I stared at my reflection the mirror, stunned. I looked...beautiful. I felt beautiful. My hair was tied up into a sleek high ponytail with a side part swoop decorated with rhinestones. My makeup was minimal and natural but elegant. The dress Vito had chosen was very simple; a tight ankle length white dress that hugged my body, shaping my figure. It was strapless, because around my neck sat the auction's most prized possession.I was aware that I was merely a mannequin to display the necklace, but I was a very pretty looking mannequin. I wore very light makeup, little diamond studs and a plain white dress with white heels because the necklace was meant to stand out. My mother entered the room and gasped at the sight of me. I turned to her with a slight smile. "Cara, you look beautiful!," she exclaimed. I looked back into the mirror and nodded agreeably. Once the makeup artist did a few more touch-ups and was satisfied, I went downstairs with mamma. Vito was waiting for me in the lo
Malina introduced me to all her acquaintances; mafia wives, high class socialites, assistants to the mafia; everyone. These women looked at me as if I was their idol, asking me all about my life, but in a very respectful manner. There was nothing colorful to tell, of course. I was invited to several luncheons and high teas which really flattered me. I guess I really was a big deal now. Suddenly everyone thought Vito was the perfect husband because of the necklace. I was shocked, still grateful, but that didn't make our marriage any better. I ended up enjoying myself a bit at the auction. Cassio personally invited me to his after party which I politely declined because I thought Vito would want to leave. "Have you seen Vito?" I asked Malina as I had looked all around the ballroom. Malina shook her head, taking a sip of her champagne. "No, i haven't. You don't see him?""No. He just vanished."I was about to go off looking for him outside when Malina stopped me. "Honey, don't worry a
It was 1am and the airport was as calm and serene as can be. There were very few people, moving with ease into different directions. Some were waiting for their families to land, and some calling cabs because nobody cared enough to pick them up. I slowly walked outside, pulling my suitcase behind me. The 8 hour flight left me stiff and sore in every area. It was dark outside, the only source of illumination coming from the lights that shone over the parking lot. The air was still and quiet. "Gia," Enzo smiled as he approached me. I felt a feeling of warmth and comfort as he hugged me. He suddenly slipped a strong arm behind my thighs and swept off the ground, spinning me around bridal style. "Enzo, mettimi giù !" I shrieked, laughing hard as I clung onto him. (Enzo, put me down.)Enzo laughed with me, finally placing me back onto the ground. I grinned up at him, examining his every feature. His brown eyes warned my skin and his smile made me smile even wider. I hadn't seen him in o
I couldn't sleep a wink, even when my mother begged me to. Emilio was dead, but the peace treaty stated I was property of the Armani family. His death didn't change that. I would go live as his widow in his home, which was absolutely insane because we were never married. "Gia?" My mother called from the other side of the door.I carefully got up from the bed, my body aching horribly from dire exhaustion. I opened the door to see my mother's pale face. "You didn't sleep did you?" She sighed heavily. I stepped aside to let her in. "How could I? Emilio is dead. What does this mean for me mamma?" I asked with teary eyes. She shook her head. "I wish I could tell you the answer...but I don't know. Everybody is waiting to see you downstairs, teroso. Come greet them."I nodded woefully and I trudged downstairs with mamma behind me. I looked over the stairway rails. Everyone was sitting in the lounge; my aunts, my uncles, cousins. They had all traveled from afar to attend the engagement pa
The door was opened for me and I stepped out of the back of Giovanni's black Jeep. I found myself standing in front of an old, beautiful mansion. I was stunned by the beauty of the huge building, about three times the size of my father's. I looked around the enchanting place. There were hundreds of beautiful flowers, tall trees, and the greenest grass I had ever seen. Despite the gorgeous scenery, my body shook uncontrollably as I entered the Armani residence with Giovanni, two bodyguards closely walking behind us. "Papà!" a girl smiled as she came out the large oak front door to meet us."Princess," Giovanni said as he hugged the girl tightly, kissing her on the cheek. "How are you feeling?"She sighed heavily, stepping back. "I just can't believe he's gone," she breathed in shakily. "I'm gonna miss him."She turned her attention to me and smiled. "Mia cognata! It's a pleasure to meet you." (my sister-in-law)She hugged me and planted a kiss on each of my cheeks. So she was also Gi
Vito's POV:You have one rule as a member of the Mafia; never break Omerta. They can whatever the fuck they want with you or torture you until blood runs out from your ears, but you do not break Omerta. You bleed in silence, you do not give up your family, you do not say a word about what happens within the organization, and you take the pain like a fucking man. Omerta is not only tattooed on my back, but as well as on my brain. My father made sure my siblings knew very well from a very young age that young age that he would mercilessly and painfully kill any one of us if we broke Omerta. That's exactly why he had Emilio castrated, alive, before putting a into his bullet head. I didn't give two shits about Emilio. He wasn't a man. He didn't have what it takes to run shit. I'd rather die first before breaking Omerta for a woman. Figlio di puttana. (son of a bitch)My father invited all of us for dinner and apparently I was due to meet the woman I was to get married to. I had more imp
The funeral service was beyond strange. A couple of people gave speeches, including Giovanni. He made a subtle comment about betrayal and doing what had to be done but I didn't understand what he meant. Turns out I was right. It didn't matter if Giovanni had warmed up to me or not if Vito didn't. He told me to fucking face that I was basically nothing but a package he owned. I sighed heavily, turning over for the hundredth time in my bed. Well, in Vito's bed. He had went to sleep at some hotel in town.I rolled out of bed and glanced at the clock beside the bed. 3am. Fuck this shit. It's my wedding tomorrow and I can't even sleep. Great. Just fucking awesome. .....Morning came and I had slept maybe only two hours when the maid came into my room to open the curtains and let me know I had to get up. I kicked and groaned in frustration. "What a grumpy bride," a soft giggled. I immediately threw the duvet off my head and sat up. My sister, Carlota, stood in the doorway smilling a
I fiddled with the top mesh layer of my dress as the officiant said whatever the hell he was talking about. I looked over at Vito. He was calm and collected as always. Bastard. A very good looking bastard. I already hated him. "Do you, Gia Azzurra Rizzo take Vito Giovanni Armani to be your lawfully wedded husband?"The officiant's words echoed in my ears, but he seemed so far away. "Gia?"I was pulled out of my reverie by Vito's voice calling my name. Gia. Is that how everybody else said it? I turned to the officiant, shaking the thought out of my head."I do," I nodded. "And do you, Vito Giovanni Armani take Gia Azzurra Rizzo to be your lawfully wedded wife?"Vito turned to me and stared deep into my eyes. I was the first to look away. "I do," he echoed. "By the power invested in me by the Roman Catholic Church, I pronounce you man and wife," the officiant smiled. "You may kiss the bride."Vito lifted my head by the chin and made me look into his eyes. I blinked rapidly as I wai