"What do you mean I can't get a divorce?" I asked.
"This is our family's tradition Veronica," Callus cut in sharply. "You know the family secret now. You're bound to it. That's how we've kept the Ravens wealthy for generations, loyalty, blood, and flesh."
I blinked, trying to process his words. So the secret of their wealth was some sick twisted fantasy?
What drugs where these people on? I needed it and more.
"I caught my husband screwing his mother, and you want me to stay here and sing kumbaya… pretending like it's normal?"
"It's not pretending if it's the truth," Joanne purred, leaning closer to Paul. He pressed a kiss to her temple without shame.
My stomach turned. "You people are insane..."
"That's enough," Callus snapped. His voice carried the kind of authority that didn't just silence a room it strangled it.
"You're already part of the cycle now. You'll give Paul a son, and when he's of age, he'll continue the tradition with you. Just as I did with my mother. Just as Paul has done with Joanne. Just as our ancestors have done for centuries."
I felt the blood drain from my face. His mother was his lover too?
"Veronica, you'll be briefed today in how to go about it. As for sex with Paul, forget it." Mrs Raven said.
"Your marriage with Paul was only for show. Paul's seed will be injected in you by our family doctor. Pray you have a son because I doubt you can stay any longer." She mumbled the last part.
"Every first male child of the Raven family is his mother's husband. You and your son can decide if you want more children like I did with Paul and that is how Ruben and Nelly were born." My head spun at her words.
I glanced at Ruben and Nelly who said nothing. Paul was their father and not their sibling?
I always thought Mrs Raven had had issues having children that's why it seems like there was so much age gap between her children.
What the FUCK!?
"You'll have to fuck your son once he's four that way you'll be able to groom him very well on how to be your husband."
"Isn't that beautiful. We get to build our husbands the way we want. At least they won't cheat on us like other people." My mouth hung open. Maybe I didn't hear correctly...
Maybe I'm in some kind of dream...
I couldn't bare to listen anymore.
This was madness.
"That is true," the old woman across the table said with a proud smile. "I was Callus's first. Every Raven man begins and ends with his mother. That's why our blood stays strong… and our fortune untouched."
"Marriages are only for show and nothing more. Ruben will be married, but Nelly is his real lover. Nelly will be married, but Ruben is her true lover. If their spouses want lovers, they could breed and fuck them."
I couldn't breathe. My heart pounded so hard it hurt. "This is abuse. This is evil. You can't force me into this..."
"You have no choice," Callus said flatly. "If you try to run or speak to anyone about it, we'll ruin you. You'll lose your family, your name, everything."
"You're a nobody Veronica don't forget that. Your family are poor. Don't think you can withstand us." Mr Callus threatened.
I turned to Paul. This is not the future he promised me. This was not the love I had envisioned for us. "Say something Paul!!" I yelled at him, treas brimming from my eyes but Paul only smiled.
"Father has said everything, what more do you want me to say?"
"You'll get used to it, darling. It's only horrifying the first time. After that… you start to crave it." Joanne said with a smile.
These people were trying to convince me into thinking it's normal to sleep with a four years old.
What the freaking hell is wrong with them?
"Don't try to talk me into your madness, I will never touch my own child like that. I'm not crazy like you."
"That's what Mother said, too. Didn't you, Mom? And now look at you, you can't even sleep without me in your bed." Paul said, his tone almost bored.
Laughter rippled around the table again as Paul kissed his mother.
"Relax Nica, you'll be fine. The faster you accept your fate the better for everyone. And remember, if you tell any soul about this, your punishment wouldn't just be death." Joanne said.
"I'll make sure your stupid greedy mother suffers. I'll ruin your brother's life and that of your clumsy sister." She added.
They were bullying me because I was poor. My larvish lifestyle and everything I own in this life was bought by Paul. I was nothing without them.
They had elevated my family's status, sent my brother abroad, made my sister one of the biggest fashion model in the country and changed my mother's life completely. My father's health had improved drastically all thanks to the Ravens family.
I was truly nothing without them. Now, I'm forced to join their cult.
"What do you say Nica? Do you want to leave to your doom or stay here with us and enjoy the comfort of being a Raven?" Joanne asked.
"Do not forget." She added. "Your father still needs care. If you want him alive, then you know what to do." Tears rolled down my eyes. I had no idea what I had gotten into. There was really no way out of this.
I couldn't let my family suffer because of my decision. Father has suffered more than enough.
Now I realize why Paul had decided to marry me instead, even though there were lots of wealthy girls flocking at his feet. Back then I used to think it was love, but now I realize I was the only easy target in his pawn.
"Please." I pleaded.
"I... I wouldn't tell anyone. You can make me sign an NDA or anything, but let me live my life." I begged.
"I'm sorry Vero, there's no way out of this."