“Yes, but it was never my choice.”
“What would you have chosen?”
“Love. I would have found a man to love. Someone who wanted me for more than my ability to secure their inheritance. Sadly, Mateo is an easy man to fall for, but I will never be adored. I will never be beloved.”
“I guess we each have our own burdens to carry.”
“I’m sorry for being so bitchy,” I tell her.
She shrugs. “I suppose I earned it.”
“Let’s not hate each other anymore.”
Jade’s eyes narrow. “I’m not sure if I’m capable of that.”
“Fine, but can we agree not to make each other’s lives any harder than they have to be?”
“I’ll consider the proposal, but right now, you need to get dressed.”
“Why?”
“Mateo has requested that when you finally produce a positive result, I take you to him so that you might leave this place.”
“You mean…this isn’t where I’ll be staying?”
“Now that you’re pregnant, no.”
I throw on a sundress and apply my makeup lightly, remembering that Mateo likes seeing my freckles. The pink collar looks out of place with my sweet attire, but even if I could remove it, I wouldn’t. It’s a part of me now, though it won’t be for much longer.
When I’m done, I follow Jade from my room to the lower level where Mateo’s office is.
I should be happy.
Yet I feel hollow.
I knew what I was getting into. I said yes to the deal when my mother begged me to choose another.
And now, I have to live with my decision.
But what if I can’t?
Jade knocks on Mateo’s door, and I hear him call, “Come in.”
Without Jade saying a word, he seems to understand the implication of my presence.
“Show me.”
Jade hands the test over to him. He regards it apprehensively, until finally concluding on his own that it is indeed accurate.
His eyes lift to mine, but I see a hint of sadness where relief should be.
“You’ve done well.”
“It was a pleasure,” I reply.
He opens his drawer and pulls out a box. Inside it is a charm bracelet. “Hold out your wrist.”
I obey.
