Chapter 6. The Day Everything Changed

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when I got up, the weight of the decision still crushing my chest. David Donovan’s proposal was still on the table, waiting for an answer, waiting for me to take a path I hadn’t chosen. I looked at the clock: 9:30 in the morning. Even though my shift at the restaurant started in a few hours, I knew I couldn’t delay it any longer. That morning wasn’t just any day; it was the beginning of something that would completely change my life.

After turning it over in my head so many times, I had decided to accept. Not because I wanted to, but because I needed to. My mother’s well-being was at stake, and David had offered the only real solution. But what hurt me the most was the way I was going to achieve it: a marriage that wasn’t real, a contract where there would be no love or feelings, just an agreement we both had to fulfill.

I left home without looking back. Mom was still asleep, and even though I felt guilty for not being with her, I knew that if I managed to get the money for her treatment, it would all be worth it. I walked quickly to the address David had sent me. A luxurious office building in the city center.

When I arrived, he was already there. Standing next to a meeting table, wearing an impeccable suit that made him look even more imposing. Seeing him made my body hesitate for a second, but I forced myself to keep moving.

– Sarai – he said with his firm and measured tone, though his gaze had a gleam of satisfaction – I’m glad you came.

I nodded, not knowing what to say.

He slid an envelope toward me.

– This is a draft of the contract. Read it carefully, we can discuss any terms before signing it.

I took the envelope with trembling hands and opened it. The words in the document were clear and cold, stating exactly what was expected from both of us.

– If you decide to go through with it – David added, watching me closely – we can formalize the commitment at any time.

I closed my eyes for a moment. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I had already made it. I looked at him with determination.

– I accept.

David nodded, as if he had already expected that answer.

– Good. Before we move forward, there’s something I want you to do with me.

I frowned, not understanding.

He took out his phone and typed a quick message before looking at me again.

– I want you to come with me tonight to a family dinner.

My stomach clenched.

– Why? – I asked cautiously.

David leaned his elbows on the table and interlaced his fingers.

– I want them to meet you.

The words hung in the air.

– What do you mean? – I whispered, trying to figure it out.

– If we’re going to get married, it’s only logical that my family knows who you are – he explained naturally – It’s the right thing to do.

I stared at him, trying to read beyond his calm expression.

– But we’re not married yet.

– We will be soon – he replied without hesitation – I don’t want everything to happen out of nowhere. It’s better if they get used to the idea.

I stayed silent. Something about his attitude unsettled me. It wasn’t just the coldness with which he handled the topic, but the determination with which he said it.

– Will you come with me? – he finally asked.

I didn’t feel like I had a choice. His eyes watched me intensely, waiting for my response.

I took a deep breath and nodded.

– All right.

David gave a slight smile, as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

– Thank you. Tonight, at eight. I’ll pick you up at your place.

I stood up, still with a strange feeling in my chest. There was no turning back. This would be the first time I’d present myself as part of his life. And even though I knew it was all an agreement, part of me couldn’t ignore the feeling that after tonight, nothing would ever be the same.

The sound of David’s car engine stopped in front of my building, and the tension in my chest multiplied. I looked at David, who had his gaze fixed on the steering wheel, and felt that the conversation we had just had left me more uneasy than relieved. I knew tonight would be a turning point, not just for him, but for me as well. How would everyone react when they found out I was just a simple waitress, a woman who didn’t even know the world David moved in?

– I’ll see you at 7:30, okay? – said David, pulling me out of my thoughts. His voice was warm, but I felt the pressure of what was going to happen tonight. I nodded, but suddenly, an idea crossed my mind.

– David – I said, looking toward him, feeling a knot in my stomach – Don’t pick me up at my place, please. Do it two blocks before, on the corner. So Eric doesn’t see me.

David nodded with understanding. He knew what I meant.

– That’s fine, Sarai – he said softly. He gave me a reassuring smile, but I could see his mind was already preparing for the night ahead. Dinner at his mother’s house would be a battlefield, of that I was sure.

When the time came, the nerves were eating me alive. I looked at myself one more time in the mirror before leaving. The dress David had given me was elegant, more than I was used to wearing. Its fabric fit delicately to my body, giving me a completely different image from the one I saw every day at the restaurant. It didn’t look like me… but maybe that was for the best.

I sighed, trying to calm the fast beating of my heart. My mother was still asleep in her room, breathing peacefully. I didn’t want to wake her or worry her. The best thing was to leave quietly.

Erick wasn’t home, which, somehow, relieved me. I wouldn’t have to deal with his questions or his inquisitive stare. I grabbed my purse and left quickly, carefully closing the door behind me.

As soon as I stepped onto the street, I saw David’s car parked two blocks away, just as we had agreed. I took a deep breath and walked with firm steps, although inside I felt like I was standing at the edge of a cliff.

When I opened the door and sat in the seat, I felt David’s eyes scanning me carefully. He didn’t say anything at first, but in his expression was something I couldn’t decipher.

– You look… different – he finally commented, in a tone I didn’t expect.

His voice was lower, almost like he said it without thinking.

– I hope that’s a good thing – I replied, trying to sound casual, although my stomach tightened a little.

David let out a faint smile before starting the car.

– It is.

I didn’t know what to say, so I simply stayed quiet, watching the city pass by around us.

The ride to his house was short, but it felt eternal to me. Tonight I wouldn’t just be meeting his family… I was also entering a world that didn’t belong to me. And that terrified me more than I wanted to admit.