It was all a lie

**Zoya's POV**

"So this is actually happening," Vittoria said while folding my favorite pair of black jeans a gift from my dad.

"It is. I'm actually becoming a wife soon," I replied, unable to hide my excitement as my stomach fluttered.

Vittoria picked up the red lingerie we had both chosen for my honeymoon with my husband-to-be. "You are going to look so fucking hot in this. Benito won't be able to take his eyes off you. That man is going to eat you alive when he sees you in this very sexy lingerie." She waved it from side to side like a flag.

I snatched it from her and shoved it into my bag. "Don't wave my lingerie like that," I muttered, but I couldn't stop the warmth creeping across my face.

"You tell me to stop, but you're blushing. Your cheeks are scarlet," she continued teasing.

"Vittoria, stop," I warned, trying to sound stern but failing miserably.

She finally shut up, but not for long. I could tell she was itching to ask or maybe tell me something, so I decided to address it.

"What is it? You look worried."

"I'm just worried about you, Zoya. You're not like us. You're a typical, normal American, and I fear this life you're about to step into might become very dangerous for you." The genuine concern in her voice made me smile.

"I know what I'm getting into. I know Benito is part of the Mafia, and I know my best friend in the whole world is part of a gang. I'm aware of the dangers I'll face, and I'm ready to face them," I replied.

"But don't you think Vera and Benito are too close? I'm not trying to insinuate anything, but they are way too close to each other," she voiced another worry.

I held her hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. "Benito and I have been together for as long as I can remember. I don't think he'll do anything to hurt me or our child. That man loves me, and I love him too. He and Vera are just friends. Vera is our friend too, and I doubt she'll jeopardize our friendship."

I trust Benito. He is the best man I've ever known, and I'm happy I met him.

"Okay, if you trust him, then that's all that matters. Maybe it's because I'm too paranoid," Vittoria said. She suddenly pulled me into a hug, a hug that lasted longer than necessary. She didn't say anything after that. We finished packing in silence.

Vittoria was the first to fall asleep. I couldn't sleep because I was too excited about tomorrow. So I decided to check out the venue. It's prohibited for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding, and the venue is supposed to be empty at night, but I was just too excited to be stopped by some custom.

The decorations looked beautiful. The chairs were already set. Everything looked perfect. However, the light backstage caught my attention. Who left it on? Maybe one of the staff members I should go switch it off.

But not only was it on; I could hear noises, like someone was there. Who could be there at this time of night? I walked over following the voice and what I saw left shocked.

I stood frozen, unable to speak or comprehend what was happening in front of me. Vera and Benito were having sex and worse, she was wearing my wedding dress. Words bubbled up in my throat, sharp but bitter, yet I couldn't voice them. What is this?

A hollow ache spread through my chest, leaving me even more speechless than I already was. They were so engrossed in what they were doing that they didn't even notice me standing there, watching.

"You love fucking me, but you're about to marry someone else," Vera said, sounding annoyed, yet she didn't stop him from thrusting into her.

"Vera, I've told you before, the only reason I'm marrying Zoya is because she's the purest kind of foolish American. Her naive kindness makes her popular in the community, and many gang members like her. Marrying her will help my status and maintain an excellent image in front of my stepbrother. This might help me secure a higher rank," Benito said with no hesitation in his voice.

If I thought I was heartbroken before, I didn't know what I was right now.

"Zoya is clueless. Even if I cheat within the gang, I can throw out any excuse and she'll believe I'm just working." As if the first statement wasn't already a slap to my face, he had to say that too.

Vera chuckled like the slut she is. She bit her bottom lip and asked, "Do you love Zoya like you claim?"

Benito paused. He stopped thrusting into her like a mad dog for a moment before shaking his head. "I don't."

He continued thrusting into her until she came, moaning his name while he grunted, cumming with her. Their filth fell onto the dress I was supposed to wear tomorrow.

It felt like everything I had believed in was a lie. My world was collapsing. Unable to bear this ultimate humiliation, I burst in, making my presence known and not hiding the fact that I had seen and heard everything.

"Zoya," Benito gasped, "wait, it's not what it looks like. I can explain," He continued before quickly zipped up his pants.

Vera pulled the dress off her body and hid herself behind Benito, grabbing his hand and holding it, not looking one bit sorry for what she had just done.

"Zoya, I know what you're thinking right now, but I'd advise you to continue with our wedding tomorrow. Do this, and I'll keep giving money and providing medical care for your father," Benito blurted, every ounce of guilt leaving him.

My chest tightened, a cold weight pressing down, making it hard to breathe. My vision became blurry, but I blinked away whatever was causing it. Before I knew it, I was in front of Benito, and my hand had left an imprint on both their faces. I flipped the dress up from the floor and stomped on it.

"You two are hypocrites. You betrayed me. I trusted you!" I yelled at the top of my lungs, not caring if anyone could hear me.

I grabbed Vera and was about to slap her again when Benito pulled her back, shielding her from my hand, then shoved me to the ground. I collided with the rough floor, bruising my palms and knees.

I stared at Benito in disbelief. Something like guilt crossed his eyes, but he quickly replaced it with rage. Angrily, I yanked my engagement ring off my finger and threw it at him.

Staring at the face of the man I once loved, with trembling lips I said, "I'm so disappointed in you, I regret the day I met you two, I regret the day I let you into my life. You two deserve each other."

Benito tried to reach for me, he grabbed my hand, but I pushed him away. "Don't expect to see me at the wedding tomorrow, because I will not be showing up."

I stormed out of the room, soaked in regret and betrayal.