Made of Steel

25. You fell in love with him

Cassandra Reid

Sold...

My parents sold me. Oh my God! I was only seventeen years old. In exchange of what? Why? I can't understand it, but worst of all, it doesn't surprise me.

I go straight to my room and lock myself in there. I am aware neither of them deserve my tears, but I cannot stop crying. I'm not made of stone like them.

I don't even know how I feel. I just want to lock myself in a Christmas crystal ball and never come out.

I spend rest of the day in bed and at night I go to sleep without having dinner.

Next day I wake up with a horrible headache and without encouragement. However, I must continue, although my body only works halfway. I eat what is fair and I play with children without paying much attention. Anyway, I don't think I'll ever dominate the Xbox. Also, they are happy when they win and they end up infecting me with their happiness.

I hardly see my husband and I exchange few words with other ones. I don't feel capable of seeing or talking to anyone. Questions continue running through my head along with feelings that leave me dazed.

My price... How much did he pay for me?

Would I really like to know?

I'm sure Adriano knows... but I don't want to face him.

I claimed to be his wife of lies and he didn't correct me...

I keep in mind clauses of the contract every day at every hour. I have no expectations, I don't expect any kind of feeling from him. I'm not going to fall for him...

So, why do I feel this way? Why does his silence hurt me more than what happened with Dean? Why did I even think for a moment he would run after me, stop me in the middle of stairs and kiss me?

A simple answer comes to mind, but I refuse to accept it. That would be the end of all.

Next day is more of the same and I thank all heavens that the Christmas holidays are over. At least now I can distract myself with work.

I sigh once more with my eyes closed. I'm beginning to hate traveling by car. When I agreed to do this crazy thing of marrying a stranger, I didn't think it would be so complicated.

I should be upset with him just like the rest of the world, but I don't. Instead, I feel a sadness accompanied by something else that I cannot identify.

"Today there is an event we must attend", he informs me before arriving at the hospital. "It will be a charity ball", he continues, getting no response from me. "I need you to be ready at seven o'clock".

"Okay", I finally speak.

"I've changed the security team".

I let out a small snort as I smile wryly. My words seemed to go in one way and go out from other.

"You can change them as many times as you want", I explain, "neither they, nor you, nor anyone will prevent me from doing what I want".

He seems to have a lot to say to me, but I'm not interested, so I get out of the vehicle, leaving him speechless.

Luckily, when I arrive I find myself with a long list of patients for the day and I lose track of time, managing to keep my thoughts at bay.

"Happy New Year!". My best friend walks in just as a patient leaves. "A little bird told me you didn't want to go out to lunch".

"I'm busy, Leah", I say a half-truth. "I have many pending appointments. Now it turns out all mothers in Florence want me to take care of their children".