12| His dummy wife

But Mili looked at Willa with confused eyes, Willa shook her head a little in denial. Mili, taking her hint, refused to come along with Jessica and Tulip and then she left for Daniel after mouthing a sorry to both of them.

Jess enraged at Tulip for giving Miliani an affirmative warm smile rather than joining her to halt Miliani from leaving, stormed out of the opulent mansion directly to the outer enormous and common hall of the Romano's estate with Tulip silently walking behind her. They entered the hall, crossing the many lines of security guards, as the security was discreet, with a large number of security guards strategically positioned in every possible way to ensure the safety of the event and the high-profile guests.

Rich, dark wood panelling lines the walls, accentuated by intricate gold leaf details highlighting the estate's opulence. Seating was arranged in a semicircle around the central table, with high-backed leather chairs. Each seat had a nameplate, ensuring that the hierarchy and importance of each guest were acknowledged. The whole set-up was exactly according to the traditions of the Romanos creating an atmosphere of elegance and power in its supreme view.

At a corner, a string quartet was playing classic Sicilian music and the champagne towers, fine stacks of Italian wines and spirits were sparkling under the soft yet vibrant light of the grand chandelier.

No other women except the daughters and wives of the guests were present at the grand event. Jessica exchanged a few talks with some of her known friends among the mafia families while Tulip stood beside her like a smiling mannequin.

At the far end of the hall, there was the centre of attention, the stage on which Lorenzo Romano with his son Enzo standing behind, Antonio Romano with his son Jovanno behind, were seated on the centre chairs.

All eyes turned towards the entrance of the hall which connects its path directly to the stage. Daniel, striking in his commanding presence, wearing black on black stepped inside the hall with his wife by his side. His pace was slowed due to Miliani's nervous steps.

"Does bunny need my arms?" tilting his head a bit down to her level, he whispered lowly.

A natural blush spread across Mili's cheeks occupying the absence of the cosmetic one listening to his words. Miliani, by that time, realised Daniel would not hesitate a moment to carry her around even in front of so many people, but the visualisation of it in her mind tempted her pulse. Her ankle sprain had healed but the reason for her discomfort was the multiple eyes that were fixated on each of their movements.

It was never in the Romanos tradition to bring the woman on stage at an accession event but when did Daniel bother to care about their customary rules? He held Mili's hand helping her climb up the stage and proudly stood at the spot behind which the Romano family crest was predominantly displayed.

The consigliere of the Romano's empire stepped near the podium with legal papers in his hand. Some envious, some amazed, some challenging eyes thrilled Daniel's mind, exhilarated his senses while Miliani tried her best to hide her hesitant frame behind his tall stature.

Lorenzo Romano was high on cocaine, desperately trying to steady his nerves as he was about to witness something so bizarre in his six decades of existence within the empire. A mere twenty-six year old lad taking over a position rivaling if not surpassing, that of the capo himself.

The traditional floral arrangements of deep red roses and white lilies, symbolizing both the blood ties and the purity of the family's intentions were contrasting with the present course of events whereas luxurious tapestries depicting scenes from Sicilian history hung on the walls, adding a touch of cultural pride and heritage which a Knight from an undignified family can never bear the legacy.

The consigliere standing before the podium cast a quick glance at Antonio before flipping through a few pages. They were mere moments away from Daniel's official signing of the papers, which would prompt the crowd to pop champagne bottles and raise a toast in the name of the new Don.

Sneaking his hand under the blazer, Daniel retrieved the pen but he noticed the consigliere's expression growing increasingly disapproving.

"We cannot proceed with the process until I receive any proof of the marriage. We can't blindly trust someone who's hardly been in the family especially whose wife likes to address herself as a dummy one," he announced, playing his part extremely well.

Mili's eyes widened in fright at the sudden mention of her. The crowd around buzzed with various whispering tones witnessing the discord within the Romanos family for the first time ever.

Daniel cradled his arm around Mili's waist and pulled her by his side not allowing her to stay behind him anymore and casually flipped the pen between his fingers with his other hand.

Milli's body stiffened at his touch, she had grown accustomed with his touches- they were strong, firm but there was always an unpredicted warmth, gentleness in it however this one was no where near that. Mili could feel the tension in his embrace, he pulled her forward like she was his property.

And even though the cold man was at a loss, the flicker in his eyes did not reflect the same. Daniel eyed the consigliere while a small, challenging smirk crept out of his lips like it was just the beginning - the beginning of the end.

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