CHAPTER FIVE — UNDRAFTED PLAN

I was going to kick something. Or someone— I wasn't sure which yet. Today was my fitting day and Mom, having taken me to shop for bridal gowns, wouldn't stop ranting about how my wedding was the most anticipated. How everyone kept talking and wishing it was going to come faster than planned.

I'd been shocked and almost yelled the house down when I was informed my wedding was in less than a week. Saturday to be precise. Why Luca and my parents were rushing for the wedding, I didn't know, but I knew one thing: I was screwed. In less than a week, I would be married to an arrogant, condescending bastard, and my freedom kept slipping through my fingers day by day.

So here I was, shopping for the outfit I would be wearing when I traded and I could do nothing but smile at the strangers who kept praising me on how I looked beautiful in every gown I put on.

“Fix your face, Ariadne,” Mom gritted in annoyance after one of the sales girl praised that I could be dressed in a trash bag and still look ethereal and I'd offered her a sad smile. “These past few days, you've been acting like your father and I are giving you out to a beast. Which is far from the actual truth.”

I looked at her through the full-length mirror. “That's real sympathetic, mother. If I didn't know you any better, I'd say you're a stand-up comedian.”

Mom let out an exasperated sigh in answer to my comment. “You used to be so easygoing. How did one news change everything?”

I shrugged and then answered in a calm tone that I was anything but, “ well, you offered me one psychopath, only for you to offer me to the devil's incarnate. Did you and Dad really think I'd be jumping in enthusiasm when you broke the news?”

“No?” She answered— more like questioned— after a few beats of silence. “We thought you would be grateful. You're getting married to the one of the most feared, richest, eligible bachelors in this city. What more could you want?”

Love? Commitment? Happiness? I wanted to tell her all of those, but I chose to ignore it instead. 

“I think I like this gown better.” I swiftly changed the subject. I didn't but… “What do you think?”

She must notice because she didn't argue or force the subject. This was one of the things I loved about her. She knew when to fight her own battles. 

“Fine!” She sighed, again. “But this discussion isn't over yet.”

I nodded and just like that, the moment was over.

                                    **********

Georgina was already waiting downstairs in the living room when Mom  and I walked into the house. On seeing me, she quickly jumped to her feet and rushed to hug me. It felt good getting a hug from her. I felt at peace for the first time in days. Somehow, it felt like she was my only ally, and it was good to know.

“How are you?” She asked, after shooting Mom a smile in greeting. “I kept calling and you weren't picking, and I was… I got worried.”

“Oh.” I took out  my phone from my purse. “It was on silent the whole time. Mom and I went on a little shopping spree.”

She raised a curious brow. “For what?”

Mom cleared her throat before I could answer, bringing our attention to her. “I'll give you girls some privacy. And Georgie? It's nice to see you again. Say hello to your mother for me.”

Georgina smiled affectionately at the mention of her mother. I wished I could do the same at the moment. “Will sure do, Aunt.”

Mom left, but not before giving me one last look. I knew what that look entailed. Do not discuss our family business. I know she's almost family, but still…

If only she knew what Georgina knew about me or our family. She'd be mortified.

“Shopping huh?”

I nodded. “Wedding dresses. I haven't an inkling idea why my parents are rushing this marriage. Sure, it's tradition and all, but would it be a crime if they let their only child get married to a man she truly loves?”

“Matt?”

I sighed. “Honestly, I'm not sure. I mean, I love Matt, but what if I don't love him enough to want to spend the rest of my life with him? I don't know, these past few days, a lot has been going through my head and I don't know what to believe anymore.”

Georgina  smiled, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. “Well, then, I guess you'd never know with Luca either, right?”

I glared at her. “What do you mean, Georgie? Did my parents pay you to say this? Like, have you seen the man? He is a ruthless beast.”

“True, but you said it the other time: you are stuck between Lucifer and the deep blue sea. You don't have much of a choice, now do you?” She paused. “Unless, you plan on running?”

That sparked an idea in my head. With widened eyes, I turned to Georgina who stared confused at me. “That is actually a great idea!” Pulling her unceremoniously to me, I hugged her so tight she started to try to pull away from me. “Have I told you you're a genius, G?”

“Wha— what did I…” she trailed off and it seemed she remembered because she gave me a disapproving look. “No, Aria. Absolutely not.”

“Oh hell yeah.” I rose to my feet. “With Matt's help, I can elope and start something for myself. I can figure out a way to survive until my parents come to their senses and realize I am serious about not marrying Luca. Why didn't I think about this?” I muttered the last sentence to myself.

“Because it's stupid, Ariadne,” Georgina hissed. “What would your parents do if you went missing? And Luca? What makes you think he won't find you?”

“I doubt he'd care long enough. I'm no one special to him anywhere. He's only marrying me to carry on tradition and because his selfish nephew got someone else pregnant and he has to marry her.”

“And Matt? You want to involve him?” 

She wasn't going to let this go.

I waved her off, grabbing my shopping bag. “I'll figure it out, G. Now, are you going to come with me while I show you a few things I got or are you going to stand here and disapprove of my plan?”

“I'm just saying… God, I shouldn't have said anything.” She ran a hand through her hair. “Fine! Let's go, but I'm telling you, this idea will blow up in your face.”

“And time will tell bestie. Time will tell.”

She could argue all she wanted, but I knew drafting out my plan was going to keep me up all night and occupy my thoughts all day.