The Registry by Shannon Stoker Read Free Book Online

wedding delayed? I’ll get it pushed back at least a month.”
    “Don’t hold your breath. Your father might love you on some level, but not as much as he loves money.”
    “That’s harsh,” Mia said.
    “It’s realistic, and you know it, too, or else you wouldn’t contemplate hurting him like this. You know once you leave you are robbing him of all that money he has invested in raising you. Think about that before you decide to take off to the middle of nowhere and abandon your duties.”
    Whitney’s comment wasn’t worth responding to. Refusing to admit defeat, Mia charged up the stairs. Each obstacle strengthened her will to get away.
    M ia paced outside the door to her father’s office. All she needed was some more time. She pondered the idea of making the trip alone but knew she wouldn’t get far without Whitney. She also knew it would be impossible to leave Whitney. Nobody would come to help her. The article twisted Mia’s stomach. Other nations are too afraid to step in and help these poor women, because (article continued on page 112). The quote ran through her head; she wished Corinna had kept the other pages.
    “Come in,” her father said.
    Mia entered the room. She had expected to see Grant, too, but he must have left. Instead her mother was with her father. They both smiled, their faces filled with admiration and happiness for their daughter.
    “We were just looking at some things we’ll need for the party on Friday,” her mother said. “Planning a menu and a quick guest list. What do you want to wear? I don’t think we have enough time to have something made for you. Maybe you could rummage through my closet?”
    “That was what I was hoping to talk to you about.” Mia’s voice shook. “I don’t want to get married on Friday. It’s not enough time. I want to have my dress made and pick out the decorations.”
    “You already had your pretty-dress night last night,” her mother said without looking up from the desk. “It’s simple for the ceremony.”
    Her father didn’t even respond; he just continued to flip through the mound of papers.
    Mia gulped loudly, knowing she had to push forward. “It’s not fair. It’s my big day and I should have the one I want.”
    “Hush.” He wasn’t interested. “You’re an adult now, and you’ll have to deal with changes as they come along. Your husband wants to marry you right away, and you will oblige his wishes.”
    “Did he pay you extra to speed up the process?” Mia felt anger in her voice. “After all, that’s all I am to you, a piece of property to sell to the highest bidder. You’re happy. You can’t wait to get rid of me and collect your prize.”
    Mia knew she had crossed the line and was expecting punishment. She closed her eyes and prepared for a blow, but neither parent rose or tried to defend themselves. Her father let out a loud sigh.
    “Yes, he did give us some extra payment to speed things up. I care for your happiness, but now you are going to answer to someone else and how he chooses to treat and address you will be his business.”
    “Honey. Is this about Corinna?” Her mother stood. “It’s okay that you’re nervous. But you got yourself quite a catch. You will have a fabulous life.”
    “You two don’t care you’ll never see me again?” Mia asked. “What if I’m beaten? Will you just send me back to die?”
    “You’ll have your own family soon and they will matter more than us,” her mother said.
    Her parents’ calm demeanor frustrated Mia more than ever.
    “You’re getting married on Friday. End of discussion,” said her father.
    “Technically, I gave you the money, because without me he wouldn’t be offering anything!” Irritation grew deep inside Mia.
    “He is paying me for my permission. You have no say.” Her father started to get agitated. “This conversation is over.”
    Mia tried to speak again, but she wasn’t sure arguing would help. Her parents returned to their smiley, happy