RITUAL 1

"Rise and shine madam."

The day of the ritual had finally arrived, and as the sun began to peek through the curtains, I slowly opened my eyes. I had been awake for hours, but I decided to stay still in bed, not yet willing to face the reality that awaited me. Everything my father had said the day before replayed in my mind, and I couldn't believe the extent of the lies and manipulation.

All the promises he had made to me, all the reassurances that everything would be alright, had been nothing but empty words. And to make matters worse, he had even threatened to kill me if I dared to call off the wedding. The man who used to love my mother and me had changed into someone I no longer recognized.

Gone were the days when my father would stay awake for hours watching me fall asleep, comforting me when I had nightmares. He would even sleep in my room from time to time, just to make up for the times when my mother wasn't around. We would laugh and play together for hours until exhaustion overtook us.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I quickly sniffed to hold them back. I had cried so much since yesterday, refusing to eat anything while they were still here. I had never felt such intense dislike and hatred towards my own family. I despised them and everyone they associated with.

"Are you alright, Madam?" Agnes, asked, concern etched on her face.

I mustered up a smile, hiding the turmoil inside me. "Of course," I replied, my voice betraying none of the pain I felt. Pretending and wearing a fake smile had become an integral part of my life.

"Don't you think you should sign the documents and be free once and for all?" Agnes said and I shook my head. I wanted to sign it before, but now with everything happening it looks suspicious. I'll wait till Dalton gets back, I'll trust just him for now. He hasn't given me a reason not to.

"The lady has requested that breakfast be served on the table today. No special meals for anyone," Agnes informed me.

I nodded, understanding that this time I could not skip breakfast. I had not eaten enough since yesterday, and denying myself any meal because of my family would be equivalent to trying to kill myself.

If I was going to have breakfast in the dining room, it means I might see Evren once again. The thought of seeing him again made my heart skip a beat. I blinked rapidly, trying to push his image out of my mind. Now was not the time to think about him. I had more pressing matters at hand, yet he still finds a way to stay on my mind.

He had initiated the idea of not signing the documents yet he never said why. He rejected the idea of endingy marriage yet asked me not to sign the marriage contract.

I was glad he respected my wish, cause if he hadn't listened, I wondered what I may have done. Maybe I would have informed Dalton of what he has done to me.

But what if it ends our marriage?

What if Dalton calls off the wedding? Dalton had made it clear that the Bancroft family sought someone pure, someone who fit into their perfect image. Though my face and lips had been touched by Evren, I shuddered at the thought of what he could have done if I hadn't stopped him in time. He had stolen my breath away that night, and even now, his presence lingered in my mind, intoxicating and tempting me.

"What have you done to me?" I murmured and Agnes who was changing the flower in the vase paused to look at me.

"Pardon?" she asked, jolting me out of my trance.

"Hmm?" My eyes shifted to meet her gaze. "Please, don't let whatever it is disturb you, Madam," she said gently.

I managed to muster a smile. "I'm fine, really Agnes," I assured her, hoping to convince her and myself.

"I'll go draw your bathwater now, Madam," she said, and I watched as she walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

After bathing and dressing, I stepped out of my room, my footsteps echoing lightly in the halls as I made my way towards the dining room. Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door and entered.

"...think it is a good idea. The conversation halted abruptly as all eyes turned to me. I moved silently to my seat at the table, my gaze downcast as I tried to avoid the penetrating looks of my family.

We ate in silence, the heavy atmosphere suffocating me. Once I had finished, the lady instructed Agnes to accompany me to the market to gather a few items needed for the ritual. Items that could only be found in the black market.

"It's not just any ritual, madam, It's like an engagement to introduce the bride to the family." Agnes gleefully explained as we walked inside the market. This place was far different from any market I've seen, it was a more like a village. A village for selling different things. Rare things.

"From what I've heard, the lady is making this one ten times bigger than the previous ones, considering it's Dalton's ritual."

"This ritual has been the Bancroft's tradition since the beginning. Where the family come together from different part of the world to celebrate the new bride and family member. You'd get to meet everyone there." She continued.

"What's the event? You speak like you've attended one yourself." I said.

"I haven't attended any madam, but from what I've heard, the Bancroft's family wouldn't be the only people in attendance. Or just the family members. But friends and acquaintances from all around the world would be in attendance. This is a big event that people have been eagerly waiting for, for more than three decades." She said as we came to halt before a woman who sold beautiful jewels.

"Are you Gina Zach?" Agnes asked and the woman nodded.

"Who sent you?" She asked.

"The lady Bancroft, she says you have the jewel she's looking for. The Red Beryl." The woman frowned at Agnes's words.

"Does she know It's not double the former price. The jewel has become scarce over the years." She turned to look at me, sizing me with her eyes.

"She's aware madam. She says she doesn't care about the price." Agnes said and the woman stepped inside her shop, when she got out she came out with a black sack in her hands.

"Who is the jewel for?" She asked.

"Her." Agnes pointed at me and she nodded sizing me again with her eyes.

"Please come this way madam." She said and I followed her Inside the store.