four

4

Marriage.

Screams. Pleas. Screams. Pleas.

The alternating voices of men had been loud enough to wake the whole mansion. It had been disrupting the time I had to read a book. This had begun about an hour ago, I had familiarised myself with all the work my family does the moment I could comprehend what their "business" really is.

Shutting my book closed, I sighed. I no longer wished to read.

The sense of burning of my arm caught my attention, leading my gaze towards the gigantic window that occupied almost the whole wall. Papa had gifted me this library when I was just a child. I had been so curious of the world that I had yet to see. But due to my status, family and family's business, I had been denied most of the time being out. The clubs I go to are the ones my family own thus allowing me to roam free and mingle with men and women alike.

"Would you like a refill, Ms. Dimitrious?" Cloira, a house help, offered. "No ef̱charistó̱, Miss Cloira."

Earning a small smile from the woman, I return the favor. Asked her if she wanted to drink some instead. Ushering her to sit down and rest as I serve her a glass of lemonade.

It had always been a belief in my family that the people who serve us shall be payed with respect and shall be served the way they serve us. It's what makes them loyal.

"Anóito paidí, I should be serving you. Not have you serve me."

I shake my head with a smile. "You have stood there all day watching me read. Rest for now, miss cloira." A smile stretched her lips.

I sat in front of her, turning my head to the view. Silence that peacefully surrounded us as we both admire the breathtaking view. Birds of Paradise that had been planted in honor of my birth stood with pride while the daisies bloomed as beautiful as ever. They symbolised the love my father had for my mother. Though she is now well-off and happy, I could not have wished her anything less.

"Vernamina Elixir, Theoúli mou! This is where you've been all this time?!" And in a snap, our moment of silence has been shattered.

I jumped off the window sill, landing gracefully on my feet. "Chaírete, Rose." I dust off the unknown dirt on my dress.

Rosalynn Eliades carried herself with femininity, confidence and power. Everything I could never be. Her heels tapped on the ground as her eyes held fire within them. We were the cliche shy and confident best friend duo. Brown hair flowing like a halo behind her.

"You, my dear had told me that you were sick and could not make it to the club," She held my hands and flapped them around. "By the looks of it you are not. I need an explanation."

Rolling my eyes at her demands, "I did not want to go." With a shrug, I reply.

She scoffs.

"You could've told me that instead, you bitch." A chuckle escaped my lips. "You and I both know that you wouldn't have took no for an answer."

Cloira stood and excused herself, only to come back with a tray filled with snacks. I offer Rose a seat which she gladly took. Taking a seat of my own on the red velvet couch. Cloira placed the snacks on the table. With a thanks, she made her way out.

"So," I swirled the lemonade around the glass. "To what do I owe your visit?"

She started off with a sigh. "Zahir is to take up his title as don." I mention his twin brother, Zanier. "That's the thing Vena..."

"Zanier is dead."

My heart shattered for Zahir. Though I had not been as close to him as Zahir and Rose had, I saw the brotherly love he had for the two. "Who?"

"They had suspected the Germans or the Japanese. So far none had been held accountable as there were not many evidences to fight against them."

I nod my head. I knew the rules. You cannot start war with another familia if not enough evidences to prove it was true. This rule was set so that no one would start war over petty things.

"And...," She clears her throat. "The Elikinis had been wanting a woman for their heir, they had combed the streets trying to find the perfect donna."

Arranged marriage often irked me. People should be able to choose who they want to spend their entire life with. If you get married for the sake of convience then shame on you. Marriage is a sacred thing, it should be cherished.

Zahir's situation made my heart ache, he kept his secret from his family. He knew they wouldn't accept him, never had I thought about what to do when Zanier's dethroned.

"Zahir cannot marry, Rose! You and I," I point to the both of us. "Both know this. He will be beheaded!"

A saddened expression painted her face. I immediately became aware as to why she informed me of this. I shook my head in denial, denying the truth and denying the situation.

"No," I vigorously shook my head. "It cannot happen, you know i can't. I know you can't... please, tell me it's a joke..."

"It's for the sake of the alliance, Zahir would be best to marry one of us. At least if either one of us marry him, he could be free!"

Though mafia men were bastards, they are faithful to their whoever they are united with. Most don't believe in annulments, they learn to love their wives. Only few have.

I shake my head, "I cannot marry him, you cannot either."

"Then who will?! He can't be with my brother, they would both suffer the consequences!" She exclaims. "It's either you or me, Elixir. Take your pick or I decide for the both of us."

All I want is Zahir to have a marriage filled with love and happiness, I could never do that to him. To be betrothed to him is as much pain for him as it is for one of us. He can't survive a loveless marriage wherein he's forced to make an heir. I knew Rose only cared for Zahir's safety. But, she's acting out of impulse; of what she thinks is the right decision.

My mouth agapes, finding the right words to speak. Before I could even utter one word, the door opened with a loud bang.

"No one is marrying her. She is mine." Stavros seethes.

His hands stained with blood as well as his shirt, hair disheveled, and his eyes... they were murderous. Territorial. He took sharp strides towards me. I felt Rose stiffen under his gaze. His eyes furrowed. He grasps my arm and pulled me to his chest.

He was like a beast, a ferocious beast. And I, a mere dove in the hands of the beast. His eyes shift to mine, the next words he spoke send shivers deep in my spine.

"You take her a way from me," A kiss is laid on my right cheek. "I'll give you a taste of what hell is like."