Chapter 2: The Engagement Game
Karen's POV – Bride!
The engine sputtered, and then… nothing. Great. One day, I couldn’t afford to be late, and my car decided to conk out. Frustration surged through me, but I pushed it aside. There wasn’t time to wallow. I grabbed my bag and dashed towards the station, my shoes clicking against the pavement in a frantic rhythm.
Mary was already there when I arrived—perfect as always. Her sleek ponytail swished behind her, and her designer clothes fit her like they were made for her, which, I guess, they were.
"Good morning, Miss Late," she greeted with that trademark smile, amused yet stern.
"Good morning," I gasped, still catching my breath. "I’m sorry for making you wait. My car…"
"It’s fine, Karen," she cut me off. "But, so that you know, Mr. Dante can’t stand delays."
A knot twisted in my stomach. "It won’t happen again," I promised.
Mary nodded and led me into the store. For the next hour, I felt like a doll being dressed. We sifted through fabric racks, selecting dresses, shoes, and accessories as she texted him incessantly. She snapped a picture of each outfit I wore and sent it off. His responses were quick and specific. He had no patience for anything less than perfect.
When we finally stepped outside, the weight of it all began to hit me. "I still don’t get it, Mary. What’s so special about this man?"
Mary didn’t answer immediately. She smiled, her expression unreadable, before stepping into the nearby spa.
Inside, I was pampered—manicured, hair styled, makeup perfected. But all I could think about was the contract. The promise that came with it.
The price of it all.
Hours later, I stood in front of a mirror at Red Angel, the final touches completed. My chic dress clung to my curves, just enough to feel like a woman but still a shadow of who I was. In my bag was everything I needed: my passport, my identity… all tucked away in a bag, ready for a trip I never imagined.
