The sharp smell of incense pricks my nose as I glance over the pews and at the crucifix up front.
I’ve only been in a church a few times for funerals and weddings, but that was a long time ago before I left Findlay.
A priest walks toward us, and when I notice the nervous way he swallows before giving Adriano a respectful look, I don’t think much of it. After seeing Adriano’s bank accounts, I now understand why people treat him like this.
“Mr. Rizzo. The room is ready. This way,” the priest says, gesturing for us to follow him.
He leads us down a narrow hallway at the back of the cathedral, and I take in the paintings of saints covering the walls.
I’m aware of Little Ricky behind us, and as we enter a room that’s empty, except for a dressing table, stool, and sofa, he places the big box down on the sofa.
When Little Ricky and the priest leave and shut the door, I’m filled with confusion and look at Adriano.
He walks to the box and takes the lid off. I see a cloud of white lace and silk as he says, “Put on the dress. We’re getting married.”
I’m instantly hit with an intense wave of shock that numbs my tongue and makes pins and needles spread over my body.
“What?” I gasp. When he just stares at me, my voice pitches as I exclaim, “You said nothing about getting married when you offered to help me! The contract–”
“States you will marry me,” his voice cuts through my sentence. “You agreed to be at my beck and call as long as I saved you from starving on the streets.”
What the hell is going on right now?
“I didn’t mean marriage!” I shriek as the realization that he really expects me to marry him sinks in. “Y-you can’t force me.”
Slowly he steps closer to me, the corner of his mouth lifting in a triumphant look. “I can, and no one will stop me.”
I glance at the door as I stammer, “B-but the contract!”
“Little Ricky,” Adriano snaps. The door opens and the overgrown ape hands the crazy, rich bastard the envelope.
The door shuts again, and I watch with a racing pulse as he takes the contract out and pages through it before holding it right in front of my face.
“Clause twelve point one.”
My eyes dart over the words.
12.1 Binding Agreement
12.1.1 In consideration for the payment of ten million dollars ($10,000,000 USD), Laurie Barnes (“Wife”) agrees to enter into a lawful, exclusive, and legally recognized marriage with Adriano Rizzo (“Husband”).
12.1.2 The parties acknowledge and agree that the marriage shall remain permanent and binding for the duration of both parties’ natural lives. Wife agrees that divorce, legal separation, or annulment shall not be sought or pursued under any circumstances.
12.1.3 Upon execution of the marriage, Wife shall fulfill all duties and expectations customarily associated with the role of a wife, including but not limited to accompanying Husband to social, business, and family engagements, traveling with Husband when requested, maintaining complete discretion regarding all private and confidential matters relating to Husband, and fulfilling her marital obligations within the marriage bed.
No. How did I miss that?
I read it again, and realizing I’m screwed, my gaze lifts to Adriano’s. “But…but…I barely know you.”
“You’ll get to know me,” he replies, his tone clearly stating he’s not going to change his mind.
I shake my head wildly, my breaths speeding up. “This isn’t… you can’t just take me like this.”
“You’re wasting time.” Impatience tightens his features. “Either you do it yourself, or I’ll dress you.”
Shit! He’s dead serious.
Fear pours through me like hot lava as I stare at him. My mind races for a way out of this mess, then I’m handed a saving grace from above, and I snap, “We don’t have a marriage certificate.”