Married to the Gangster

"We have arrived, Miss."

"Mrs., sir," I corrected the driver, although I was not particularly thrilled about the new title, but it's the reality now.

Before me, stood my newfound home, complete with a husband. I cannot deny that it resembled a captivating castle. The dry flowers hanging on its walls, the grandeur of the wooden entrance, and the rugged stone pathway – all depicted a charming abode. This dwelling must surpass a century in age, if not more. What kind of individual could call this place home? Secluded from the outside world, ensconced in isolation. Undeniably, it emanated a sense of foreboding. This is no dwelling fit for a graceful and noble princess. It contradicts the narrative. I am that charming queen, and I must not remain here.The closer I got, the more wrong it felt.

The loneliest sounds ever, I mean, owls singing and my luggage's wheels struggling to roll on the stones that haven't been cleaned in ages.

Is someone really living here?

The driver looked disturbed. I can't blame him.

He escorted me to the door, collected his money, and left.

I can't describe how nervous I feel.

My stomach hurts and my eyes feel heavy. I hope I don't faint right now. I will be fed to the wolves.

And I must give the best first impression to this man I don't know.

I struck the old and rusty lion knocker.

I am almost throwing up my breakfast.

I need to relax.

I combed my golden hair with my thin fingers.

I have to look good.

I took a peek at my pink dress. It looked fine. I am fine, I am...

The door cracked and opened slowly. As if it wasn't expecting me at all.

God, I hope I am in the wrong house.

An old woman peeked her head out.

"May I help you?", she said with a lazy raspy voice.

"Good morning, I am Mr. Malloid's daughter, Sophia."

"Oh... the master's wife... Come in.", she opened a little more for me to go in. She hurry and helped me with my luggage.

"There's no need to, thank you.", I said looking around but it was just too dark.

"Please let me do it."

I shyly smiled and let her do it. It wasn't much after all.

"Please excuse the lack of light, Mr. Arthur doesn't like brightness.", she said guiding me through the house.

"Huh? Why?"

"Because it's too bright..."

She answered as if it was the most obvious thing to ask.

Was it really?

I felt like I was going to hit something at any moment because I couldn't see very well. I couldn't hear anything either, just the lady's footsteps and the faint sound of birds outside. This earthy smell of the house was just making it worse. What is this place?

She stopped walking and I heard her shake what sounded like a box of matches.

I saw her face for a brief moment when she lighted the match. She carefully moved it away and lighted a candle that was on a counter table That I had ignored until that moment.

"We will leave your things here for now. Follow me."

I nodded and rapidly said "Yes!" because she couldn't see if I was nodding and I didn't want to sound rude.

We walked until she reached a door and opened it without making too much noise. We entered and kept walking.

All the windows in the house had paper or fabric on them.

This was just getting weirder and weirder.

But I was worried about other things like: How am I supposed to live in these conditions?

"We are here.", she said.

"Where are we?", I whispered for some reason.

"The Master's room."

My heart stopped.

What!? No, no, I'm not ready! I haven't rehearsed! What am I going to say? Ah!!

She opened the door and whispered

"Wait here." And she entered, shutting the door on my face.

Ah, this gives me mode anxiety! What is she doing! Why is this all so mysterious?

About ten seconds later she opened and grabbed my hand quickly, dragging me inside.

I held my scream in (that was sudden), and tried my best to not look scared.

She dragged me to a place I couldn't see and made me sit down on what felt like a sofa.

She didn't say anything and left.

I suddenly felt like my breathing was way too loud.

And I didn't know when he was going to come.

I waited patiently for maybe five minutes.

I sighed and stood up searching for the door stomping with things on the way.

I finally reached it but couldn't find how to open it.

I finally decided to speak.

"U... Uh... M-Miss?", I said trembling.