Mathilda’s POV

June, 2017

Two months left until the wedding, and I’m getting more nervous by the day. My body still feels as weak as it did two months ago, when Fredric and Mrs. Rosa discussed the wedding in front of my father — as if my bones had vanished, leaving me hollow.

Their laughter that night had been so perfect; even Fredric looked like a man who truly loved me. August 8th, 2017 — that’s the chosen date.

The wedding party will last the entire day with two extravagant themes. My head spins just thinking about all the luxurious details Mrs. Rosa has planned. This could be the kind of dream wedding most women long for — except mine is happening in the wrong story.

“Mathilda, come here. Fredric’s here.”

Fredric? What is he doing at my house?

Reluctantly, I got up from bed. My father beamed at me as I stepped out of my room.

“Hurry up, he’s waiting for you!”

As always, I forced a fake smile to hide all the worries twisting inside my chest. Fredric stood by his luxury car, wearing