Search for the Opera Ghost: Rewrite

XXIV.

Zuri could not believe that she was home. Time passed so quickly while she was at the opera house. She wished that she didn't have to leave him, but he obviously did not want to be rational. She sighed to herself as she watched her family's mansion grow larger as she neared it. Oh how she dreaded facing her father. She knew he would be giving her a stern talking to about how long she had been gone.

As she pulled up to her home she noticed a carriage parked out in front of the doors. 'Oh God,' she thought, 'not him.' At that moment she wanted to leave but knew that she couldn't. The man her father wanted her to marry was inside, she despised him and would do anything to escape him. However, since Erik no longer wanted her, she needed to marry as soon as possible to protect her reputation and the baby.

She hardened her resolve and finally stepped up to the door, hoping against hope that she would be able to survive her father's anger.

xxxx

Zuri found her brother Etienne first. His attitude still the same as it usually was. He agreed with their father on most things. "Where have you been?"

"Bordeaux. You know that."

"You lie through your teeth. You went to Paris after Father told you not to."

"I did not!" Zuri cried out.

"Zuri!"

She did not have to ask whose voice that belonged to, she knew in her heart that this was going to take a lot of explaining to her father. Turning around she saw her father descend the stairs in quick movements. "Yes Father?"

"Where on Earth have you been girl?! You were supposed be back weeks ago. Do you know how long you have kept your intended waiting?"

"You mean the man you chose to betroth me to." Zuri snapped back.

"Don't you take that tone with me you ungrateful little brat. You are the only one in this family who does not know her place."

"That is because I am the only female in this family. I despise it and I wish I was dead!"

He glared at her in disgust. "You go to your room Zuri. I do not want to hear another word from you until tomorrow. Maybe you will have a better appreciation for what I am doing for you then."

"Fine! I do not wish to be around you anyway!" Zuri cried out then rushed past her father to get to her room. "I hate you!" Tears fell down her cheeks as she thought about her father's cruelty. She could not believe how terrible he was to her. First it was Erik, now this. She did not know if she could survive such cruelty but she would for her baby.

xxxx

Erik's plan to retrieve his bride was a very simple yet effective one. He had found out before Zuri had left that she frequented her mother's tomb then went to church to pray on Sunday's. He decided he would steal the carriage and take it a private spot where he could discuss a few things with her. He would then marry her and take her back to Paris.

He smirked to himself. He knew that once he got her back there would be not excuses from her. Erik would have his bride no matter what the costs.