"Ughh! This dress won't fit!" Sarafina yelled with so much frustration I thought a flare of smoke will come out of her ears and nose.
I crossed my legs and grabbed a chicken nugget from the plate. I brought it to my mouth and immediately spit it out. It was cold.
"I already told you to wear the black one," I said and pushed myself off the armchair.
"Mom said to not wear black. I told you like a hundred times, Amelia." Did she? I don't even know because I wasn't listening.
Sarafina likes to talk a lot and sometimes I zone out when she's blabbing about her life. I love her to death but the talking is just way too much for me. I like my peace.
She struggled with the zip and when I saw her almost start to cry, I stepped next to her and took hold of the zip, and tried to fit her in the emerald green dress.
She took a breath and we somehow after a few minutes of struggling, finally did it.
It looked stunning on her.
Sarafina had light brown hair that almost look blonde. It was long and healthy looking. She picked up her looks from our mom, with beautiful green eyes and a fit body she was what everyone wanted to look like.
On the other hand, I picked up my dad's look with tanner skin and darker hair. My eyes were dark brown resembling almost black color. I was about an inch shorter than her and my body wasn't built like her. I didn't have her full boobs and flat stomach.
It's not like I put my mind to how I look. It was not my main priority. My main focus was to go to college for arts.
I loved painting and creating. It was my passion. I tried so many times to convince my dad to let me go to school but he wouldn't let me. He did consider it for a while but then my uncle and aunt got in the way and filled his head with all sorts of scenarios. That I won't be able to find a suitable husband, that I'll start going on the wrong paths, and that I'll embarrass our family name.
Because of them, I was stuck at home.
"What are you wearing?" She asked while fixing her bangs.
I placed my hands on my hips while biting the inside of my cheek. Hmm, I still haven't thought of that.
"I have no idea," I said and shrugged my shoulders.
Turning around her eyes widened. "Are you crazy? They are coming in about an hour."
I mean I had one hour. I'll just throw on a simple dress and put my hair in a ponytail or something. They were not coming here for me anyways. They will be here for Sarafina.
"I have time, Sara." She shook her head in disappointment and faced the mirror again.
Her dress clanged to her body like a second skin and her hair was curled in luscious waves and pushed back, flowing around her. She did her makeup as per usual and she looked stunning.
My sister was truly beautiful.
I smiled at her and then took a few steps back and exited her room. My room was next to hers and I quickly tip-toed there so my mom wouldn't see me. She'll make a big deal out of this, me not being ready.
When I arrived in my room, I walked over to the closet and the first color that popped in front of my eyes was orange.
I grabbed the material and lifted it in front of me. It was the dress I bought online last year. I never wore it.
It was a beautiful satin in burnt orange. It reached under the knees and had thin straps.
Maybe I could wear this one.
After a second of debating, I made up my mind.
Well, this one will do.
I slowly took off my shorts and the big T-shirt I borrowed from my dad's closet and laid them on the bed.
I changed my underwear and put on a strapless bra in beige color. Slipping on the dress it hugged my hips and loosened around my legs and knees.
I zipped it on the side and sat on the chair next to the vanity table. I applied some makeup. I didn't want to cover my freckles so that's why I only applied concealer under my eyes. Then I put on a light pink blush over my cheeks and nose.
The thick coat of mascara covered my eyelashes and I did a thin eyeliner as well.
I painted my lips in an orangey-brown color that matched my tan skin.
The last touch-up was the highlighter in the corner of my eyes and on my cheeks.
For my hair, I pushed it back and gathered some of it, and clasped it half with a butterfly clip that was embroidered with small diamonds.
When I finished with everything, I heard mom's voice from downstairs.
"I'll be there in a minute," I yelled back.
Taking a deep breath, I smacked my lips together and stood up. Hoping this night would end as soon as possible, I made my way downstairs.
The shoes I had put on clicked on the marble floor. They were the same color as the dress and they had wraps that went over my ankles.
Mom walked her way over to me. Her short hair was tied up in a slick bun and her slender figure was covered in a greyish knee-length dress with long sleeves.
"Where is Sarafina?" She said breathlessly, placing her hands on her chest. She has been preparing everything for today even though she had people to do so.
"She's still in her room I think," I said and a yaw escaped my lips.
"Amelia, I beg you please act proper in front of them. You know how important this is." Her eyes filled with desperation.
I knew that this was important and they were coming here to propose to Sarafina. The Lorenzo family. One of the strongest Mafia families.
Dad has been ecstatic about all of this. It will bring him a big status in the Mafia world. Being the Don and not having a son to inherit his throne has been a lot to take in. Me and Sarafina never showed any interest in doing so.
Because of that, he has to establish good relationships with the other families and give his daughters to them as brides.
We knew that this will be the way we will marry someday, that's why Sara haven't been putting up a fight against it. Because she was older than me, she was the one to marry first.
It will buy some time for me. I was not even twenty-one yet and my Dad will probably find a husband for me as well in the next year.
Before he finds a husband I'll do my best to convince him to send me off to college. I'll make sure of it. I won't be getting married anytime soon.
Just as Satafina made it downstairs, we heard the doorbell ring. Shit, they were here.
Dad exited the living room and basically ran to the door. I don't know why but I was also nervous for her.
She's not the most excited for this but like I said we don't have any other choice.
I heard the door open and hushed loud voices. Dad and Victor Lorenzo were greeting each other.
Mom and Sarafina walked in front of me and I was the last one in the row to welcome them.
I said hello to Victor and then to his wife Laila. She hugged me and placed a kiss on my cheek.
She was a few years older than my mom but I can admit that she looked amazing for her age. With dark hair straightened to perfection and a dark pink dress, she looked younger than her age.
"Hello, dear." She said and then smiled at me before following her husband.
I didn't even notice the intimidating figure standing next to me and waiting with an extended hand.
When I looked up, I was met with striking hazel eyes that were hiding behind dark full and long lashes.
Aurelio Roberto Lorenzo.
My sister's future husband. I have seen him only once and that was last year when we attended an event hosted by his uncle.
His eyes ranked over my face and his perfectly shaped eyebrows arched, waiting for my response. There was a scar running through his left eyebrow.
A light stubble was covering his sharp jawline. Even with the heels on, I had to tilt my head just to look at him.
His strong body was covered with a black suit and a white shirt. The first top buttons were open and a few tattoos were peeking from underneath it.
I wiped my sweaty palm on my dress and wrapped it around his extended palm.
"Aurelio," He said. His voice deep and velvety.
"I know," I said with a duh voice. Why is he acting like we don't know who he is?
The corner of his lips turned slightly upwards and he nodded his head once.
I hear Mom next to me and she nervously laughed.
"I'm so sorry, Aurelio. Don't mind her." She placed her hand on my back and pinched my skin.
"Ouch. That hurts." I squeaked and wiggle out of her hold. Aurelio has already left.
"Ay Dio. Can you act normally for once?" Mom whispered in my ear.
"I didn't do anything wrong. I just said that I know his name because I do." I shrugged my shoulders and followed my mom's lead. Sarafina was walking in front of us and we were making our way to the dining table.
When I got there, they were all seated in their places and I was the last one to join them.
To my ugly luck, my seat was opposite Aurelio.
I lowered myself on my seat and I noticed him following every one of my moves. What is wrong with him?
I looked at him and raised my eyebrows in question.
He leaned back on his chair and then slowly averted his eyes to the important people on the table. My Dad and his Dad.
They started a conversation and the maids brought us our food. Like always our cook Giuseppe never disappoints. I'll make sure to go to the kitchen and praise him for his work. He's been making our food since I was little.
We were finished with our desert when Victor cleared his throat and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
"Well, we know why we're visiting you tonight. It's for our families to be joined in one union." He said and Dad and Mom nodded.
I felt Sarafina tens next to me.
"Our son, Aurelio will be taking over my place as the next Don of the Lorenzo family. That's why we're here to propose to your beautiful daughter."
I grabbed Sarafina's hand under the table and gave it a squeeze in reassurance.
She was nervous it was evident.
She turned her head to me and I smiled at her. Her broken smile reached her face but it didn't reach her eyes.
I knew that Sarafina had a secret crush on one of the bodyguards but she never wanted to admit it.
That's why she was even more displeased with the situation.
"...your daughter Amelia." The words finally reached my ears and I choked on my own saliva.
I started to cough and I felt Sara's hand tap my back.
"What?" I finally used my voice.
Everyone's eyes were pointed at me and I placed a hand over my chest to calm myself.
"Dad, what are they talking about? They were here for Sarafina." Dad looked shocked as well as me. His eyes darted from me to Lorenzo family.
"Oh no. It was always in the plan to propose to you, dear." Laila said to me with a soft smile.
What in the actual fu...
"No." I blurbed out. Aurelio's eyes sparkled with amusement and he cocked his head to the side.
"Amelia. Don't." Dad spoke and raised his hand in a stop sign.
"But..."
"Not another word." He whispered enough for me to hear.
What was going on? I literally came here just to eat and to be bored out of my mind, not to get proposed to.
"The wedding will be in twenty days. It will be as soon as he becomes the Don." His Dad continued and I sat there with my hands in my lap. The scowl on my face was not going away.
They were making decisions on my behalf.
About my future.
What a pathetic life to live and I couldn't even say anything.
They talked for a few more minutes and my eyes stayed glued to the glass filled with water in front of me.
I didn't dare to look anywhere. Sarafina didn't protest and she almost looked relieved. I mean I would have also been in her place.
After the whole marriage talk we stood up and started to walk towards the living room.
Before we could sit down on the sofa Aurelio spoke. "Can I talk to your daughter in private?" He asked my Mom and Dad. They nodded their heads.
Why didn't he ask me?
Turning his head over to me he raised his eyebrows. "Can I?" He said again and I stared at his eyes for a second before slowly nodding my head.
He gestured for me to take the lead and I stomped my feet on the marble floor and lead him to the backyard.
There was a gazebo that Dad build for Mom. We walked over there and I stopped in my place and turned around.
His eyes found mine again.
"I was going to buy you a ring but I didn't want it to be a simple one. I thought we could talk for a bit before I decide what kind would suit you the best." He spoke. He placed his hands in the pockets of his slacks.
The muscles on his hands bulged and the six-packs on his stomach imprinted on the white shirt.
"Whatever," I mumbled.
He chuckled lightly. The throaty sound sent a chill down my spine.
I crossed my hands in front of me and leaned on one leg.
"You don't seem excited to marry the next Don of the Lorenzo family."
"Am I supposed to be impressed? Literally, my dad's a Don. Nothing special about it." I rolled my eyes. Okay let's be real it was special to be able to lead so many people but there is no way I'm saying that out loud and boosting his ego even more.
I'll have to find a way for him to say no to this.
Maybe if he becomes repulsed by me he might give up and not continue with this engagement.
"I don't know why you want me as your wife. I won't make a good wife for a Don." A curiosity laced his eyes and he waited for me to continue.
I unfolded my hands and placed them on my hips.
I thought for a second.
"Well first, I don't even know how to cook," I said and I wanted to smack my head with my hand.
He smiled, showing off his dimples.
"No problem. I already have people to cook for me." Damn him.
I huffed.
"I don't even know how to take care of a house." I continued not giving up.
"Amelia. I'm not marrying you to be my maid and cook. I'm marrying you to be by my side as my wife." He confessed and his words made me stay still in my spot.
Why was he good at answering these questions?
I had to make him give up. I had twenty-one days to figure it out.
We started at each for a second. The light warm wind blew around us, caressing my bare shoulders.
"I know you Made men like to fool around with women even after you marry. And I don't want that. It just won't work. We won't work."
He took a step closer to me and our bodies were close. So close that his strong perfume was able to consume my lungs.
His eyes darkened and his jaw clenched.
"I don't like to share and I don't want to be shared, Amelia. I'm not that kind of man." My body shivered from the way his intense eyes bore into mine.
My head was tilted and his gaze traveled from my exposed neck to my lips and then to my eyes.
I gulped and shifted my weight from one leg to another.
He lifted his hand and tucked one strand of hair behind my ear. I fought the urge to whisk away from him but I couldn't. My body stood rooted on the ground beneath me.
"I'll be picking you up tomorrow at 8 pm. Yeah?" He ran his thumb over my cheek.
I didn't say anything and he withdrew his hand, placing it in his pocket again.
"Let's get inside." He said and turned around, walking towards the glass doors.
I'll have to find a way to break this engagement.
In twenty-one days. That much time I had to make him hate me.
CHARACTERS AESTHETICS:
AMELIA ROSALIA BARONE
AURELIO ROBERTO LORENZO
Thoughts on this one??
I'll be posting the second part soon. When they go on their 'date'.
Finally I found some time to write another One Shot.ð