Chapter 5 Preparations

• POV: DAVINA
• I wake up at 4:00 in the morning, to be honest, I sleep less than 3 hours per night, that is, if I manage to sleep at all since everything began. My body has grown accustomed to being constantly on alert... I head to the bathroom and do my morning routines, then I dress to go for a run.
• "I run around our mansion here in England, this time in a different way... I find myself looking at every corner and reminiscing about my childhood, the time when my father was just a good father and not a rigid boss."
• I remember my sister Angel and I running around, hiding while he looked for us; we loved playing that game!
• I snap back from my memories, I always do this... It's a trigger, I bury the memories because they make me feel emotions, and that died along with my sister, or at least it should have.
• I take a deep breath and pick up the pace of my run, heading towards the gym we have in the back; it's 5:30, I need to vent this anger that consumes me before the dress fitting at 7:00.
• There I see a punching bag, great! I'm eager to punch something... I start with punches while the memories catch up with me; my mind betrays me, leading to thoughts about the future of which I have no choices or escape!
• I start kicking the bag, throwing stronger punches until I lose control and jump on the bag with a shout, tearing a small part of it...
• "Then I hear footsteps and quickly get into a defensive position, but I lower my arms when I hear her voice..."
• "Good morning, my dear."
• "She says, looking closely at the torn bag."
• "I see you're releasing your emotions, that's good. How do you feel?"
• "I would need to have a heart to feel emotions, Mom. That's something I haven't had for years!"
• "My mother looks down, I know it hurts her to hear that because she always wanted my happiness..."
• "Hey? Don't be down, I'm fine. What brings you here?"
• "I came to let you know that your father will be back soon and he asked me not to let you get hurt... So, no training for now! He doesn't want any visible marks on you for your wedding night... cí..."
• "She seems uncomfortable with the subject."
• "Wedding night? That's ridiculous. As if Dom would inspect every detail of my body. At most, he'll use me in any way and then look for someone else to satisfy himself better, since I'm still inexperienced in that aspect."
• My mother approaches and holds my hands.
• "You are not inexperienced in anything at all, in this aspect you are rare and pure! I wish your destiny could be different, better, happier. I wish your wedding and wedding night could be magical..., but I cannot change your future or erase your past! As your mother, the only thing I can do and will do is to be by your side whenever you need me."
• "I know, Mom, thank you for everything!"
• I say, kissing the top of her head.
• "Davina, I know you're strong and tough, but I want to ask you a favor..."
• "If it's within my reach, of course."
• "If there's the slightest possibility of being happy and loved by Dom, please let him get close to you. Not everything is a mission, and you can have more!"
• "I pause at that request and then look at her."
• "Sorry, I can't promise you something that will never happen. Adam, just like me, was corrupted and we are incapable of feeling emotions! I know you have a big heart and hope, but I need you to be realistic."
• "Her expression is one of disappointment at my response, she takes a deep breath and continues:"
• "Then you won't have a problem making that promise, since you believe it will never happen."
• "I analyze for a moment, I understand where she's coming from. She wants me to have hope in love, hope in life, and in a better future!"
• "Okay, I commit! Promises are always broken, but commitments are not."
• My mother smiles, and it's the most beautiful smile I've seen in years... Honestly, committing to something stupid was worth it, even if it's just to create the illusion that this possibility exists... Seeing her happy after so long, it truly made up for it!
• "So we leave the gym and head straight home. I take a shower and dress to go to the dress shop to try on the dresses my mother has chosen for me..."
• This part of the day is the most stressful, but I need to fulfill my role in the agreement.
• We arrive at the store, and I see the salesperson ecstatic with our presence, eager to show off his most expensive models...
• And then I go to the fitting room and try on one after another, and with each change, my mother looks at me sadly and shocked at every scar on my body... but that doesn't stop her from getting emotional and complimenting me when she sees me.
• It's taking too long, I need to choose a dress quickly and get back to the mansion... I have to meet with my father in the office to go over the communication plans after my wedding!
• I take a deep breath and go to the dresses I see hanging in the corner, well hidden, and I pick one up.
• "Salesperson: No, no, no, miss, this dress is not up to your standards... The fabric is not the softest and most comfortable!"
• I keep trying on until I look at myself in the mirror...
• "It's perfect, it will be this one!"
• My mother comes to me and looks from head to toe...
• “Wonderful, my daughter. So beautiful..."
• " Thank you, Mom."
• When we return to the mansion immediately a maid comes to meet me, her eyes alarmed.
• "Mr. Bruce has requested your immediate presence in the office, Mrs. Davina, I’m afraid your mood is not one of the best." Pov waitress.
• "All right, thank you."
• "Honey, we’ll go together and I’ll let you know I’m the reason you’re late."
• "You don’t have to, I can handle him."
• "But..."
• "It is all right!"