Chapter 5

The makeup artist clipped on the last pearl earring and asked, "Ms. Sterlini, are you ready?"

I looked at my reflection in the mirror, taking in the ivory wedding dress and the diamond headpiece set in my hair.

When I rose, the skirt fell in a soft sweep. "I'm ready."

It was my wedding day, but the groom wasn't Daniele. It was Samuele.

A line of black luxury cars waited outside. Through the window, I spotted Samuele coming to pick me up himself.

He stepped out of the limo. His face was still pale, but he looked tall and sharp in his suit, a white rose pinned to his lapel. He took my hand, his grip steady, treating me with a quiet kind of respect.

Samuele held my hand. "You look beautiful, more than any bride I've ever seen."

I slid in beside him and murmured, "Grazie."

The line of limos pulled away toward the church. It was one of the oldest in the city, the traditional wedding site for the Moretti family.

Inside, every pew was already filled. Representatives from all the major families were there, along with key figures from politics and business.

Samuele kept my hand in his as he walked me down the aisle. His steps were steady, offering me as much respect and support as he could give.

The pipe organ filled the church with the wedding march, its solemn notes turning the air almost sacred.

The priest began the ceremony. "We gather here today to witness the holy matrimony of Mr. Samuele Moretti and Ms. Regina Sterlini…"

Everything moved forward without a hitch.

Guests whispered among themselves, all buzzing about how unexpected the match was.

"I never thought Ms. Sterlini would end up marrying Mr. Samuele."

"I heard the marriage gifts he prepared were incredibly generous. Way better than what Mr. Daniele ever promised."

"Mr. Samuele may not be in great health, but he's definitely more mature and reliable than Mr. Daniele."

"This marriage benefits both the Sterlinis and the Morettis. It's just a shame his health is so fragile. Who knows…"

I caught every word, and a humorless laugh rose in my chest. I wondered what they'd say if they knew the truth.

The priest continued with the vows. "Marriage is a sacred union that demands loyalty and commitment from both sides…"

Samuele held my hand, his eyes steady and focused.

That was when the church doors slammed open. A voice cut through the entire hall. "Wait!"

Daniele staggered inside, his shirt half-tucked. He reeked of alcohol, his hair a mess like he'd rolled out of bed and run straight here.

The church fell silent, like someone had hit a mute button.

He pointed at me and roared, his voice echoing off the walls. "Regina! Regina Sterlini, you have no shame! I show up a few hours late, and you just pick some random man to marry?"

The whole room went still. Guests stared in stunned disbelief.

He ignored every horrified look thrown his way, including Donna Moretti's in the front row. Her expression had gone stone-cold.

"Daniele! What do you think you're doing?" Donna Moretti snapped.

"Nonna, this is a misunderstanding! Regina is my fiancee! She can't marry Uncle Samuele!" Daniele shouted, booze rolling off him in waves.

Samuele stayed at the altar, steady as ever, as if Daniele's outburst were nothing more than a brief interruption. He didn't loosen his grip on my hand.

One of the Moretti capos muttered, "Daniele, are you out of your mind?"

"This is a sacred church!" another chimed in.

But Daniele didn't hear any of them. His eyes burned with anger and wounded pride, the alcohol stripping away whatever sense he'd left.

He lurched toward the altar, swaying with every step. "Regina, you think this is how you get back at me? Did you forget what we had? All the good times we shared?"

Samuele watched him expressionlessly. But I felt the quiet danger coming off him, like a predator waiting to strike.

I stayed silent too, just looking at the man who used to be my fiance.

Daniele grew more frantic, his voice starting to crack. "Say something! We were childhood sweethearts. We had so many good memories together!"

I finally spoke, my voice going cold. "Memories? You mean the ones you made with Sofia in Helarno?"

Daniele's face drained, the alcohol seeming to drop right out of him. "That was different. Sofia's just—"

"Just what?" I cut him off with a thin, mocking smile. "Just your sister?"

A louder wave of whispers rippled through the church.

"So it's true. Mr. Daniele really did have something going on with that bar hostess."

"No wonder Ms. Sterlini chose to marry Mr. Samuele instead. I wouldn't put up with that either."

"He's dragged the Moretti family's name through the mud."

Daniele realized he'd slipped, but it was already too late. He looked around like an animal cornered with no way out, meeting nothing but contempt and mocking eyes.

In a desperate burst, he shoved past the groomsman blocking his path and jabbed a finger at Samuele, who stood at the altar.

Driven by whatever madness he had left, Daniele barked at me, "Who the hell does he think he is? Regina, why are you still standing there? Get over here and stand where you belong!"