Page 28 of Unwritten Vows

Liza

I’m disappointed when Derrick doesn’t call me the next day, but he does send me a goodnight text, which makes up for it. The day after that is grueling, the wait to see him feels like forever. I don’t understand how it feels so painful to be away from him for just two nights.

You need to hit the brakes , I tell myself, but although I haven’t felt this before for anyone else, I know I’m too deep into it now. I know my feelings are too strong to simply pull back.

It doesn’t help when my father has another heart-to-heart chat with me the next night at dinner about the party happening tomorrow.

“Remember that this will bring the two of you official recognition. You will be linked after this. Is that acceptable to you?”

I bite my cheek and move some food around my plate. “Isn’t it what you wanted?”

“Of course,” Daddy says, without hesitation. “But I care about what you want, my little love.”

I smile across the table at him. “Well… he’s better than any of the other guys you’ve tried to throw at me.”

My father smiles genuinely back at me. “I thought he would capture your interest! I just see more in him, Solnyshko . After I realized he is a completely different young man than the one on the computer screen, I knew you would want to get to know him better. Unlike the other men I’ve tried to match you with, but better than that idiotic persona he plays.

Such an interesting, multi-faceted young man. ”

I nod as I chew, considering those words. “I have to agree. It’s a little weird that you knew I’d react well to a guy like him.”

My father puts his fork down and looks at me sincerely. “You have no mother, and that is because of me. I have to make up for it somehow.”

I go to interrupt him with my reassurance, but he puts his hand up to stop me.

“If she were here… well, let’s just say that I have taken it upon myself to do a lot of the things she probably would have done well.

And one of those things is to ensure that you will be safe once you inevitably leave here, since I am the reason you’re in danger at all. ”

I have tears in my eyes when he finishes and I’m not sure if I can hold them in. “Well… thank you, Daddy. I really appreciate that. And, listen…” I sniffle and force my mouth into a smile. “I don’t hate this choice. But I’m glad you won’t be matchmaking for me again anytime in the near future.”

“So that means you will accept him?” My father seems cautiously optimistic.

I nod at him, feeling something ease in my chest—a relief of some sort. “Yes, I will.”

*****

The next night, I start getting ready hours early. I curl my hair and do my makeup carefully. I choose my most stunning dress, never worn, with a slight dip further down in the chest area than I usually wear. I study myself in the mirror two hours later and I know… I know Derrick will love this.

As I head down the hallway to see him, I hear his voice carrying from below and look down the open winding staircase. He’s mumbling something to one of the security guards and his smile seems off—something just doesn’t feel right.

But as soon as he senses I’m there and looks up, his face goes somewhat slack. I walk down the stairs, smirking all the way, and he grabs me as soon as I’m within reach. “Does your father know you’re going out like this? Because… goddamn, woman.”

I bite my lip, wondering if I should change. “Do you like it?”

“Of course,” he says close to my cheek, before kissing my neck and giving me little shudders all down my spine.

He’s quiet out to the car, and again I feel like something is off—some kind of reservation. Relationships aren’t always going to work exactly the way you want them to , I remind myself, and resolve to let it go for now.

And just as I’m having these thoughts is when he stops in front of the car door, taking something out of his coat pocket.

I know what it is immediately, and my mouth drops as he gets down onto one knee.

A camera flashes and blinds me, and I wince as he opens the box, unable to see much with the spots dancing in front of my eyes.

“Liza, I asked your father this morning. Will you accept this ring? Will you continue to let me prove that I’m the right one for you?”

I blink the flash out of my eyes, finally, and see the huge diamond through fuzzy eyesight.

I look around to see one of the housekeepers taking photos, and many of the other house staff milling around as well.

My father stands nearby, smiling the gentle smile he only reserves for me.

I still feel nervous. It’s too soon. I’m not ready.

I look down again. By now, too much time has gone by, and I can tell Derrick is starting to sweat.

I’m sure he’s coming up with some funny, carefree line to say if I tell him to wait longer.

Okay, we’ll try again next week! That’s a rap!

I almost laugh at the thought, but I’m too nauseous to do so.

I just try to make my mouth move while looking into his green eyes.

But it’s too much pressure, and his eyes are hopeful as hell. He’d understand, I’m sure. My father would get over it. But he wants me to say yes. They all want me to say yes. I want to say yes.

I swallow and take one more look at the ring.

I finally get a good picture of it while my eyesight isn’t hindered with bright spots.

I see them now. The two tiny black diamond chips surrounding that huge white rock.

He fucking remembered what we talked weeks ago.

He remembered everything I said about the ring. He got me my black diamonds!

“Kimberly Process Certified?” I whisper

His eyes soften, and he looks at me flatly. “Obviously.”

“Yes,” I blurt out, nearly gasping at my own response. But I mean it. This fruit may not be ripe enough to eat, but I’m going to pick it and let it sweeten off the vine. “Yes, Derrick. Let’s get engaged.”