chapter 2 (Summer's POV)

Walking down the aisle, my mind went over the conversation I just had with my elder sister. Not only was I getting married to a member of the Mafia, I was getting married to their freaking consigliere, the freaking advisor to the Mafia boss!!

That explained why Winter was so worried about me hanging out with Emilio, I could get him into trouble with my fiance, or even worse, I could have gotten him killed for sneaking around with the wife of the Mafia boss's consigliere.

I curse internally as I wonder what must have been going through my father's mind when he agreed to the wedding, was he even thinking at all.

The least he could have done was to make findings, before marrying not just one, but two of his daughters into the family. Could he have possibly been aware of this little secret the whole time?

" For heavens sake Summer, can you stop fidgeting? Every single eye in this room is watching you, and yet you pick today out of all the days in your life to cower? Better look up, and walk with grace!" My father scolds, and I comply, not because I'm obedient but because now was not the time for rebellion.

As we continue our excruciatingly slow walk down the aisle, I distract my self by admiring the cathedral. Asides from the same old orthodox architecture, it was nothing special, no fancy flowers, no decorations, just a goth styled cathedral filled with people on goth coloured outfits. For a moment I wondered if they were maybe gathering for a funeral, and I wasn't informed.

It was obvious this was fake, even in my sparkling white mermaid dress, it felt fake. The sequins in the dress had started to itch, my heels were digging into my skin while, my bouquet of tulips looked a little too brightly colored for the occasion.

I wished it were just a dream and that I would wake up to my definition of a normal wedding setting, a setting where I'd be extremely happy, confident, and eager to meet my groom, whose name would most definitely be Emilio, the simple businessman.

But I've grown to realize that life doesn't always go the way we hope, so instead, with my father's hand in mine, I'm moving at a snail's pace towards an altar, that holds the opposite of everything I've ever dreamt of.

When we get to the steps leading up the altar, Marcelo takes my hand from my father, and makes the final walk. I don't speak or look at him, and I'm grateful he doesn't do same.

The ceremony goes by in a blur, with me spacing out eighty percent of the time, until it's time for my fiance to lift my veil, and for us to say our vows, that's when our eyes meet.

Turns out Marcelo was the quiet guy who walked out earlier. He had seemed calm, and quiet at first, but looking at him now, I knew there was more to him than meets the eye.

As the priest continues with his speech, I take my time to check out my groom. He was tall, with broad shoulders that seemed to fill the space around him. His olive skin glowed warmly in the cathedral's light, and his tailored Italian suit fit him so well, you would think it was a glove.

But asides his build, it was his face that truly caught my attention, full lips, bold brows, a jawline that could cut paper, and Roman nose that spoke of confidence. Even behind his glasses, I could sense the intensity of his dark gaze. He exuded an aura of quiet power, a sense of control that was both captivating, and unnerving.

He was a kind of man that would give you just one look, and every single piece of clothing on you would vanish. Not that he would rip it off, instead, you would rip it off to please him.

In my opinion, he looked like a walking, talking packet of sin, the definition of temptation, and I could swear that the only reason he was wearing those glasses, was to tone down his aura.

I watch him repeat the words of the priest without much stress, while I struggled to say mine without chocking on my saliva. When I was finally done, I breathed a sigh of relief but it was too soon.

" I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride." The priest says, sending my mind into chaos. I'm trying to comport myself when he closes in.

" I'm sure Emilio would be disappointed if he heard that twelve hours after you met up with him, you eye banged me on the altar." He smirks out. His voice is deep but silky, and it causes goosebumps to feather my skin.

I'm trying to process his words when he suddenly captures my lips. It all happens very fast, one minute I'm trying to understand how he found out about Emilio, the next minute he's kissing me, throwing me into greater confusion.

The kiss doesn't last more than a nanosecond, but believe me, it was the slowest nanosecond I've ever experienced in my life. When he releases my lips, I can hear people cheering, and clapping in the background but my body is still under shock

" Smile." He whispers again as he interlocks my hand in his, and walks us both carefully out of the cathedral.

**************

My sister had mentioned earlier that we wouldn't be having any after party, so when we get outside the cathedral, a photographer runs over to take few photos of us.

" Make it snappy, I have thirteen more minutes to spare." My husband says as he glances at the watch on his wrist.

I try not to make any sound of displeasure throughout the whole photo session. I stand straight, and put on my brightest fake smile. It works out well for me, and in less than ten minutes the session is completed.

" I have an important meeting to attend so, your sister will take you back to my place, see you in the evening." Marcelo says as he uncoils my hands from his. He doesn't wait for my reply before walking off.

When he's finally out of earshot, I release the breath I didn't know I was holding. Closing my eyes, I wish for the umpteenth time that it would be one of my bad dreams, and that I would wake up soon but instead I wake up to another nightmare.

" I really thought there was something special about you, you know, asides being an exotic woman, I thought there was something unique, something special, something that would explain why nearly every man in this family insisted on marrying you to Marcelo, looking at you right now, I'm even more confused." A taunting female voice says behind me.

I turn to see three ladies of about my age staring back at me. The one speaking is an cute looking brunette, while her accomplice included an Identical looking lady, probably her twin, and a lady that could pass as a model.

The model looking lady had jet black hair that contrasted her Ivory skin, a heart shaped face that housed striking blue eyes, a button shaped nose and full pouty lips. Like she wasn't already perfect, she was also blessed with height. She was so tall that I couldn't help but gawk at her, she looked divine.

" I'm sure there's more to her than meets the eye Catherina." the second twin adds, snapping me out of my stunned moment.

" Claudia, Catherina, that's enough, don't be rude to her." The model lady defends in the softest voice I've ever heard, it melts my inside, and I suddenly wonder what she must have bribed God with to end up so perfect.

" For God sake Rosa she just married your man, why are you still defending her!" The first twin Catherina exclaims with so much venom directed at me.

    " Rosa you're really too nice, and it's so annoying me, you should be mad." The other twins says, supporting her sister, but my mind is no more on them, but instead on their earlier words.

Did my just turned husband, and Rosa the model have a history together?