Dark Romance: A Cruel Obsession

“No,” Vivian said, “I attended an all-girls private school in Los Angeles, where my classmates were all lovely girls. There were no traitors or harassers, and I didn’t need a bodyguard to watch over me all the time-it made me feel unfree.”

“Is that why you’re angry with Alajos?”

“No, I’m not angry with Alajos, really,” Vivian said, “I just don’t want to marry him.”

“Why?” Luzia was shocked and couldn’t understand. “Alajos is a powerful man. He possesses the kind of power and status many have never had. He could make you the respected Mrs. Capo. Why wouldn’t you want to marry him?”

“Because I don’t know him well; I’m barely familiar with him.”

“What does that matter? After the wedding, once you’ve shared a bed on your wedding night, seen each other’s nakedness, you’ll be familiar.”

Vivian was frightened by Luzia’s words. The dream from the previous night flashed in her mind-naked men and women, intertwined bodies, heavy breathing, and moans…

Vivian’s face turned pale and then blushed, “It’s different. He’s a Capo.”

“So what if he’s Capo?” Luzia was actually envious. Alajos was handsome and well-built, wealthy and powerful-a dream husband for many women. “Like I said, Capo’s wealth can afford you a very luxurious life. His power can protect you from any harm. He’s the ideal marriage partner.”

“There’s no love with Capo,” Vivian shook her head, “He won’t fall in love with me, won’t give me freedom.”

“But we don’t have freedom now,” Luzia sighed, “Our lives have been arranged from the start. Born into such families, women’s fates are tied to men. We don’t have freedom, and we don’t need love.”

It was then that Vivian noticed the wedding ring on her hand, “Luzia…”

Luzia looked at Vivian and said, “Don’t be too idealistic about love, it will only bring you pain.”

“We were born into this family, loved by our parents, protected by the clan. Everything we have is given by the family. Our marriages are not for love but for the family. The family needs our marriages, for these unions to bring benefits to the family, to form strong alliances.”

“That’s not what I want.”

“It doesn’t need to be what you want; it’s what the family wants.”

Vivian felt like crying, “You’re too cruel, Luzia.”

Luzia embraced Vivian, “Because I’ve been through it.”

“Will Alajos let me go to school?” Vivian asked, “He said he wouldn’t restrict me from going to college.”

“But you might not be able to attend classes,” Luzia couldn’t give her a definite answer, “He won’t allow other men near you.”

“I want to learn music and dance drama,” Vivian sighed, “There won’t be a stage for me at the Metropolitan Opera House, will there?”

“Probably not,” Luzia replied with difficulty.

Vivian was in pain.

Luzia said apologetically, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

“No, it’s not your fault,” Vivian said, “This is my fate. I can’t control my destiny.”

“No woman can control her own destiny. I couldn’t control mine,” Luzia said, “Do you know my husband? He died. They say he died protecting Uncle Camden. He’s a hero in Houston.”

“I’m sorry,” Vivian didn’t know why she was apologizing, “It must have been hard for you.”

“I was a woman given to him by the family; we didn’t love each other.” Luzia took Vivian to the car. They sat in the back while Mare automatically sat in front. He didn’t look back at them, but Vivian knew he was attentive to them.

“Getting along is important,” Luzia continued, “Through gradual interaction, we respected each other, and I slowly grew fond of him. He probably liked me too. But what’s the use? He’s dead, and I’m a widow.”

The car started, and the scenery outside the window flashed by. Vivian didn’t know where they were going. Everything in Houston seemed so strange to her.

“He’s dead, I have no children, but my value remains,” Luzia looked out the window, “One day, if Alajos needs to, he will send me away without hesitation. This is my fate.”

“But we’re already very lucky. My husband was an interesting person; Alajos is a handsome man. They’re young and attractive. Some people don’t have our luck. My sister, for instance, she was given to a man forty years her senior, old and ugly, I almost vomited from disgust.”

Vivian hooked her finger, and Luzia smiled at her brightly, “Alright, today is about choosing your wedding dress, so please be a little happier, okay?”

Vivian managed a faint smile, but it was difficult for her.

“Don’t be like that,” Luzia hugged her and said, “I’ll take you to a boutique bridal shop, my secret treasure. It’s run by a Famiglia,” Luzia’s eyes sparkled almost with greed, “All Italian-imported handcrafted dresses, from the world’s top designers, you’ll definitely be satisfied.”

Vivian was worried, “These dresses must be very expensive.” She didn’t want to prepare an overly extravagant dress for a wedding she wasn’t looking forward to; it would make her feel even cheaper.

“Don’t worry about the cost,” Luzia pulled out a black card from her purse, “Alajos gave this to me, he said to use it for whatever you like.”

Luzia winked, trying to curry favor with Vivian on behalf of Alajos, “Alajos cares about how you feel; he wants you to be happy.”

Vivian shook her head, “What I want isn’t expensive gowns, he doesn’t understand me.”

The sound of Luzia opening the door alerted the people inside, and a middle-aged woman came out to greet them.

“Luzia, dear, it’s been so long since you’ve been here.”

“It’s been a while, Nirupama,” Luzia returned Nirupama’s kiss affectionately, “I’m glad you remembered me.”

Nirupama hugged her, expressing regret, “I heard about Paavo’s passing, I’m sorry I couldn’t help.”

“That’s all in the past, Nirupama,” Luzia pushed Vivian in front of Nirupama, “Today I’m here with this beautiful bride-to-be to buy a wedding dress. She’s interested in the one in the window. Could we take it out for a try?”