It seems as if everything is back to normal. Tom somewhat fixed the issue. I'm still working out if I should accept his apology. He was out of order. I can't forgive and forget. Madison is a lot more forgiving than I am.  

Maybe I'll learn how to be the same. I've heard that couples begin to act like one another. I'm interested to see if that's true. I'd love to become more like her. I could use some of her kindheartedness and her ability to forgive. 

We all huddle at the table for dinner. We toast Romanée-Conti, the most expensive wine in the world. $558,000. We feast and mingle as all families should. Madi and Tom are getting along well. They discuss jump scares. "Eh, those don't work on me."

"Maybe because you haven't met a pro."

"Everything he says is a lie." Kim outs him. "His pranks are so juvenile."

"I got her with a tarantula...don't believe her."

"Tom is a professional prankster." My father nods. "You'd think he'd be a clown with all the money he's invested. He once created a fake shark...the size was remarkable. He had me and Meredith close to leaving Singapore."

"Wow, no way!" Madi is amused by this.

"We have something to look forward to for Halloween." Paul sniggers.

"Oh, please don't mention it." I sigh. "It'll be a living hell all day long."

"Now I'm even more excited!" My baby beams.

"I'll give you newbies the best Halloween of your lives." Tom grins devilishly.

"Or the most annoying..." I debate.

"Aww, I don't think it'll be that bad. It sounds fun." Madi rubs my leg and gently peers into my eyes. This gesture tames my irritation. I smile at her.

Trish observes our cute couple moment. "So...you two will be newly weds very soon. Is there a honeymoon destination?"

"Yeah...but it's kind of cliche." Madison cringes.

"I bet it's the City of Love since that's where Jace proposed." Lucy predicts it perfectly.

"Guilty." Madi smiles.

"Oh...you proposed in Paris?" My father queries.

"Yes."

"It was so perfect! There was this hot air balloon..." My darling romanticizes her words. I love how she gets lost in the memory.

"Oh wow! I can imagine the view so clearly! Was it nighttime?" Trish investigates.

"Yes."

"That'll be tough for his brothers to beat." Dad comments.

"Maybe for Sam...marriage isn't my forte."

"Tom is so sure he'll never settle down." Mom rolls her eyes.

"I won't."

"That's what we all say...until we do." Father schools him.

"I'll bribe Madison to aim the bouquet your way." I tease Tom.

"I dare you!"

"Dare accepted."

"Speaking of dares." Mom eyes me. "So, Trish brought up an interesting idea. How about you lovebirds spend the last 2 days apart? That would add a challenge and amp you two up for the big day." She sips on the burgundy wine.

I don't know what to make of this. Are the mind games still going on? Or am I being paranoid. Is my mother being conniving? Or supportive? I'm not completely convinced that she didn't try to scare my baby off. For now, I'll be 50/50 on that belief. 

"That'll add spice." Trisha jiggles her brows.

"Maybe I'll consider it." My fiancé shrugs.

"It's just 2 days. It'll be over before you know it." Mom grins with all her teeth.

"True..."

"Challenge yourself."

"She can do it...all she needs is me." Lil brags. "I was here first, Jace! Respect my rank." She wins over the table as a comedian would. I can't help but chortle at her joke too.

"The walk down the aisle would be more dramatic that way." Jess agrees with my mother.

Lucy does tiny claps to express her thrill. "Oh yes! And the reaction would be authentic. You two will love watching it years from now."

"Aww...yeah, do it, Maddy! Repeat the love at first sight for the cameras." Lil nudges her sis. "So, everyone else can see it. I already know how it looks...I've seen it enough."

"What do you mean?" Mother probes for more information.

"Maddy eye stalked Jace for a year...she's easy to read. The look she gave him was so adorable."

"Aww." Lucy swoons at her daughter's fiery cheeks.

"She was too scared to talk to him, so I had to play matchmaker."

"Lil, hush!"

"Don't be ashamed."

"I haven't heard that part of the story. "Why were you scared to talk to me??" I ask my fiancé.

"Please don't make me repeat it." She stares down at the Macaroni and Crab on her plate. I adore how bashful she gets. How she plays with her food using the fork.

"Well, she thought you were only a playboy...and that she wasn't pretty enough. According to Maddy, she was out of your league. Which was ridiculous. I literally had to pep talk her into giving you a chance."

"I need to tape up your mouth."

"You do." She smirks widely. 

"Best friends are supposed to embarrass you." Trish elbow nudges Lucy.

"Or torment you." She leers at her sister with high annoyance.

"Yep, that's what it's all about." Tom slyly flicks a piece of bread at Kim. This goes unnoticed by our parents. I don't know how my brother does this. It's a hidden talent of his. Kim drops her fork and throws him a deadly glare.

"I feel bad for you having all brothers!" Trish giggles. "I can't even imagine the ruckus that comes with it."

"I'm praying to be an only child one day." Kim grumbles.

"It's not fun." Madi looks up from her plate to hold eye contact with my sister. "Trust me...if I didn't have Lily, I'd be completely alone. Cherish your siblings, no matter how unbearable they are." Her voice is heartfelt. I notice Kim's demeanor switching. Her hard exterior lessens some. There's sentiment behind her angry eyes. Have they finally connected? I hope so. My bratty sister is the only one I'm worried about. She's blunt and doesn't play games...

Tom tosses another bread piece her way. This kills the sweet moment. "If you had them as brothers, you wouldn't say that."

Father throws Tom a chiding look. "Manners, son!"

He hastily eats his food, chuckling to himself. "Sorry, Kim. It slipped."

"They're impossible...you'll see what I mean." Kim complains.

"Can't wait." My bunny curls her mouth to one side.

After dinner, I walk Madison to our bedroom. She can barely keep her eyes open. Her full stomach has her sleepy. I'm tempted to swoop her up and carry her inside. But I have a few questions to ask. Mainly because of what Lil said. When she mocked Madi. There were two things she said that rubbed me the wrong way. I'm not pretty enough for him. He's out of my league. Why did she think that? Doesn't she know she's beautiful??

MADISON

Lil can be a handful sometimes. I know she's means well, but her words hurt me. My sis didn't mean to stab at my heart...her intent was pure. I would have laughed too...but the circumstances are against me. I did think I was out of Jace's league and that I wasn't pretty enough. Lily confirmed what Jace's family knows about me already. That I'm not good enough. Although I think Sam is the nicest one. Also, Mr. Harrison seems to have accepted me. Tom is still making digs at me. Jace didn't pick up on it. It's obvious that Meredith is orchestrating something...I just don't know what. I'm silent all the way to our bedroom door. Jace is too. I wonder why. What's he thinking? I peer over at him. "So...about what Lil said." Oh, no...I wish he wouldn't bring it up again. I'm already humiliated by it. "Why would you think you're not good enough for me?" 

"Just ignore it...Lil has a big mouth."

"I want to know why."

"Jace...you said it yourself on our first date. You only go for established women. I sensed that...that's why I felt I wasn't your type."

"Fair point...but I don't get why you'd think you weren't pretty enough."

I really don't want to argue this. He knows why I thought this. I'm a basic woman in his world. His family knows it...the world knows it. The social media comments bombard my mind: 

She's plain asf

Jace downgraded 👿

It's weird how he decreased from hot ass chicks to a fucking plain Jane 🤬

Jace gonna wake up soon and go for better 🤢

Chick is a 3; wtf is wrong with J.H. 🤡

"It's been a long day...can we drop it?" I speak tiredly. I don't feel like debating what's true.

"Sure, beautiful." He smooches my forehead.

Jace falls asleep before me...only because my mind is racing. I tug his arms tighter to my waist and stare ahead at a wall bathed in moonlight. The shadows of trees outside remind me of the forest. Could it still be an escape route? Meredith is being pushy about the 2 days apart from her son. She'll make it happen whether I want it or not. She has my girls and my mom on board. Aunt Trisha is already for it since she suggested it to begin with. I'm out voted...and I really don't feel like starting a battle. I'll let Jace know in the morning. That's if I can sleep.  

I'm restless and full of anxiety. These next two days will be a nightmare. I feel it in my gut. If I tell my fiancé this, he'll investigate...then will get mad that I lied to him. I don't want the headache. I get out of bed, grabbing a spare sheet from the closet to wrap up in. I return to the rooftop gazebo, and lay on the bench. I prop my head on in padded armrest so I can watch the swaying trees in the distance. The wavering leaves are inviting...as if they're summoning me to join them in a relaxing dance. It must be nice to operate through life so carefree. I watch the wind drift through the trees until the rustling breeze puts me to sleep. 

I don't get much rest...I wake at 6am. I only totaled 4 hours of sleep. The bags under my eyes are proof of that. I hide the dark puffiness with concealer, so no one asks what's wrong. Everything is wrong. I need a safe haven all to myself in order to come up with a solution. The two day break is a green light...only because I have to recuperate to think clearly. I can't do that under stress. The chef bots cooked oatmeal, toast, French toast and sausage. I'm reminded of my first meal after the coma.  

Helen made French toast and oatmeal for me. I wonder where she is. Did Jace fire her? I doubt she had anything to do with the bombs. I miss her. Honestly, she'd be my support during this chaos. Helen would know what to say and wouldn't judge me for being a punching bag for Meredith. My crew will. I need to confide in a friendly stranger who hardly knows me.   

After breakfast, I go to try on my wedding dress and heels. Hoping this will brighten my day. It doesn't. My face is long through the mirror. I'm sad...a sad bride who suffer personal attacks like a weak bitch. I was never this way before Jace. I would've ended this...instead I endure it for my baby. I don't want to hurt him...or leave him at the altar because I'm too fragile. I can't break. I can't shatter like glass...I need to be tough as steel just until the wedding. I won't have to see his family until holidays. I can do 2 days. 

I go out to swim to clear my head. The cold water refreshes me. The colorful fish and corals in the crystal blue water. I'm taken into another world where all my stress disappears. It evaporates at the site of a watery paradise. I risk drowning, hoping I'd be baptized from all negativity in my life. My lungs weaken. I gargle out bubbles...but I don't swim to the surface. I withstand the lack of oxygen until my brain is washed of all the hurt I had to endure. Not just with Jace, but with life in general. 

The universe hates me. I don't know what I did to deserve the hardships I've faced. Bad people deserve the shitty end of the stick...not me. It seems evilness gets rewarded in this world. 

I almost choke on the sea water. I hurriedly swim up, breaking past the liquid barrier for air. I heave and gasp for oxygen. My legs slosh through water, back to the sandy land. I walk away from the mansion. I still need time away. I left my phone so I don't get any calls. I hope Jace doesn't freak out. At least this time I'm out in the daytime, not at the dead of night. I stroll past the woods, peering through the trees. It's dangerous in there. As much as I want to runaway...it can't be there. Alodia has wildlife. Including sharks. I cautiously eye the shoreline...paranoia gets the best of me.  

Ms. Hart." I hear Jace's dad behind me.

I'm baffled as I whip around to face him. "Good morning, Mr. Harrison."

"Morning." His salt and pepper hair glistens in the sunlight...so does his silky suit. "I heard about the mishap from yesterday."

"Oh, don't worry, Tom apologized. Everything is fine now." I lie as easy as I breathe.

"Still...there needs to be a talk. Myself and my family wish to thank you for your understanding. Meet us at the Arena. Jace shouldn't be bothered with this, please keep it between us." He nods his head once.

I wasn't expecting this. But I'm not getting any bad vibes from him. Jace's father is kind...the same as Sam. "Sure, sir. I'll be there."

"Thank you." He steps away in leather brown dress shoes.

I make a trip to the underground mall to shop for a proper outfit. Kim and Meredith disapproved of my last getup, so I have to improve my style. My mind has to work like Jess's. What would she choose? Her new clothing line was fancy. Cream, white, and gold are considered formal colors in her eyes. So I need to find something in that range. A two piece pantsuit would be acceptable. Anything is better than casual wear...I can't dress homey around the two queen bees. 

I venture through 5 stores before finding the outfit in H&M. Then 3 more stores searching for matching shoes. I don't want pure white, there has to be color detailing. I shower and re apply the concealer under my dark eyes. I tie my hair into a high bun to imitate a woman of class. I have to up my appearance since I can't increase my value. It's sad...but true. I command a jet using my phone. Jace installed the app and gave me access to his account. As expected, he called and texted. I reply: 

Sorry I went out for a swim now I'm heading to the arena.

The flight to the arena is fast. It's only 15 minutes away. When I get there, it's sunset. I blew a lot of time getting my wardrobe situated. I don't know how Velma does it...this process is so time consuming. All five are in the center circle. All the decor is complete. My ceremony will be astonishing. The place could host a fairy wedding from a fictional folklore. My eyes fog at the beauty. My heart swells in size. There's only a day and a half left. Meredith was right...the days will be over before I know it. The jet lands. I deboard. The two mean queens make their way up the stairs. That's odd...I thought we all were going to talk? Kim shakes her head at my attempt of dressing smart. "Nice cosplay..." She sneers. 

"Wonderful impersonation of the rich." Meredith snickers.

"You're not getting to me. Nice try, though."

"Tell that to the bags under your eyes." Kim jabs. "That cheap concealer can't hide it."

I stare them down and decide to descend the steps rather than have a cat fight. "We'll say our part after the men are done with you." Mrs. Harrison's voice has a hidden meaning I don't understand. I continue down the stairs. 

Tom has a smug smile on his face. Sam has his hand in his pocket and his head down. That's strange. Their father is unreadable. A true poker face is permanently etched on him. I can't analyze him at all. My senses fire off. My gut tightens. My feet halt before the last step. There's a warning from my intuition:  

DON'T GO DOWN!!  

My mind screams. I stand there as still as a board.  

"Come, Ms. Hart." Mr. Harrison beckons me over with his hand.

I glance at Sam, since he's the only one not looking my way. His lack of eye contact is alarming. "What's going on?" I stare back at the icy duo behind me. They watch me from above, the entitlement is visible from far away.

"Let's have a talk."

"About what?" I turn back around to suspiciously eye him.

"The marriage to my son is a scam. Not just on your end, but on Jace's end as well."

Tom taps on his phone. The concrete floor divides at the middle. A gigantic screen rises from the opening. I'm taken aback by what is happening. What is going on?? "Do you want proof?"

"No!" I hiss at Tom. "This is getting pathetic now! Back off or leave the damn island!"

"You're willing to be part of the cycle?" Their father scoffs.

"I won't be...Jace has changed. I know him better than any of you!" I shout at them and the evil bitches behind me. "End this now or I'll call him and have Jace settle this himself!"

"Take her phone." Meredith orders from the stairway.

Tom is quick. He snatches my phone in the blink of an eye. "This won't work! Whatever you all planned-"

"Watch the screen, dear." Mr. Harrison looks to it. I follow his gaze. "A sex fiend never changes." The screen loads. I almost doubt what I'm seeing. I'm disgusted and freaked out by the footage. Why are they showing me sex tapes??

"I know about this part of him...you can't scare me!"

"No, you don't." Tom shakes his head. "Keep watching..."

Hundreds of nasty clips play before my eyes. It's not just of Jace...but his brothers and his father. The women they fuck are repeated in the tapes...they must have swap them around. They shared sexual partners.  

I thought Sam was different...but he's just as lowdown. This is disgusting! How could they do that??!! What the fuck???! Am I being showed this as a warning that I'll be next??? How could Jace pass women around like that?!! To his father and brothers, like it's a game? As if it's a man hunt... I've known since the beginning that his body count was high...so that's not what's concerning me. I'm grossed out by the sloppy seconds he passed to the men in his family. I gawk at the screen. Petrified and frightened. 

Tom laughs at my expression. He nears me to brush my hair from my face. I shiver at his creepy touch. Flashbacks to Brad forcing me on the bed loom before my eyes. Him pinning me down like a rapid dog. A sickness fills my stomach...I'm going to vomit! That's the warning I felt. It was a heeding to get away from these creepy men! "Don't touch me!" I whack his hand away.

"Relax, buttercup...you'll get used to our little screw train. It'll become routine to you just how it did for all my brother's play things. You'll see how Jace will flip the switch on you."

"He won't."

"He will." Mr. Harrison sighs deeply. "You're not cut out for this life. My wife told me that you're old fashioned. That you're waiting until marriage. I applaud that...but you won't survive. Husbands cheat...you'll have to forgive him, as all wives do. It comes with the vows."

"Till death do us part." Tom seconds. "That's more so for the wife to uphold, not the husband. It's in our nature to conquer women. I hate to burst your bubble, but you won't be his only bed mate."

"Only strong women tolerate infidelity, you're not one. Quit while you're ahead...or your tape will make the list." Mr. Harrison warns.

I think back to the flight to Paris. I got drunk and touchy with Jace...so he says. Who's to say I can believe him???!! He could have been lying to me! Or gaslighting me!!

I recall our conversation:

"How did I act?"

"Hot and goofy."

I lean forward. "Tell me exactly what I did?"

"Well...you thought the clouds were cotton candy...and ate them."

I crack up. "I did what??"

"You asked what it feels like to be inside a woman. Then you said, you wanted my fingers in your dick."

I shake my head. "You have to be making this up."

"Nope...it's on video if you don't believe me."

I freeze. "You filmed it?!"

"All my vehicles have security cameras...but I think I'll leak our hump session."

Was that Jace breaking me in? Getting me comfortable enough to be filmed??? Did he groom me for the freaky family train???

I think of another instance where cameras were involved. The car ride from the country club:

"You can't blame me...that office was our first playroom. I felt nostalgic."

"Me too..." I nibble my bottom lip and slip my hand into his trousers. "But I controlled myself."

"Did you? You got pretty quiet."

"Shut up." I squeeze his snake.

"You know I'm right." I tighten my grip. He groans. "Because you're doing the same thing right now."

"I waited until we were alone." Jace looks to the window. I follow his gaze. That's when I noticed the tiny camera above the door...and the blinking speaker. I assumed it was just for security footage. Was it for other purposes? "Oh, no..." I remove my hand and scoot away. 

"Soon you won't care about the cameras...trust me. You'll be a worse freak than me." 

My face muscles twist painfully. The vulgar nature of the porn videos on the screen haunt me. My face boils. My breathing staggers. I'm speechless...and horrified. I feel ill. My knees give out. I fall to the ground. The surroundings whirlpool in a dizzy blur. My head pounds. I plant both hands against my temples to massage away the throb. 

"It's starting to make sense...isn't it?" Tom kneels beside me. "Scared yet?"