Chapter Thirty-Four
Olivia
“I s that all?” my father asks me in his office.
Thankfully, I was allowed to come in the house once I decided to “comply.”
After changing into some dry clothing, thankfully, I was told to have a seat in my father's office so we could chat about Ricci’s plan.
What he does not know is that this plan is part of the actual plan.
I have been taught how to deal with men like my father over the past few weeks and the act I am putting on right now and, in the basement, should get me nominated for an Emmy.
“He plans to arrive around 8 p.m.” I assure him. “Alan and a few other men will be with him. He thinks he has the upper hand and can come in unnoticed.”
Ashton chuckles, “What a na?ve little boy. His father taught him nothing I see.”
I smile innocently.
“Now, are you ready to be on your best behavior?” He asks me while he leans forward in his chair.
I look down timidly, so he believes he has power over me now. “I am.”
“Good. Isabella has cleaned your room and put fresh sheets on your bed. You can sleep in there tonight as a reward for telling me the truth.” He pauses, “If I find out you lied to me, you will be dealt with more severely than earlier. Is that understood?”
I nod.
“Bianca and your other hairdresser will be here tomorrow around lunch to get you ready for the auction. I have insisted they do something with your hair, and that nose ring will have to go. I expect you to be well rested for the big day tomorrow. I will have them send you up a warm meal shortly too.”
I nod again, but don’t say a word.
He turns back to his computer, “You may go now, I am holding a meeting soon with some of my men for the auction tomorrow.”
I smile and nod again, standing, but before I turn to leave, I say, “Thank you Father.”
Exiting the door, I notice Dante walking through the front door and toward my father’s office where I just exited.
He notices me and grins dangerously. “Tomorrow night, you are mine Princess.”
I swallow the vomit that just came up in my mouth. “Can’t wait.”
Before he closes the door to my father’s office, I hear him say, “May need to borrow that brander if she complies that easily so soon.”
Nausea fills my stomach as I take the stairs up to my former bedroom.
The auction cannot get here fast enough. I am unsure how much longer I can keep up this act.
***
O LIVIA. OLIVIA.
I hear my name and my eyes flash open. Looking around my room, I see a woman sitting on the edge of my bed. She is holding my hand, and I can feel the warmth of it.
“Darling, wake up. I need to tell you something.”
My eyes blink back the fuzziness and adjust to the blonde-haired woman looking back at me. She is beautiful and my eyes widen when I realize she is the woman in the picture with Hayes’ mother—my mother.
“Mom?” I ask hoarsely.
“Oh honey. I am so sorry.”
“No mom, I am sorry. I am sorry you had to live this life.”
Her warm hand caresses my cheek. She feels real.
A single tear falls down my opposite cheek.
“You are strong, Olivia. Way stronger than I ever was. You are going to make it. Keep doing what you are doing. Keep acting innocent. You are on the right track. Just keep going.”
I grab her hand as more tears fall down each of my cheeks now. “Oh mom. I wish I had gotten to know you.”
“You are everything I ever dreamed you would be. You are my entire world. Make your father pay for his evil doing Olivia. Take him off his so-called throne.” She kisses my forehead. I can feel the warmth of her lips.
“Tell him the rightful Queen is coming, and she won’t bow down.”
My eyes jolt open. I look around the room, my heart beating out of my chest. It’s still dark outside. My hands touch the silkiness of my bed sheets.
That dream felt so real.
I touch my cheek; it’s still warm. I can still feel her hand.
Did my mothe just visit me in a dream?