YBTM | Chapter 31
**Violet**
It has been a month since everything took place with Ted. It has been a whirlwind of a month and emotions as well. I still have nightmares about everything that happened and every time I wake up, Mike is there to comfort and soothe me. Over the past month, I have been going to therapy to deal with all the trauma. It has helped me cope, but having my friends and Mike by my side has been extremely helpful. They are always there to distract me and keep my mind off everything. It has not been easy but knowing that I am safe and no longer have to look over my shoulder is a blessing. Mike has not left my side, even for therapy, and when he has to go to meetings with daddy, Nicole is glued to my hip. Like right now. We are currently in the theatre room of the mansion Daddy gave us to live in.
The mansion is gorgeous. It's two stories tall, with marble floors and pristine walls. The artwork is amazing and breathtaking. We are in upstate New York in the middle of the mountains. The view takes my breath away every time I step out onto one of the many balconies. Right now, the air is crisp with fall around the corner. I am so grateful to Daddy for giving us this place to live.
"Are you even listening to me, Vi?" Nicole chided as she finished painting my nails.
She has been doing my makeup, hair, and nails all day. No matter how much I press her for answers, she stays tight-lipped.
"Sorry." I sighed, lifting my eyes to meet her. "Just thinking about everything."
"Therapy going okay?" she asked as she placed my hand under the UV light to finish my nails.
"It is." I sighed, taking a deep breath. "I know he's gone and all, but it still feels like he could come back any second."
"I dare him to." Nicole growled, closing the paint bottle. "I'll send him right back to hell, if the devil even accepted him in the first place." she snorted at the last part.
"You didn't." I faked a gasp as I let out a chuckle. It's been weeks since I let out a genuine laugh or chuckle.
"Oh, you know I did." she leaned back and blew on her nails.
"So..." I drawled out. "...going to tell me why we're playing dress up?"
"Uh..." she fidgeted in her seat. "...I...umm..." she stuttered just as her phone rang.
"Saved by the ring." I rolled my eyes.
She answered the call, then got up and went to my walk-in closet. When the UV light shut off, I pulled my hands back and admired the beautiful shade of red she had on my nails. I usually don't get red on my nails, but she said it would go with my outfit, whatever that meant.
"She'll be ready!" I heard her shout in annoyance. She then came out of the closet with the most gorgeous red dress I've ever seen.
It was a floor length red satin strapless mermaid maxi dress. It looked sleek and stretchy with knit satin shapes, a strapless bodice with a flattering seam and a fold-over detail at the neckline. The fitted waist looked to sit atop a figure-skimming mermaid skirt with a thigh-high side slit at the front, ending at a maxi hem. The zipper/clasp was hidden at the side. I looked at the dress in awe. It looked so expensive, yet elegant.
"Isn't it gorgeous?!" Nicole exclaimed as I stood there gawking at the dress.
"It...it..." I couldn't find the words. It was stunning. I was hoping I could pull it off and look good in it.
"I know that look." she tsked, putting her hand on her hip. "You'll look amazing in it! Now, come!" she turned on her heel and headed back into the closet.
I followed her, and after ten minutes, I was in the dress, standing in front of a floor-length mirror. Nicole was touching up my hair as I ran my hands down the smooth material. It almost felt like I was wearing nothing at all. "Oh, Mike is going to die when he sees you."
"Please don't say that." I grimaced.
"Too soon?" she looked over my shoulder at me through the mirror.
"A bit."
"Time to go!" she squealed just as her phone went off. "We're coming!"
I took a deep breath then followed her out of the closet. Before leaving the room, I slipped on a pair of silver heels to match the dress. I also got my necklace and bracelet daddy had gotten me for my sweet sixteen. Once that was done, we headed downstairs. As we descended the stairs, chatter could be heard from everyone waiting.
"Oui Capodastre." I heard someone say. Was Daddy here? I thought he was back in France with Momma. To my surprise, it was not daddy they were talking to.
Once my foot hit the last step, everyone turned toward me. The only person I saw was Mike though. He was standing amongst daddy's me in an impeccable black suit that did him no justice. The jacket and button down he was wearing looked like it was about to bust off from how tightly fitted they sat around his muscles. As my eyes found his, all the air left my lungs. He was looking at me like I was the only person to ever exist and ready to kill anyone who dared to look at me. "Bellissima." he said as he walked over to me.
He snaked his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him. It took me some time to get used to him touching me again, but I reminded myself that this was Mike, and he would never hurt me. He never has and I believe he never will. It took about two weeks before I was comfortable being alone with him, another week before I let him near me, and just last week I let him touch me again. It has been a long road, but with the help of Nicole, I am slowly getting there. "Amour." I whispered as I relaxed against his touch.
"You ready?" he asked as he ran his nose along mine.
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"Yeah, but for what?" I looked up at him through my lashes.
"You'll see." he pecked my lips, then stood back to take my hand.
He nodded to the men in the room, and everyone dispersed at his command. Taking my hand in his, he led me from the house to an awaiting black Audi SUV. He opened my door for me then slid in next to me. His arm went around my shoulders as the car took off down the long driveway to a destination unknown to me. This time, I didn't mind not knowing, since I was with Mike and knew he would never hurt me.
-
We drove for about an hour before I could hear the sound of rushing water in the distance. As soon as I heard the water, I knew we were at Niagara Falls. It wasn't that far from where Daddy's mansion was, and I loved it here. It was one of my favorite places to visit when I was growing up. I remember coming here with momma and daddy one year when I was in my teens and told them how romantic it was. Daddy wasn't happy about it, but Momma and I talked about all the possibilities that could happen here. From a romantic lunch, a romantic boat ride, and even a wedding. Ever since that day, I have wanted someone to come here and share those moments with me. Looks like Daddy told Mike about that day since we were both dressed to the nines and parking in the VIP parking area.
Mike said something to the driver before getting out and walking over to my side of the car. He took my hand as I got out and looked all around. I noticed we were at my favorite restaurant, "The Table Rock Restaurant", since it had amazing views. Not one to disappoint, we were led to the best table in the place with the best view. Once the host left us, I stood and looked out at the view.
"Vi?" Mike said, bringing me back to the present.
As I turned around to face him, I gasped and covered my mouth at what I saw before me.
**A/N**
Hello everyone! I apologize for the delay in updating this story. I went through a rough time this April with the passing of my father. I also was debating on leaving this story where chapter 30 left off or giving a few epilogues. I decided to write a few more chapters. This is the second time in a week I am updating a story, and I hope everyone can bear with me as I get through this time. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.