She Knows

CHAPTER FIVE

"D!” Francesca abruptly appeared and was walking toward me, grinning broadly, as I heard her call out.

"Francesca!" I gave Marcel my drink quickly, not caring that it spilled a little, and I squealed in response, matching her excitement. I then walked as quickly as I could in my heels and gave her a tight hug.

We were like two inseparable sisters, so it was really bad that it had been so long since I had seen her.

"My goodness, I have missed you terribly. Without you, it just is not the same." She embraced me more firmly within her petite frame. "I know." I snickered.

"Even I have missed you!" Glancing over her, I took a step back and held her hands.

"Francesca, you really look great!" Her stunning dress captivated my attention.

A stunning long, flowing strapless dress in a rose color, featuring a silver-studded corset-style top that tightened her waist and accentuated her already ample breasts.

Her makeup was flawless, highlighting her hazel eyes, and her raven hair was tied up in a few pieces that framed her face. She had an absolutely stunning appearance.

"Mom did an excellent job with this dress. It surpasses my expectations beyond measure." I looked down as she gave me a mischievous wink.

"You asked your mother to make you a dress? I had no idea!" I narrowed my eyes on her.

"My mother was a gifted fashion designer known for her breathtakingly beautiful gowns.

After we relocated, she took a leap of faith and opened her own boutique. The shop's success was swift and remarkable, with clients drawn to her impeccable taste and craftsmanship.

Francesca put her hand over her heart and held my hand, “See, so yeah, that is why I did not want you to know. I wanted it to be a surprise. You are terrible at keeping things like that a secret, even though I adore you so much.”

Grinning naively, she said.

She was right, and before I could say anything I bit my tongue. I used to be the kind of person who would buy you a gift and then text you a few minutes later to say, "guess what, I just got you!" She was aware of what I had gotten her for her engagement, for example. I texted her, saying, "OMG, these are so cute!" after snapping a picture of the champagne glasses.

I sent her the photo and said, "I am getting them for you." Inaudibly, I said, "Fair enough."

"But wow, what a sight! You look amazing in that dress. For whom are you pulling out your t*tt**s, huh?" Francesca wiggled her eyebrows at me and placed her hands on her hips.

Always thinking about something naughty was typical of Francesca. "None at all."

I made a face. "I have more underwear on than you do." I made mention of. Yes, but right now I have a man I need to impress, so he knows what is in store for him, if you get what I mean. I laughed when she gave me a wink.

"Talking about man," I muttered, looking around to make sure nobody was nearby.

"Francesca, are you sure this is what you want to do? You could always just run away, I guess? You can count on me to accompany you." I spoke while still being audible.

"Francesca, are you sure this is what you want to do? I am not sure if you can always flee. You can count on me to accompany you." With all sincerity, I said.

I would leave everything behind and accompany her if she decided to leave the country. My life revolves around her. I would take all necessary precautions to ensure her safety.

"I know I am not capable of that. If I ever consider running away, he will find me and kill me without a doubt." She smiled sadly at me.

"Anything will be preferable to living with my father, anyway. All I have to do is leave. I have to take a breath.” She let out a sigh. Though I detested acknowledging it, it was indeed the case.

Her father was a completely insane and violent man. He would hit her if he felt that something she had done was inappropriate.

Her father once nearly killed her after returning from, God knows where, while high on cocaine and alcohol. He regained some small sense of reason and stopped before it was too late. I wished that he would receive the same treatment from someone eventually. Indeed.

"I am going to leave right now." Francesca gave me comfort.

"My happiness depends on your happiness." I smiled a little and pulled her into a second embrace.

"Are you done catching up? I am feeling quite lonely here by myself." Marcel placed an arm around my shoulder and pouted his lips.

"Is not this fantastic? The group has at last got back together!" His excitement was contagious, and all I could do was laugh and shake my head at him before taking his arm off my shoulders. I did not really take too long getting ready so that he could tangle my hair.

"Please allow me to introduce you to my soon-to-be spouse." Francesca waved at a gang of men smoking cigars and sipping whatever poison they chose. To my surprise, though, they had already fixed their gaze on us.

There is definitely nothing scary about that. Absolutely not.

"Enjoy yourself with it." Marcel muttered as he gave the men a vacant look. "Are you not going with us?" You said you felt alone when you were by yourself, did not you? I cast a playful glance at him.

Indeed, but I do not feel all that alone. See ya. Before we could say anything more, he took off. "All right, let us go."

Francesca took my hand and we walked toward the group of men who were watching our every move.

I could not quite put

my finger on why it felt dangerous.