Wincing slightly I stared at the calendar and a bitter smile crossed my lips. Today was the four-year anniversary of my fake blood-bound union with Giacomo.
I took off my clothes and stood in front of the mirror naked and I couldn't recognize the woman staring back at me.
She seemed to have aged faster than her age. She was covered in bruises, the price she paid trying to make love work.
I shook my head. This isn't the woman I want to keep being. I walked into the bathroom and took a long hot shower as I massaged my swollen eyes with an ice pack.
Then I did a little makeup and dressed up in a beautiful short red dress. The next time I looked into the mirror again with my dark sunglasses, I saw a different woman filled with confidence.
I spent the next hour curating an anniversary package for Giacomo. I wrapped up three boxes and wrote a small note and pinned it to those boxes as I gave them to the courier.
"Make sure they're delivered and opened immediately. Giacomo Russo. The Russo compound," I instructed.
After the courier left, I grabbed my bag and ordered a ride. As I stood inside the compound one last time, a cruel laugh escaped my lips.