Chapter Thirteen

Maya’s POV

The next few days that followed after Alexander told me that we were getting married passed by in a blur and I couldn’t tell if I was anticipating the day or dreading it. Everything felt so unreal and since I wasn’t used to all the luxury, I felt like I was living another life. 

I went through different activities round the clock ranging from food tasting to dress fittings to shoes to flower arrangements and everything that screamed getting married- the whole nine yards. My wedding. I still couldn’t believe those words even applied to me. I went through the motions, nodding at the right moments, forcing smiles, and letting Alexander’s mother sweep me along her whirlwind of excitement.

I couldn’t even bring myself to protest. What was the point?

I was still in shock at how much my life had changed in the past week. A week ago, I was a normal girl with plans. Real plans. I went from being just a random yet normal college student who was hopeful of finishing school and getting a job and getting freedom and a life of my own to being thrown into a life of organized crime and being the wife of the biggest mafia king. 

It was all like a dream to me- a dream I could not wake up from no matter how hard I had tried. Alexander’s mom was all over the place, making sure that everything was in order for the wedding. Her energy was radiating through the room but I just couldn’t be happy like her. She was now going on and on about the details of the wedding and how perfect she wanted things to be. 

“This will be the wedding of the century,” she said, her voice brimming with pride as we stood in front of yet another lineup of floral arrangements. “Both you and Alexander deserve the best but that day is mainly for you and I want you to shine in the most perfect dress and ceremony. It would be an unforgettable moment.”

I kept nodding at whatever she was saying, not knowing how to reply her or what to say. Did I deserve the best? I wasn’t sure anymore.

“Thank you,” I said to her in a quiet voice as I forced myself to smile. 

She smiled back at me, she was oblivious to how I was feeling. She went on to discuss the flower arrangement and I just nodded while she kept mentioning different things I had no idea about. 

As she kept talking, she kept moving around and pointing at things she deemed fit to be at the wedding and I just followed her blindly. It was easier that way.

After she was done choosing thing she liked, they were packed up and the bodyguards carried it to the car. We decided to stop for lunch so Alexander’s mom ordered them to take us to a small yet beautiful restaurant. 

When we settled into our seats at the restaurant, I realized it was empty and I scoffed at myself. I had thought we were going to be at a normal restaurant but I was wrong. Why did I expect anything less from the woman who mothered the man who ran the whole city? It was stupid of me to expect any less. 

A waiter came around, took out orders after pouring us a glass of champagne each before walking away. 

I started at the glass of champagne in front of me, lost in thought as we waited for our food to arrive. It was meant to be a time to rest after the hectic day but Alexander’s mom- God bless her soul- would not just stop talking about her hopes for the wedding and how excited she was to be planning. 

“I can’t believe the one thing I always prayed for is finally happening after so long,” she said excitedly, her eyes glowing with excitement. “I always knew Alexander would need someone special to ground him. He’s been so focused on his work, but I could see there was something missing. And now, here you are.”

She brought her hand to me that was opposite hers and she squeezed on them gently, her eyes softened and so did her voice. “You have no idea how happy I am that you are getting married to him, Maya. You’re perfect for him.”

Perfect. If only she knew how far from perfect this situation really was. Alexander didn’t want me. Not really. I was just a pawn in his world-

a convenient solution to a problem.

But I dare not say anything like that to her, I couldn’t risk it. I nodded at her words and forced a smile on my face. “Thank you so much. I also want nothing more than for him to be happy,” I said in a forced happy voice.

As she heard my words, he smile became even bigger and she squeezed my hand even more. Our food arrived before she could say anything else and we dug into it as she stared talking about Alexander’s childhood.

She was easy to talk to and even if I didn’t want to know any details about Alexander, I kept laughing here and there while chatting with her. 

When we were done eating it was already late in the evening. We had spent the whole day planning and getting things for the wedding and then talking while eating, it seemed normal but I was happy to spend some time with her. We settled the bills and then got up and headed to the car. Another car was waiting outside in front of the one we came in and I realized it was for her and we would be riding separately. 

“Thank you for today, Mrs. Williams,” I said to her in the most sincere voice ever and she smiled in response. 

“Oh, stop the Mrs. Williams nonsense. Just call me Diane,” she replied and I nodded at her. “And you don’t need to thank me, I’m going to become your mother in-law soon and you my daughter, I’d do anything for you.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought over her words. I had never felt the love of a mother in my life and here she was, wiling to love me take care of me without any conditions. 

“I really appreciate you,” I said to her as we hugged. “Goodbye Diane.”

“Goodbye Maya. I’ll see you soon okay?” She said, pulling away from me and walking to the waiting car. 

When I got to the car, one of the many bodyguards opened the door me her and I got inside, trying not to cry. At least one good thing came out of this sham of a marriage, I said to myself as the driver started the car and drove off.  

When we got back to the mansion, I didn’t wait any second before I rushed out of the car and to my room. Immediately I got to my room, I locked my door and pulled off the dress I was wearing. 

I jumped into the bed, not bothering to take a shower. I was so tired after the long day and I realized that the tears I had been holding all day long were now putting down my face uncontrollably. 

I was tired of everything- my life and the situation I was in. I cried for my shattered dreams, my nonexistent freedom and the uncertainty of my future. 

Would he even let me go back to school if I asked?