Wedding

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.

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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 at me.

"Carlota?" My eyes watered.

She looked beautiful, already dressed up in a baby pink dress that flared out at her waist.

"Hey baby sis," she winked.

I leaped from the bed and jumped into her arms. I cried softly as she stroked my hair.

"Drama queen," she chuckled in between the tears.

I pulled back and looked at her. I hadn't seen her in five years. When I last visited home three years ago she was out of the country with her husband.

"You've grown so big Gia," Carlota smiled.

"And you've...gain a lot of weight," I grinned. "In all the right places."

Carlota pushed me playfully. "Shut up. I became a mom remember?"

I nodded, sitting back on the bed. "I remember. Where's Ryan?" I asked, referring to her son. He should've been about three now. I had never met him.

She smiled sadly. "Well, he wasn't feeling well so Josh and I agreed he shouldn't travel. Of course Josh had to stay behind with him, but he sent a gift for you. I'll give it to you later."

"That's too bad. Is mamma here?"

Carlota nodded. "Yeah she's downstairs. Come on."

I got out of bed and followed Carlota downstairs, still in my nightgown.

"There's the bride!" My mom squealed as I stood at the top of the stairway.

She was with Dina, Aurora and another I smiled as I hurried down to hug her.

"How are you, il mio angelo?" She asked, kissing my forehead.

"I'm okay mom," I lied with a smile.

I wasn't okay. I wanted to go home.

"Good. Come on. Let's get you ready."

Dina took us to her bedroom where my dress, the one I'd wear, was sprawled on the bed. It was beautiful, very beautiful, with delicate pearls embroided all over it. It had a sweetheart neckline, and sheer long sleeves, also embroidered with tiny little pearls. Dina looked up at me, waiting for my approval.

"It's...it's gorgeous," I smiled at her.

She sighed, relieved as she chuckled. "I'm so happy you like it. It took me 6 months to complete it. "

"Wait, you made this?" I asked her, wide eyed.

"Every last inch of it," she grinned proudly. "I wanted to show you how welcome you are to the family."

I feel my eyes water slightly. "Thank you. I love it. I really do. "

My mom put her arm around my waist as she pecked my cheek. "My baby's going to be a bride."

Maybe if I was marrying someone I knew and loved, it would've been a much happier occasion for me. But I was going to marry a stranger. That stranger happened to be the next head of the Italian Mafia, and I would sort of rule beside him. I frowned as I thought of what Vito said to me yesterday. Well if he thinks I'll be the perfect wife that says nothing he's got another thing coming. I have mafia blood in me too.

Once I had my hair and makeup done, I put on my dress and we drove to court. I thanked the heavens for the veil I had on the whole way, because I didn't want my mother to see me cry.

I was led in and given a private room to wait for Vito. I was alone and finally I could cry in peace. I sobbed hysterically as I sat down on the floor. I knew my makeup was gonna be fucked, but I desperately needed to let it out. 30 minutes later I was called out as Vito had arrived. I covered my face with my veil and went out.

"Cara, are you okay?" mamma asked, her voice laced with concern.

I almost burst out crying again.

"Sì," I croaked instead.

I wanted to disappear into thin air.