Scarlet Vows: Trapped in the Mafia's Embrace

Alessia Rossi twirled in front of the mirror, watching snowflakes dance outside her bedroom window. Her reflection smiled back-dark wavy hair tumbling past her shoulders, storm-gray eyes bright with happiness. The diamond ring on her finger caught the light, sending tiny rainbows across her cream-colored walls. "Perfect," she whispered, touching the ring. Three more days until Christmas Eve, when Luca would announce their engagement to the whole family. Her heart fluttered at the thought. The smell of her mother's famous cinnamon cookies floated up the stairs. Alessia's stomach growled.

She slipped on her fuzzy red slippers and hurried downstairs, following the delicious scent. "There's my beautiful daughter!" Papa kissed her cheek as she entered the kitchen. He smelled like his expensive cologne and the pine trees they sold at his Christmas tree lot. "How's the future Mrs. Ricci?" Alessia blushed. "Papa, we haven't told everyone yet!" Mama winked from the kitchen counter where she rolled dough. "Your father can't keep a secret to save his life. That's why I never tell him his birthday surprises." "Is Isabella coming home today?" Alessia grabbed a warm cookie, the cinnamon melting on her tongue. Papa's smile faded a little. "Your sister's flight lands at noon. I'm picking her up soon." Alessia tried not to let her happiness dim. Isabella was... complicated. Her older sister always wanted what Alessia had. But this Christmas would be different. Isabella had to be happy for her engagement, right? Her phone buzzed. Luca's handsome face lit up the screen. "Meeting canceled! Lunch at Bella Rosa in 30 minutes?" his text read. Alessia's heart skipped. Lunch with her handsome fiancé at their favorite restaurant? Yes, please! "I have to go," she told her parents, already rushing upstairs to change. "Luca's taking me to lunch!" "Don't be late for dinner!" Mama called after her. "I'm making your favorite pasta!" Twenty minutes later, Alessia stepped out of her car at Bella Rosa. The restaurant glowed with Christmas lights. Through the window, she spotted Luca at their usual table, checking his expensive watch. Her breath caught just looking at him. Tall, with perfect dark hair and a smile that made her knees weak. And he had chosen her. "There's my girl," Luca stood as she approached, kissing her cheek. His lawyer suit was perfectly pressed, his tie the exact shade of navy blue that matched his eyes. "You look beautiful," he said, helping her into her chair. "It's just jeans and a sweater," Alessia laughed. "You could wear a potato sack and outshine everyone." He winked, pouring her a glass of water. Their waiter appeared instantly. Luca ordered for both of them without asking what she wanted-pasta for her, steak for him. Alessia didn't mind. He always remembered her favorites. "How was your morning?" she asked. "Busy. Big case." He straightened his silverware. "The Romano family wants me to represent them. It would be huge for my career." "That's wonderful!" Alessia reached for his hand. Luca squeezed her fingers. "Your father helped set up the meeting. He knows everyone in this city." Alessia nodded proudly. Papa's tree business made him popular with rich families who bought giant Christmas trees every year. He had connections everywhere. "Speaking of your father," Luca lowered his voice, "I asked for his blessing yesterday." Alessia gasped. "You did? What did he say?" "He cried." Luca grinned. "Then he hugged me so hard I thought my ribs would crack." Their food arrived, steaming and delicious. Alessia twirled pasta around her fork, happiness bubbling inside her. "Three more days until we announce it," she said. "Christmas Eve will be perfect." Luca's phone buzzed. He frowned at the screen. "Sorry. Work." While he typed a response, Alessia watched families outside the window. A little girl in a red coat pressed her nose against the glass of the toy store next door. Someday, that would be her daughter, she thought. Her and Luca's children would have Christmas traditions just like the ones she grew up with. "Isabella's coming home today," she told Luca when he put his phone down. His fork paused halfway to his mouth. "Is she? How long is she staying?" "Through New Year's," Alessia sighed. "I hope she's in a good mood." Luca nodded. Everyone knew Isabella could be difficult. "Maybe she's changed," he suggested, but didn't sound convinced. After lunch, Luca walked her to her car. Snowflakes started falling again, landing in his dark hair. "See you at dinner tomorrow night?" she asked. "Wouldn't miss it." He brushed a snowflake from her cheek. "I love you, Alessia Rossi." "I love you too," she whispered, rising on tiptoes to kiss him. As she drove home, Christmas music playing on the radio, Alessia couldn't imagine being happier. She had everything-a wonderful fiancé, a loving family, a beautiful home, and her favorite holiday approaching. The Rossi house glowed with Christmas lights when she pulled into the driveway. Through the front window, she could see the massive tree Papa had picked out, covered in ornaments collected over decades. Tomorrow they would finish decorating it. Alessia stepped inside, stamping snow from her boots. Voices drifted from the kitchen-Papa was back with Isabella. Taking a deep breath, Alessia plastered on a smile and walked toward the kitchen. She hadn't seen her sister in months. Maybe Isabella had changed. Maybe this Christmas would be perfect after all. She paused in the doorway. Isabella sat at the kitchen counter, blonde curls perfect despite her long flight. She wore a designer outfit that probably cost more than Alessia's monthly pay from the bookstore where she worked part-time. "Alessia!" Isabella's voice was honey-sweet as she stood to hug her. "There's my baby sister!" Alessia returned the hug stiffly. Something cold pressed against her hand-Isabella's fingers, touching her engagement ring. When they pulled apart, Isabella's green eyes flashed to the diamond. "What's this? Is someone engaged?" Mama and Papa exchanged worried glances. "We're announcing it Christmas Eve," Mama explained quickly. "It's supposed to be a secret." Isabella's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Luca finally proposed? How... sweet." The way she said Luca's name made Alessia's skin prickle. "We're very happy," Alessia said firmly. "I'm sure." Isabella sipped her coffee. "So happy that you're wearing the ring before the announcement." Heat rose to Alessia's cheeks. "I was just trying it on." Isabella shrugged, turning to Papa. "Didn't you say we're invited to the Moretti Christmas party tomorrow? Will Luca be there?" "The Morettis?" Alessia frowned. "The family that owns half the city? Since when do we get invited to their parties?" "Since your sister made friends with Dante Moretti's cousin in Milan," Papa explained proudly. "Isabella has important connections now." Something cold settled in Alessia's stomach. Isabella's smile turned sharp as a knife. "Yes," her sister purred. "Very important connections. And Luca would be smart to meet them. His law firm would benefit." She tapped her manicured nails on the counter. "I'll make sure to introduce him properly." Alessia suddenly felt like she couldn't breathe. The kitchen seemed too small, too hot. The way Isabella said Luca's name... it wasn't right. "I need to unpack," Isabella announced, standing gracefully. She kissed Papa's cheek. "My gifts for everyone are in the big red suitcase. Don't peek!" As Isabella swept past, she paused beside Alessia. "That ring is gorgeous," she whispered, low enough that their parents couldn't hear. "I always thought it would look better on my finger, though." Before Alessia could respond, Isabella was gone, her expensive perfume lingering in the air. Mama resumed baking as if nothing had happened. Papa checked his watch and mumbled about a delivery. But Alessia stood frozen, her perfect day suddenly cracking like ice on a warming pond. She looked down at her diamond ring, the one Luca had slipped on her finger with promises of forever. For the first time, it felt heavy, like a shackle instead of a dream. Isabella was home. And something told Alessia that her perfect life was about to shatter.