THE MAFIA's BROKEN BRIDE

ELENA

I stared at myself in the mirror.

My wedding dress hung over my body like it was made for me, tears streaming down my face, each drop a silent scream.

"It's time," Alessia's voice cut through the haze, her hands gently wiping the tears from my eyes. "Crying is not going to solve this issue. Do not let Papà see you like this. It will infuriate him more".

I didn't answer. There was nothing left to say.

The doors opened and mamma came in, glancing quickly at my tear streamed face.

"You've ruined your makeup," she muttered, her voice cold with disapproval.

"Mamma, please," I pleaded, my voice breaking, "I don't want to do this. don't make me marry him".

She gave me a sharp look. "Your papà is the one you should be telling, but don't do that, he won't listen. This is the consequences of your actions: live with it".

"The consequences of my actions", I repeated her words, I couldn't even be angry because I knew she was right.

"Let's go" she nudged me forward.

I stood, my legs shaking and Alessia quickly stepped in to fix my makeup.

We left the room, my heart pounding as we stepped into the hallway. Papà waited there. Arms stretched out, a silent command to join him. I linked my arms through his, staring at him without speaking, my gaze heavy with everything I couldn't say.

"Don't look at me like that". He snapped, his tone flat.cold. Now, smile. Look like this is what you wanted".

And so, I did.

THREE MONTHS AGO

The loud music thrummed through my body, the neon lights flashing in chaotic patterns as I took another sip of my cocktail, the bitter liquid sliding down my throat, but it did nothing to dull the weight pressing in my chest.

Around me, my friends were lost in the euphoria, swaying to the beat, celebrating freedom,the last taste of it before adulthood took hold. But I wasn't celebrating, I wasn't even present.

This wasn't how I expected my Graduation night to feel. I expected to feel free, done with the countless lectures and tests but I wasn't. I felt trapped, something heavy pressing on me. Maybe it was the unspeakable fact that my life isn't mine anymore. I was done with college, which meant I had to look into the family business, to help out in any way I could. And What better way to help your family than to be thrown to rich, old, Italian men.

Lost in thought, I had no idea someone was standing beside me until I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I turned, my brows knitting together at the sight of a man dressed in all black, his eyes unreadable. The kind of eyes that could see straight through you, to the bones. He was a bodyguard.I could feel it in the way he carried himself, unshakable, controlled.

"Someone in VIP wants to see you." He said.

I blinked, startled. "Who?"

He didn't answer, only stepped back, waiting, an unspoken command to follow.

I should have said no, Should have walked away, turned back to the friends I was pretending to enjoy time with. But something in me, something reckless urged me forward.

Four years of college I stayed true, pure, not wanting to do anything that will destroy my family's reputation. but if this was my last night of freedom, I might as well make it count.

The VIP section was quieter. the atmosphere heavier, more exclusive. And then I saw him.

He sat in the corner booth, lounging with the ease of a man who owned everything around him, a glass of whiskey in hand, his presence effortlessly commanding. His sharp features were framed by dark hair, his suit perfectly tailored to his muscular frame, as if it were a second skin. Power radiated from him, but not the loud, brash kind. No, his was a quiet, almost dangerous command. One that made people look, listen, obey.

I had no idea who he was. but I felt him before I even got close.

"You took your time," he said smoothly, voice deep and laced with something almost... amused.

I hesitated, thrown off by the weight of his presence. "I wasn't aware I was expected."

He smirked, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he slid a drink towards me. "Sit. Drink."

It wasn't a suggestion. It was a command.

Every instinct screamed at me to walk away. to run. But Instead I took the glass.

And that was my first mistake.

I took the glass, my fingers brushing against his sending a jolt of electricity through me, and I barely suppressed a shiver.

His gaze never left me, dark, curious, unreadable.

I should have been wary. I should have turned and walked away, leaving this man behind. But instead, I brought the glass to my lips, taking a slow sip.

The whiskey burned, smooth and strong, sliding down my throat. He smirked, as though I had passed some unspoken test.

"Good girl."

Something about the way he said it sent a shiver down my spine. I wasn't sure if it was fear or something else entirely.

I put the glass down, locking eyes with him. "Who are you?"

He tilted his head slightly, like he was offended by the question. "You don't know who I am?"

"Should I?"

He chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. "If you don't, that's fine".

His arrogance should have irritated me, but instead, it intrigued me. I wasn't the type to be drawn to dangerous things, but tonight, something about him made me want to forget caution.

"So tell me", He said leaning forward slightly, "do you always follow strangers when they call for you?"

I crossed my legs, lifting my chin. "Do you always expect women to come when you summon them?"

"And yet, you did"

A flutter of discomfort twisted in my stomach, but I held my ground. He was right. This was wrong in so many levels, yet I couldn't pull away.

He shifted closer, His face inching closer to mine, and my breath caught as his hand moved, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers brushed my skin, sending a wave of heat I couldn't ignore.

"Relax." His voice was low, smooth like silk. "Tonight is about pleasure. nothing else."

My heart raced. The noise in the club fading into the background, replaced by the thudding of my pulse.

Then he leaned closer still, his lips brushing my ear. "Come home with me."

It wasn't a question.

It wasn't even a request.

It was a command.

And in that moment, I broke every rule I'd ever made. I whispered, "Okay."