Marriage For Convenience

EST

For them it was business, nothing else. It was decided that the wedding was to take place in my parents' mansion in the Hamptons-the place where the

lace-not me since I was a woman-and they had preferred to stay in Atlanta, away from Phoenix and away from me. They were much older, so we never had much in common anyway. They w

olate state. The main party would take place in a massive party tent in the garden. It wa

een prepared for the day. Fresh flowers had been set up in vases around the room, probably to cover the musty scent of neglect. My aunt was talking to the

ss: white, the color o

six years ago. As always, I didn't because I'd be less in her eyes. Som

autiful burgundy dress, and hugged me. "I can't believe

rs. It's what honor dictated." Honor dictated so many t

ody wanted to risk their mansion for the party because the risk of a blood

Alejandra, really, one would think your marriage

solence," she said,

worried about leaving a bad impression in front of others. "I think we should start no

hat traveled down my back. A thin strand of gold leaves and pearls that she wound i

er stomach, regarding me with more affec

mile, which I returned even as my facial

knew where she was going with it. "You don't have to be-" She stopped herself. Don't have to be scared? Those were the words every mother spoke to her daughter on their wedding day. I knew beca

, let me talk to Celestina, okay? I think

. She patted my shoulder then walked ou

"I don't like this, Celestina. You shouldn't be mar

than someon

dirty or less or whatever you think you are because

t wish this fate on any ot

the vanity. "I don't

going to happen tonight, and I had lived through it before. I swallowed. "I won't fight him. I will do what he wan

Celestina. Tell Phoenix. He can st

a man who will turn the other cheek. He will seek revenge, no matter the price." I to

should do the trick, but I really don't t

ed that effect, but Salvatore would not appreciate it if I were unconscious wh

esti

ghout this life, but I choose to salvage my honor, choose to ho

atore won't treat you with kindness. Some men don't bring violence home to their wives. Some men can distingui

idn't have the courage to ask her. I stuffed the pills into the small white purse that

and hugged me br