The Mafia and Her ✔

Chapter 2

I had finished gardening hours ago but slept on the ground near a pile of mud despite the ache in my back. I saw Heath's car enter our garage and didn't want to interact with him just yet. I'd have to meet him eventually, but the later, the better.

"Verena!" and my happy time was over with just that one word coming from the wrong annoying person. I sat straight as I studied his five foot nine and curly blond hair. Heath was a 35-year-old average-looking guy, and I could not stand the earth he walked on.

Wait, the earth has nothing to do with his dirty feet.

I love the earth. But definitely not him.

"Heath," I acknowledged with no emotions whatsoever and stood up. I patted my butt to clean off the dirt but immediately grabbed the shovel when he was about to help me clean it. "Don't you dare!" I warned, and he raised his hands. He knew better than to touch me like this, but I was sure he was plotting his next beating when inside, behind closed curtains. His smile was a dead giveaway.

He should be dead.

Wow, easy there, Verena. 

Happy, innocent thoughts only.

"I missed my girlfriend," he lied through his crooked teeth, walking beside me like gum stuck on a shoe.

I did not say anything as I rushed to my room to shower. I locked the door before he could enter and sighed in relief when I was in the safety of my room. He exhausted me mentally more than physically. 

My mental scars from Heath and Dad were far graver than my physical scars, and I wanted to get out of this life.

I want to breathe.

I took a quick shower, and once I was outside, I got a text message from Mia stating that I should get down and have a family dinner with them.

Family...

They were far from being a family. One was a gold digger, the other was a cold monster, and the third was a pathetic beater. People envied our perfect happy image... If only they knew.

"Verena, sit down," Dad ordered once he saw me standing at the dining room's entrance, contemplating my life. I scanned the room, and my eyes landed on a red velvet box next to Heath's palm. I froze.

Is it what I think it is?

Please, God, no.

"I think I'll just eat an apple," I said as I reached out for the fruit bowl on the smaller table, but I didn't get the chance to do what I wanted since Dad gripped my arm, and it hurt beyond words.

"I said sit down." He forcibly placed me on the seat next to Heath. I wanted to kick their butts, but I knew they'd break me like a twig if I even tried to defy them. I dreaded what they had to say.

"You should be happy, Verena," Mia exclaimed excitedly, making me cringe. Dad smiled for the first time today, which gave me the creeps. He never smiled without it having anything to do with his gain. With money or fame.

Heath cleared his throat and tried to place his palm on my hand, but I quickly removed it and put it on my knees. "Verena, we have been together for five years," he began, and I felt my blood run cold as I had an idea of where this was going. I almost gagged. "It's time to be official. We must get married."

So romantic!

I instantly stood up, interrupting his heartfelt speech. "Before you show me the ring and all," I faked a blush. "I need to change my attire to fit this occasion. We'll take pictures to show the world and a pair of shorts are not suitable for this, right? Give me ten minutes, and I'll be right back," I explained with the widest smile I could muster. Before I could get out, Dad grabbed my jaw tightly, making me look at his cold eyes.