Underworld Unions

Before the first blush of dawn could soften the dark contours of the Tuscan hills, an uneasy silence enveloped the Verez estate. This fortress, draped in shadows, felt more like a battleground than a home on this fateful morning. Inside the mansion's study, where generations of Verez leaders had plotted their ascensions, Santino Verez stood rigid by the window. His eyes, hardened with a simmering resentment, reflected none of the estate's incredible beauty. Today, those eyes saw only a future he neither desired nor chose.

The study door creaked ominously as Don Verez, patriarch of the Verez dynasty, entered. His footsteps, each calculated echo against the marble, halted behind his son.

"You're here." Said the father as he slowly walked in.

"Usually, I enjoy coming here to discuss business with you. But it looks like this time will be different."

"Not unless you follow my orders."

Santino looked at his father as he reached for his cigar box. A Toscano cigar box. Santino knew what that meant. His father was getting serious. Without another word, Don Verez lit up a cigar and took a large drag. While letting out a large puff of smoke, he walked towards the window Santino was standing next to.

"Quite the sight to behold, don't you think?" Asked Don Verez as his eyes scanned the scenery outside the window.

"It used to be. Now it seems a little more...crowded."

Don Verez gave him a side eye and took another drag. He stared at the crowd seated and patiently waiting for the main event. The decorations all around the Verez estate garden were extraordinary. Like something out of a fairy tale. But this fairy tale was missing a very important thing.

"You need to get back down there."

"Father. I have told you time and time again. I do not want to get married."

"I know. But your feelings on the matter are invalid."

Santino clenched his fists in anger. His life was taking a path he tried to avoid at all costs. He did not want to be tied down. He did not want to commit to someone he barely knew. And most of all, he did not want to be married.

"Father! I..."

"You will marry Ann John and that's final!" Flared his father as he slammed his fist on the table. "Unless you want to sleep at the bottom of the lake this night, I suggest you keep your feelings to yourself."

The Verez heir's blood boiled but kept his mouth shut. He knew better than anyone what it meant to defy his father. And that was one line he was not going to cross. At least not yet. Don Verez's eyes softened a bit. He turned off his cigar and turned to his son.

"Listen to me figlio mio." Said his father as he arranged his bow tie. "This alliance is extremely important for our family's future. Your future. The Verez family has been the strongest for generations because the Verez patriarchs have made the necessary sacrifices to keep us at the top. And now...", continued Don Verez as he patted his son on his shoulders, "it's your turn."

Santino released his fists and took a deep breath.

"Very well, father. I'll do as you say. As much as I hate this, as long as the Verez family gains something out of this, then I'll do my part."

"Trust me, Santino, I don't like this either. If it wasn't for their influence in the African black market, I wouldn't have agreed to an alliance with these people." Said the father in disgust. "But like I said, for the sake of the Veres dynasty, sacrifices must be made."

Santino took one last look outside the window. Everyone was still seated, but he could tell that they were all getting impatient. He then closed his eyes and sighed.

"Alright. Let's get this over with."

The two Verez leaders left the study and made their way towards the wedding venue. As everyone saw them coming, they all straightened up and got back in their positions. Don Verez gave his son one more pat on the back and took his seat next to Chief John, the father of the bride.

"I was thinking you were not going to show up anymore. That maybe you two ran away." Chuckled the chief.

"Nonsense. We are about to become family, my brother. In fact, I already consider us one." Said Don Verez with a reassuring smile.

"Ehe. That is very good to hear. We would not want this alliance to start off badly, eh?" Smiled Chief John as he arranged his Okpu-Agu cap.

That cap signified his leadership and status. He was a very proud Nigerian who would end anyone who dared to cross him. But even he knew he would have a tough time against the Verez. So as not to end up in a potential conflict with them in the future, he knew he had to secure an alliance. One that would not only give him proper assurance that the John family and Verez family would never go to war but also give him access to the European back market. And that was the main thing he was after. The expansion of his empire. And that's where she came in.

Suddenly, the piano began to play, and the doors at the end of the aisle opened wide. Everyone eagerly stood at their feet and turned to face the opened doors. And out came her. The one that would make this alliance possible. She was as beautiful as the rumors said. Everyone stared in awe at the young woman with smooth dark skin, enveloped in a gown so white, it would make snow look black. All eyes were on her. All except for her groom-to-be. His eyes were fixed on the mansion. He still did not approve. He did not even want to be there. But he needed to remind himself that he was doing this for the Verez family. It was his duty. At least, that's what he told himself.

She finally made her way to the altar. He could not see it, but he felt it. She was looking at him from the corner of her eye. This was her husband-to-be. She heard so much about THE Santino Verez. How handsome he was, how tall he was, how rich he was, but most importantly, how cruel he was. She thought she knew what she was getting herself into, but now that she was at the altar with this man, she realized she didn't know anything about him but what the rumors said. Who was she about to marry?

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony," the priest began, his voice echoing softly through the outdoor speakers. "Marriage is a sacred union, a covenant that should not be entered into lightly but reverently, advisedly, and with a deep understanding of its obligations and responsibilities. Let us pray that these two individuals may undertake this union with honor, love, and integrity."

He turned to Santino, who stood rigid, his eyes betraying none of the joy such an occasion might warrant.

"Santino Verez, do you take Ann John to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"And do you, Ann John, take Santino Verez to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," she said softly, squeezing Santino's hand, trying to forge a connection, a sign that maybe they could find happiness together.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

As Santino leaned in to kiss Ann, polite applause erupted from the crowd. The couple then walked down the aisle, hand in hand, as guests showered them with rose petals, a picturesque moment that seemed to promise a beautiful beginning.

The reception unfolded in the vast ballroom of the estate, transformed into a scene from a fairy tale. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft light over the room, and tables adorned with ivory linens and towering centerpieces of peonies and roses filled the space. A live band played classical melodies that added to the ambiance of sophistication and celebration.

Guests mingled, laughter and conversation blended with the music. Santino and Ann made their entrance to cheers, their first dance a graceful waltz that drew admiring glances. During the dance, Ann leaned close to Santino, whispering, "Can we make this work? For us?"

Santino offered a tight smile, one that didn't reach his eyes, and whispered back, "Let's just enjoy tonight."

They took their seats at the grand table, where the formality was thick in the air. Santino's body was tense, his face barely hiding his displeasure with the whole event.

Don Veres rose to his feet, his voice strong as he addressed everyone.

"Today, we're not just celebrating a wedding. We're celebrating a powerful union." He lifted his glass. "To Santino and Ann, may this marriage be as solid and enduring as the empires we represent."

The guests cheered and raised their glasses, the sound of glass clinking filling the air. After that, Chief John stood up. His voice was deep and resonant as he spoke.

"Back home, we say a tree that stands through storms grows stronger. Today, our families unite, hoping this marriage will stand strong against any storm." He looked at his daughter with a gentle expression. "Ann, step into this marriage with the strength you've always had. May it bring us peace and success."

Everyone showed their approval, clearly moved by his heartfelt words.

Ann felt herself swept up in the magic of the celebration, her earlier apprehensions momentarily soothed by the joy and beauty of it all. Santino, too, played his part perfectly, smiling at the right moments and protectively wrapping his arm around her. Everything felt right, almost genuine.

Yet, as the final guests departed and the couple returned to the Verez mansion's stark reality, the day's enchantment faded swiftly. Santino's demeanor changed as soon as the door closed behind them. The warmth he had exhibited was gone, replaced by a cold, harsh tone as he unleashed his true feelings.

"It's because of you," he spat, the venom in his voice stark against the quiet of the expansive hall. "This whole arranged marriage mess is because of you. Because of you, I have to be stuck in this sham of a marriage. Now you'll see the consequences."

Ann backed away, her heart pounding as his harsh words sliced through the remnants of the day's joy.

"But I thought... maybe you could eventually...," she stammered, her voice breaking under the strain of her shattered dreams.

"Eventually what?! Love you? I'll never love you. Love? I gave up on that a long time ago, and it's all because of you. And as for making your life hell..." Santino leaned in closer, his eyes flashing with cruelty. "Let's just say you'll regret ever being part of this family. You should be embarrassed that you had to crawl your way into this family. Pathetic."

Crushed by his words, Ann fled to the guest room, locking herself away from the man she had just married. She knew it was too good to be true. She knew that there was no way this was going to work from the very beginning. But she was still a girl. A girl who had hoped and dreamt of her fairy tale ending. Unfortunately, those dreams were crushed, and the nightmare had begun. For three days, she remained there, isolated and broken, while Santino dealt with the repercussions of his actions under the stern guidance of his father.

"You need to make this work Santino."

"But father, I have done my duty. I married her. What more do you want me to do?"

"Do you think your duty ended with a single "I do"?" Asked his father, looking his son dead in his eyes. "That was just the beginning. Like it or not, this is your life now. The alliance was formed with those two little words. Such a small phrase that carries so much power. It carries an entire legacy that is meant to carry our dynasty on its shoulders for generations to come."

Santino sank in his seat at the realization of it all. He had to devote his life to this now. All his plans were now destroyed because of this marriage.

"You are no longer a child. You are the future of the Verez. Do you know what could happen if she tells her family what you did to her?" asked the father with a stern voice. "Not only will we lose our leverage in the African black market, but it could also start a long war between our two families. And I do not want to spend the remaining years of my life battling the entire African mafia because you couldn't show that girl a little kindness."

Santino's blood was boiling. Was this what his life came down to? Having to play house with a girl he had zero intentions of loving? He had better things to do than have to spend the rest of his days catering to this random girl's little fantasies.

"Now get back to her and make things right." Ordered Don Verez.

Santino stood from his seat and left. While on his way home, he pondered hard on the matter. He has been married for three days now, but he hasn't seen her since the wedding. His father's words kept repeating in his head. He thought hard about what this marriage really meant. Everything changed. She would have to always be with him and him with her. Business meetings, family functions, VIP events. He was tied down for life. The simple thought of it all drove him mad.

Santino drove home through the darkness, the weight of the evening pressing down on him. His thoughts, dark and turbulent, drove him straight to the wine cellar upon arriving at the mansion. The familiar clink of bottles echoed in the hollow space as he poured and drank, each glass a vain attempt to silence the storm inside him. With every swallow, the wine loosened the restraints on his emotions, blending anger with despair. He knew he should stop, that he was slipping further into a state he might regret, but the urge to numb the pain was too strong.

After what seemed like hours, his steps were unsteady and his mind clouded, Santino left the cellar. The halls of the mansion stretched out, dimly lit and foreboding, as he made his way to Ann's room. He had a vague plan to apologize, to make things right, but the alcohol twisted his intentions into a tangled mess. He reached her room and pushed the door open without a thought of knocking. Ann was there, her attention fixed on a movie playing on her laptop. The light from the screen illuminated her focused expression, isolating her in a bubble that Santino could not penetrate.

"Ann," he called out, his voice slurred and rough. His presence loomed in the doorway, a dark, wavering shape.

She barely glanced at him before returning her attention to her screen.

"What is it?"

Her indifference stung, fueling his simmering irritation.

"You're ignoring me? Now?" His words were sharp, laced with venom.

"I'm listening," Ann replied, pausing the movie with a sigh. "What do you want to talk about?"

Santino staggered into the room. He pointed at the laptop.

"This is what you care about? Not your husband?"

"I was just watching a movie, Santino. It's not a big deal," she tried to keep her voice calm, but it trembled slightly.

Enraged by her calm demeanor, Santino reached out to grab the laptop.

"This stupid thing is more important than me?"

Ann held onto her laptop, trying to pull it back.

"Don't be ridiculous, Santino, you're drunk. Just sit down and..."

But it was too late. In his clumsy, drunken state, Santino yanked too hard. The laptop slipped from Ann's grasp and crashed to the floor. The screen cracked, splintering light across the dark wood. A brief flicker of guilt washed over Santino as he stared at the wreckage. But it quickly evaporated, replaced by deep, seething anger.

"See what you made me do?!" he shouted, his voice echoing off the walls.

Ann's eyes widened as she finally realized the extent of his intoxication.

"You need to leave, Santino. You're drunk and you're not thinking clearly."

His face was contorted with fury as he took a step closer.

"You're telling me what to do now?! In my own house?! You've grown some balls ever since you got my name, haven't you?"

The air between them charged with tension, Ann held her ground, though fear flickered in her eyes.

"Yes, I am. Because you're not yourself right now."

Without warning, Santino's hand shot out, striking her across the face. The slap rang out, sharp and cruel, a violent punctuation to their conversation.

Ann recoiled, her hand flying to her cheek, her skin already reddening from the impact. Her eyes widened and she shot him a stare. Not just from the pain but from the shock and realization of what her life had become. All along she thought she prepared herself for this, but she now saw she was wrong. Forget loving her, this man couldn't even understand the concept of kindness. Santino Verez was just another man fueled by his own ego. And she was not going to stick around and become his bitch.

As the sting of the slap lingered, Ann's shock transformed into resolution. Her mind was set. Her eyes were clear. She gave Santino such a stern look that even he was taken aback by it. Quietly, she stood up and began packing her things swiftly and methodically. Clothes, essentials, her shattered laptop, each item stacked neatly into her suitcase. Santino, still clouded by drinks but sensing the shift in the room, watched her movements with growing dismay.

"What are you doing?" he demanded, his voice a mix of anger and desperation.

"I'm leaving, Santino," Ann said, her voice steady now, her decision clear.

"You plan to leave your husband?" He said with a slightly surprised tone as if the idea were unthinkable.

Ann paused, zipping her suitcase with deliberate slowness.

"Oh, don't you worry. I will still be your wife, Santino. I am not going to change that. But you made it clear that we cannot live together. But in the future, if there's ever an event, a family gathering where we must appear together, call me. I'll come. I can play my role in front of them." Her words were firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

"And the rest of the time?" Santino's voice cracked, a blend of frustration and realization dawning on him.

"Do whatever you want," Ann replied, her tone cold. "If you want to be with other women, go ahead. You have total freedom. You won't have to bother with my own existence, and I won't bother with yours. We are married in name only after all."

Without waiting for his response, Ann carried her suitcase and began to leave the room. Santino engulfed with rage and with two and a half bottles of whiskey, stared in disbelief as she headed for the door. Nobody turns their back on Santino Verez. Nobody dares to frustrate him. In a blind rage, he grabbed a vase and hurled it at her head.

"WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TO LEAVE ME?!! I AM SANTINO VEREZ! I OWN YOU NOW!!!"

The vase narrowly missed her and smashed against the wall next to her, a broken shard grazing her other cheek. A red streak dripped from the small cut. Ann gently touched the injured cheek and then looked at her fingers. Blood.

"So this is what it means to turn the other cheek." She whispered softly.

Slowly she turned to him. Her dead, cold eyes made chills run down the drunk Santino's spine. Only his father ever had that effect on him. She shook her head and left the room. Ann's steps were heavy as she left the mansion, her suitcase dragging slightly behind her on the gravel path. The cold night air bit at her cheeks. She felt a mix of relief and anxiety as she approached the taxi that would take her away from the place she had briefly called home. This was meant to be her fairy tale. Her happy ending. But now she knew that happy endings did not exist. At least not for her. Every inch, every mile that separated her from Santino made her breathe a little easier, though the ache in her heart reminded her of everything that had gone down in the last hour.

After leaving the mansion, Ann found peace in the thought of her destination. Mei-Mei's inn, a known refuge for those entangled in the complexities of the underworld. Mei-Mei, a 25-year-old innkeeper with Yakuza affiliations, was not just the proprietor of this sanctuary but most importantly, she was just what she needed on this hellish night. A cherished friend. As the daughter of a high-ranking Yakuza leader, Mei-Mei chose a different path. To use her yakuza lineage to establish a safe haven instead of promoting violence. Her inn, located in the Italian countryside, acted as neutral ground for mafia members and offered protection and assistance to those like Ann, seeking a break from their chaotic lives.

When Ann arrived at Mei-Mei's inn, she felt the warmth inviting her in. Mei-Mei opened the door before Ann could knock. Her presence was immediately comforting, a strong support for Ann in her troubled time. Mei-Mei looked at Ann closely, noticing the marks on both cheeks, the determination in her red, tired eyes, and how tightly her jaw was set.

"I don't even need to ask, do I?" Mei-Mei asked with a tone that had a blend of concern and anger.

Ann forced a weak smile, her eyes reflecting the pain she felt.

"Let's just say, the fairytale is over. Can I stay here for a while?"

"Of course, you can," Mei-Mei responded without hesitation, her voice firm and reassuring.

Mei-Mei moved aside, letting Ann walk into the cozy inn. As they went down the hall, the walls were decorated with art that showed Mei-Mei's cultural background, soft ink paintings, and detailed woodblock prints that made the place feel warm and welcoming. The inn was more than just a building. It was the safety she needed after the last few days of nothing but nightmares.

Mei-Mei took Ann to a room on the second floor. It was a large, nicely decorated room that mixed Japanese and Italian styles. A big window looked out into a quiet garden, where the moonlight made shadows dance on the ground from the moving trees.

"This room is yours from now on." Said Mei-Mei, placing Ann's suitcase by the wardrobe. "Stay here as long as you want. He won't be able to touch you ever again while you're here."

Ann looked around, her tired eyes laying on a small Zen garden set on the windowsill.

"Thank you."

Mei-Mei nodded, her eyes softening.

"You don't have to thank me, Ann. I'm here for you. You're safe here, and that's what matters now."

They sat down on the edge of the bed, and Ann let out a long, exhausted sigh.

"I left everything behind. I just couldn't take it anymore."

Mei-Mei brought out a med kit and began patching up her cut cheek.

"You did what you needed to do to protect yourself. And about what to do next, you'll figure it out. You're strong, Ann. Stronger than you realize. And I'll be here to help you through it all. I promise."

Ann nodded, feeling the truth and comfort in Mei-Mei's words.

"I just never thought it would come to this. I got married just three days ago and now look at me. Hiding from my own husband."

"I knew he was a good for nothing. But let's not worry about him for now." Mei-Mei assured her, her tone determined. "For now, rest. You've been through a lot. We can talk about everything else tomorrow."

"Thank you, Mei-Mei. Really, I don't know what I would do without you."

"Of course you wouldn't." Joked Mei-Mei as she hugged her friend tightly. "And I'll always be here no matter what, okay?"

Ann simply nodded as Mei-Mei held her tight. She found comfort in the possibility of a fresh start. As Mei-Mei left the room, Ann felt the weight of the day start to lift, replaced by a little bit of optimism about the future. In the silence of her new room, with the soft rustle of the trees outside, Ann put her head on her pillow and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room where Ann had found refuge at Mei-Mei's inn. The soft and serene sounds of the countryside were soothing compared to the tense silence of the Verez mansion. Mei-Mei entered with a tray, the aroma of fresh pastries and tea filling the air.

"Good morning, sunshine! How did you sleep?" Mei-Mei asked cheerfully, setting the tray down.

Ann sat up, a sense of peace washing over her for the first time in days.

"I slept really well. I haven't felt this well-rested in ages." Ann replied, managing a smile.

Mei-Mei's eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Well, there's nothing like a little countryside air and escaping your so-called husband to improve your sleep, right?"

Ann chuckled softly, grateful for Mei-Meis humor.

"Exactly."

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Mei-Mei's tone softened.

"So, ready to spill the tea on what happened? You know, besides escaping the clutches of your charming prince?"

Taking a deep breath, Ann began to recount the events that led her to flee.

"After the wedding, Santino changed. It was like he turned into someone I didn't even know. Cold, cruel..." Her voice faltered as she remembered.

Mei-Mei listened intently, her expression turning serious.

"This is why I don't get married. Men will just put their fat egos above everything and stay blind to anything else." Said Mei-Mei as she scoffed. "You've made a brave choice, Ann. It takes guts to walk away from someone who doesn't see your worth, especially in those heels."

Ann gave a weak laugh, appreciating Mei-Mei's attempt to keep the mood light.

"I guess so. I just never thought I'd be running away from my own wedding reception."

"There's a first time for everything," Mei-Mei said. "And you did it in style! Now, you're safe here. What's next?"

Ann sipped her tea, comforting her with its warmth.

"I need time to think, to figure out what to do next, without that life."

"And you'll have all the time you need," Mei-Mei assured her. "This inn isn't just a refuge from the underworld. It's a place to find yourself again. We specialize in new beginnings here, and breakfast pastries."

Grateful for Mei-Mei's support, Ann spent the morning exploring the inn's gardens, each step further affirming her decision. The contrast between this peaceful sanctuary and her life with Santino was immense, highlighting the freedom she now felt.

Meanwhile, Santino was pacing his study back at the Verez estate, his mind a tempest of frustration and guilt. He had spent the entire night on high alert, his desperation growing with each silent hour. Each passing second without word of Ann's whereabouts added a new layer of desperation to his already strained demeanor. His calls to Marco, his chief of security, had become more frequent and frantic.

"Marco!" he barked into his phone late one night, his voice sharp with frustration. "Tell me you have something."

Marco's weary yet firm voice came through, "Still nothing solid, boss. We've checked every lead and all her known contacts. It's like she's disappeared into thin air."

"Well unless she's a witch, that isn't possible. Keep looking, Marco. And keep this quiet. If my father hears of this, the consequences..." He said, not wanting to complete the sentence.

"Understood, boss. We're on it," Marco assured him, though the reassurance did little to quell Santino's growing anxiety.

As he hung up the phone, Santino's gaze landed on a photo of him and Ann, taken during the wedding. The sight of it twisted his gut with regret. Every night, his solitude was haunted by memories of their last encounter. The harsh words, the cruelty in his actions. The weight of his decisions bore down on him, keeping him awake, pacing on the cold marble floors.

Days turned into a week, and the silence from his men was unbearable. In a move of desperation, Santino reached out to his top-secret agent, a man so efficient and discreet he could solve any case with the smallest clues.

"I need you to find her," Santino commanded over the phone, his tone urgent, almost pleading. "Use whatever means necessary but keep it under the radar."

"Understood, Mr. Verez."

His cool, confident reply came through, offering a glimmer of hope in the darkness of Santino's despair.

Every passing hour after that call felt like an eternity. Santino tried to distract himself with work, with the management of his family's vast business interests, but his thoughts constantly drifted back to Ann. The mansion felt emptier than usual, the echoing halls a constant reminder of his isolation.

Finally, after the endless sleepless nights, his phone rang with a call from the agent. Santino answered immediately, his heart pounding in anticipation.

"Please tell me you found her."

"Yes sir. We've found her," he announced. "She's at an inn in the Italian countryside, well out of our usual areas. It's discreet, guarded, and off the grid."

"The Yakuza daughter's inn? I should have known that scheming woman would hide her from me."

Relief flooded through Santino, so intensely it nearly brought him to his knees.

"Don't approach her, just keep watch. I need to handle this personally," he instructed, his mind racing with plans to make amends, to rectify somehow the mess he had created.

As he ended the call, a huge sense of relief and realization of the task ahead fell on him. He walked over to the window, gazing out into the night. The stars seemed to shine a bit brighter, and the burden of uncertainty slightly lifted. He knew what he had to do.

"I'll make this right. Whatever it takes,"Santino murmured to himself, a newfound resolve steadying his voice. He couldn't change the past, but he was determined to fix the future.

For the first time in days, Santino felt a glimmer of hope. He knew the road to reconciliation would be filled with challenges, perhaps even danger, given the delicate nature of their families' connections, and the secrecy that covered their alliance. Not to mention the fact that he had to confront Mei-Mei, the daughter of a high-ranking Yakuza. But finding Ann, knowing she was safe, gave him the courage to face whatever came next.