Chapter 9

What was he waiting for?

We didn't have assassins stashed in secret trap doors.

I focused on Fu Shai chin and hoped it appeared as if I was actually looking at his eyes. I took a step back.

"Then excuse me, I should go to my siblings now."

Fu Shao had a knowing expression on his face, but I didn't care if he saw how uncomfortable, how scared he made me.

Not waiting for him to excuse me, but he wasn't my husband nor my fiancé yet.

So I turned and quickly walked off, proud that I hadn't given in to the urge to run.

My mother tugged at the dress Father had chosen for the occasion. For the feast show, as Qina called it.

No matter how much Mother tugged though, the dress didn't get any longer. I stared at myself in the mirror uncertainly, so I'd never worn anything that revealing.

The pearl dress was clinging to my butt and waist, and ended at my upper thighs the top was slit cut to my slender leg.

"I can't wear this, Mother."

My mother met my gaze in the mirror. Her hair was pinned up and it was a few shades darker than mine. She was wearing a floor-length elegant dress. I wished I was allowed something that modest.

"Sweetie. You look like a lady now," she whispered.

I cringed.

"No. Now I look more like a seductress."

"Those woman can't afford a dress like that, Sweetie."

Father's mistress had clothes that cost more than some people spent on a car.

My mother put her hands on my waist.

"You have a wasp waist, and the dress makes your legs look very long. I'm sure Fu Shao will appreciate it."

I stared down at my cleavage. I had quite bulk breasts, even the push-up effect of the bustier enhance change the size. I was still a young high school girl but now I have to dressed up to look like a lady.

Seriously, Mother?

"Here." Mother handed me five-inch glasses heels.

With this heels, I'd reach Fu Shao chin when I wore them. I slipped into them. Mother forced her fake smile onto her face and smoothed down my long hair.

"Hold your head high. The Fu Side called you the most beautiful woman of this W city. Now Fu Shao and his entourage that you are more beautiful than any lady in B city too. After all, he knows almost all of lady there."

The way she said it I was sure she'd read the articles about Fu Shao conquests as well, or maybe Father had told her something.

"Mother," I said hesitantly, but she stepped back.

"Now go. I'll come after you, but today is your day. You should enter the room alone. The men will be waiting. Your father will present you to Fu Shao and then we'll all come together in the dining room for dinner."

Mother had told me this dozens of times already.

For a moment, I wanted to take her hand and beg her to accompany me, instead I turned and walked out of my room.

Now I was glad that my mother had forced me to wear heels in the last few weeks.

When I arrived in front of the door to the lounge on the first floor in the east wing, my heart was beating in my throat.

Suddenly, I wished Qina was at my side, but Mother was probably warning her to behave right now.

So I had to go through this alone. Nobody was supposed to steal the show from the bride-to-be.

I stared at the huge door and considered running away.