying everything and anything in its path.I stuck my nose in the air, inhaling sharply whilst I fought back the tears threatening to pour out of my eyes. My mouth is set in a hard line as my throat tightens up like a knot. My heart beats in my ears.His death is on me.Murder. Murder. Murder. Murder. Mur
Laughter filled the room.As I set the fruit-filled tray down on the table, the smell of tobacco fills my nose. "The corruption among the police force is a good thing," declares one of Viktor's friends, whose rotund frame sits heavily in a chair. He exhales a cloud of smoke, sending himself into a fit of coughing that causes me to wince. "I know what you mean," agrees the man beside me, whose hair has strands of white among the copper. His eyes drop towards my chest as I pick up the empty tray from the table. "Those bastards are so desperate they'd do anything for a bribe."As I prepare to leave, I try to ignore his lecherous stare. However, his question stops me in my tracks. "Where did you get her, Viktor?" He gestures towards me. Viktor's stare changes from intense to wicked as he responds, "She's from the Nowak family. They paid a good fortune for me to marry her." My stomach twists in disgust.Every year, Vicktor grows increasingly aggressive towards me. His unwelcome advances ha
His eyes are entirely black and devoid of life.As I stare into their empty nothingness. It is as if the abyss itself is staring back at me.His features are sharp, topped with malice. A prickling sensation webs my nerves with fear yet conquered with interest eager to know what he might do.Saint runs his tongue along the inside of his bottom lip. After a beat of tense silence he grabs my face, his face inches away from mine, heat and disgust licks my core as his warm breath laced with whiskey and mint kisses the tip of my nose."You're going to regret saying those words little doe." He whispers as it sends unwanted chills travelling throughout my body.In a blink of an eye Saint spins me around, he forces both my hands behind my back, my brows furrowed in confusion to what he is about to do.My questions are soon answered when I feel a fabric wrapping around my wrist till it's tightly in place. Trapping my hands from its ability to move.I try to wiggle my hands free but it doesn't s
I looked up to the soothing yet vibrant streaks of colour that had filled the canvas of the sky. Strokes of pink and orange resembled the soft, supple skin of a perfectly ripened peach. The setting sun's radiant face is mirrored by the shimmering clear blue waves of the sea.Music fills the air without effort, like the waves filling holes in beach sand; the sound rushing in and around every person in the room. Some react to the beat, others continue in chatter.The distinctive scent of grilled meat and chicken along with the fusion of tangy spices of lemon and chilli aroused my taste buds. It came from the kitchen inside the club restaurant, table and chairs lined up inside and a few outside, with rose petals scattered all over the wooden floorboards as a mini lava lamp is placed on each table for light and to also set the romantic mood.I took a sip of my martini, the gentle wind brushing against my skin as I stood at the edge of the wooden dock, the waters gleaming with soft light j
I've been avoiding him for the past 3 days.Call me crazy, but I can't be around a man who makes me feel some type of way. I don't like the way he makes me feel, I don't like how he finds joy in my suffering.The way my heart speeds up, thumping like thunder against my chest, the way the hairs on the back of my neck rise, the way goosebumps travel all over my body, how I forget to breath, to speak, to move.I don't like it at all. So the best way to avoid the feeling is to keep distance from Saint.I felt like all eyes were on me as Saint and I sat quietly at our breakfast table. It's a special occasion where couples that are on their honeymoon have an all eat breakfast buffet.All I took was an apple, pomegranate seeds and pineapple slices. I was not in the mood for anything heavy. Saint just took two croissants with strawberries and yogurt with a cup of black coffee. Just like his soul.This is the closest I've been to Saint. When it's time for bedtime. I sleep on the couch and he s
The rush of blood sears my veins.My throat tightens under the suffocating weight of anxiety, and I summon every ounce of willpower to steady my breathing even as a fierce ache threatens to consume me whole. My heart pounds frantically, a relentless drumbeat of fear that makes me question if this agony is destined to haunt me forevermore. The cruel ministrations of Saint have pushed me to the brink of what I can bear, stretching the very limits of my endurance.I barge into the bathroom and slam the door with a heavy hand, scrambling to the toilet like there's no tomorrow. Kneeling before it, I grasp my locks tightly and emit a deep sigh before a wave of sorrow hits me, forcing me to violently vomit into the porcelain bowl. My tears flow freely as I purge my emotions along with the stomach acids.When the ordeal is over, I release the seat with a heavy clack and lean my forehead on my arm, bowing to the flood of memories that assault my mind without warning.Today is his birthdayAs I