More of A Mistress than A Bride

I walked into the mansion after sunset, having strolled around to the company to try and get things off my mind. The house was quiet, not like we made a lot of noise typically, but there was no sign of my father either.

It was probably the best. After what happened today, I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a little bit of resentment towards him for making me have to deal with this.

I just wasn't sure if the hatred I felt towards him was for ten years ago or for right now.

I started to make my way towards the stairs when his voice filled the empty space, causing my fingers to instantly clench.

"You are back."

I turned, my eyes slowly dropping. I couldn't help the ice I felt. "I stopped by the cartel and the company."

"You went there rather late. Where were you?"

I could hear the accusation in his voice, and just from the way he was holding his cigarette, I knew he knew something I had been hiding.

It couldn't be Andrew, right? Leone wouldn't be a little snitch on top of being a complete heartless bastard.

"Leone got me a dress. For the wedding."

His eyes darted down to the bag I was holding, and all of a sudden, he broke into a smile.

"He must have taken a liking to you already, seeing how he never mentioned going dress shopping."

I swallowed hard, hiding my real emotions. If I corrected him, I would have to unmask Andrew.

"I am tired. I will go up."

"Don Luciano wants to have dinner with you tomorrow."

I stopped in my tracks and turned, my brow raising. "Why?"

"He wants to meet his daughter-in-law. From what I have gathered, Leone is his only son, and he would do absolutely everything to protect him. I don't think your plan to kill him on the wedding night would be very feasible now, sweetheart."

My eyes met his. "Why does it sound like that is what you wanted me to do all along?"

He blew a smoke and laughed, shaking his head. "Not exactly, but I can't deny that it is faster than whatever the marriage would offer long term."

"Dad, are you.." I bit down on my lips hard. "Are you not even remorseful about what happened ten years ago?"

"It had to happen, so no. Make sure to look and act your best tomorrow. I want nothing but stellar reviews of my daughter."

I let out a shaky breath. "What if he finds out? Leone knows us. What if Don Luciano finds out what we did to his only son?"

For the first time, my father seemed to stop. It was almost as if he didn't factor it in his little equation. Like he didn't think that it would be completely possible for Don Luciano to ruin both of us for what happened.

"He will not," Dad said simply. "Go up, I need to make some calls."

I let out a sigh and turned, making my way upstairs.

"That boy," Dad suddenly said, and I turned, my brows furrowed.

"What boy?"

"Your friend. The one who helped with him. You know what I am talking about."

I blinked. Andrew. He was talking about Andrew. "What about him?"

"Do you know where he is?"

Beads of perspiration filled my forehead, and my fists clenched hard. "No, why?"

"I might have to throw him to the dogs if needed. Find him for me."

His eyes met mine, his brow rising, and I immediately nodded.

"I... I will try."

Before he could say one more thing, I ran up the stairs to my room, letting go of the dress to the floor, my heart pounding hard in my chest.

With every second since Leone came back to my life, I have been proven extremely powerless. To everyone. And now, it seemed like I wouldn't even be able to protect Andrew, too.

The hours blurred out in front of my eyes, and by morning, dad had brought a designer home to fit the dress on a mannequin that stood right next to my closet, as if to remind me of the leash Leone had around my neck.

My phone buzzed as I stood there, looking at the mirror. I was a mess, but my emotions were an even bigger mess.

I slowly reached for my phone. It was a text. I opened it to Andrew's number.

"I am sorry, I love you," It said simply.

I let go of the phone to the floor, a single tear filling my left eye as I looked up to the red dress again.

I bit down on my lips, then slowly reached for my phone again. I was powerless, but not calm. Not submissive.

I searched for the number of my direct assistant, then called, my eyes still fixed on the dress, my hatred growing with each passing second.

"Hello, Ma'am Ginevra?"

I bit down on my lips. "I want a tailored black wedding dress. One week is all I am giving you."

"Yes, Ma'am. Can I have measurements, please?"

"Check your messages."

"Yes, Ma'am."

I cut the call, texted her the measurements, then stood up. I grabbed the scissors in my closet and set to work on the dress.

It was yet another symbol of Leone, and this... this was a symbol of my defiance. Once I was done, I let go of the scissors and took a step back.

The long dress now stopped mid thigh, and it looked nothing like a wedding dress. Not even close.

Satisfied, I popped into the shower.

It was past lunch by the time I finished with everything I was doing, and I did a good job of hiding the dress from my dad till I was set to leave for dinner.

I stood in front of the mirror, taking in my appearance. My hair fell down my back in waves, and I wore black stilettos to go with the now mini dress. I looked more like a mistress than a bride, and I loved it.