Banished Bride Returns With A Mafia King

Five years. That’s how long it's been since my ex, Nico Falcone, broke our engagement and my family kicked me out. The next time I see him, he's married to my cousin, Bianca Rossi. He grabs my hand in secret, offering to keep me as his mistress. He has no idea I’m about to marry the most powerful Don of all: Lucas Moretti.Five years, and I’m back at the New York mafia’s annual charity gala.“Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. The Rossi family’s disgraced little artist?”The mocking voice cut through the ballroom's chatter, sharp and clear.I stopped and slowly turned.The senator's daughter, Sophia, stood behind me, a glass of expensive red wine in her hand. Her little circle of friends fanned out behind her, all of them wearing the same hungry look. The look of people ready for a show.“Five years, Aurora Rossi.” Sophia’s voice was sickly sweet. “You… still have such unique taste.” She paused for effect. “Oh, wait. I forgot. You’re not a Rossi anymore, are you? Jilted. Disowne

Nico pulled Bianca tight against him, letting her bury her face in his chest.“Look at you, Aurora.” His gaze cut into me like a knife. “This is why I left you. You’ve always been this vicious, jealous, and out of control.”Bianca sobbed quietly in his arms, the picture of a wounded bird.“You come back after five years, and you’re still the same,” he seethed. “You think you’re still the Rossi family’s little princess? Wake up, Aurora. You’re not fit to shine Bianca’s shoes.”Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.Then he did something that made everyone gasp.He grabbed Bianca’s face and kissed her. Hard. Right there in front of everyone.It wasn’t a polite, social kiss. It was possessive, raw, and meant to be a show.Bianca looked surprised for a second, then melted into it, wrapping her arms around his neck. They kissed like they wanted the whole world to see how in love they were.Applause and whistles broke out.“Now that’s love!”“So romantic!”I watched the performance,

Footsteps.Slow. Deliberate. Heavy with power.The entire ballroom went silent.Even breathing stopped.Every head bowed. No one dared to look at the approaching figure.Not even Nico.The color drained from his face. His body trembled."Mr. Moretti." He bowed his head, his voice laced with fear.Bianca dropped into a panicked curtsy, her arrogance vanishing.Lucas Moretti stepped into view.Six-foot-two. A custom black suit fit his powerful frame perfectly.His face was carved from sharp angles and cold lines, like a Roman sculpture.But it was his eyes that held you.Black as night. Bottomless. They saw right through you.He scanned the room. His gaze landed on me."Mr. Moretti!" Bianca's voice was sudden and sharp. "This woman took your seat! She has no respect for you!"She pointed at me, her eyes glinting with malice."She was bad-mouthing you, saying the most ridiculous things..."Nico jumped in."Mr. Moretti, my deepest apologies." He sounded like he was begging. "Aurora... she'

Aurora's POVThe party was over.Guests filed out, nodding respectfully as they passed our table."Mr. Moretti, Miss Rossi. Have a wonderful evening.""Congratulations on your engagement..."A chorus of fake pleasantries.Lucas stood and draped his suit jacket over my shoulders."Let's go, baby."We walked toward the parking garage. The sound of our shoes echoed on the marble floor."Aurora!"A rough voice shouted from behind.I stopped and turned.Nico was storming toward us, his face dark, his eyes desperate."Wait." He was out of breath. "I need to talk to you."Lucas's face went cold."Mr. Falcone, I believe we're done here.""No." Nico shook his head, his eyes locked on me. "Aurora. Five minutes."I looked at Lucas."It's okay," I said softly. "Let him talk."Lucas nodded but didn't move far. He leaned against the Rolls-Royce, his black eyes watching Nico's every move.Nico stepped in front of me, his eyes full of pain and regret."Aurora, I was wrong." His voice was raw. "I was w

Five years ago. Rain beat against the stained-glass windows of old St. Anthony's church.I was huddled on a back pew, a thin jacket my only warmth.Bank accounts frozen. Credit cards canceled. No place to live.Father Thomas took me in."Aurora," he said softly, "God will open another door for you."I didn't answer.I hadn't said more than two words in three days."The children love it when you teach them to draw," the priest continued. "Maybe this is your new path."I looked over at the kids in the corner.Maria, Miguel, little Johnny...They were scribbling on scrap paper with broken crayons, their eyes full of simple joy.At least someone needed me.A month later. Midnight.BANG! BANG! BANG!The frantic pounding on the door shattered the church's peace.I shot up from my cot."Aurora!" Father Thomas's voice was panicked. "Quick, help me!"I ran to the door.A tall man had collapsed on the steps, covered in blood.His black suit was torn, his face cut open.But even then, I could see