Chapter 11: Wedding preparations

WARNING SIGNS:

LANGUAGE THAT IS UNAMBIGUOUS

CURSING

VIOLENCE, GUN VIOLENCE

SELF-INFLICTED HARM

BLOOD, DECEASE, and GORE

VALENTINA’s POV

Two goddamn days. Two days of being dragged about relentlessly and swept off my feet. I made a decision about my wedding attire.

Although it wasn't bad, I detested its symbolic meaning. This was actually occurring.

I was powerless to prevent it. I didn't beg my father because he was having fun in clubs, and if I had, he would have beaten me.

I gave my recently painted nails a peek.

They were bare, which is not a color I would select, but they were nonetheless gorgeous. In a sense, I was happy to be occupied since I didn't have to deal with my father. I'm glad he kept his distance.

I decided to remain in bed and watch a horror film on my final night before the major day. I didn't have many plans.

To be honest, I hoped to become suddenly ill and sabotage the wedding. That would undoubtedly anger my father. I laughed as I pictured him trying to hit me with his belt after taking it off.

I wouldn't let him do it this time. I might just lose it and choke him to death with his own belt. If it meant he wouldn't be breathing, I would happily accept the repercussions.

My hand went over my sleek, polished leg. It was really hot, so I just wore a T-shirt and pajama shorts. The humidity that I was accustomed to due to the fact that my Italian house was frequently quite bright.

From what I have seen, America appears to be a pleasant country. I really hope I don't have to remain here.

I barely reacted when the film featured a sudden scare, but Vix disrupted my focus. She entered my hotel room with a shy smile.

"Don, there's a surprise for you," she said with a gentle grin.

My interest was piqued, and I stopped the movie, sitting upright on the comfy bed. She approached me holding a red box carefully wrapped with a bow.

"I checked it to make sure it’s safe," she informed me as she offered the box. I smiled and nodded because I trusted her completely.

After Vix exited the room, I gazed down at the box.

It was hard to believe that my father would give me a present.

I gently untied the bow and let it fall onto my lap. When I opened the box, I discovered a stunning necklace encrusted with diamonds. A single bright blue sapphire sparkled in the light as my fingers brushed over it.

I noticed a small gift tag and flipped it over.

The neat handwriting was unfamiliar, and it included suggestions about undressing me while I wore just the necklace. What on earth? Luca? What is he thinking? What a jerk.

If he thinks he can fuck me with that on our wedding night, he’s mistaken.

Despite my attempts to fall asleep, my thoughts kept me awake. My stomach was knotted with anxious butterflies that wouldn't settle, no matter how much wine I consumed. It was three in the morning, and I finally gave up on trying to sleep.

I ended up discovering details about Luca. I was curious about the man I was about to marry. He was brutally relentless, taking down an entire mafia group effortlessly.

I realized that his upbringing mirrored my own in many ways….harsh and unforgiving.

Although he grew up with both parents, I had no idea what went on behind closed doors, but I was convinced his father never harmed him like mine did to me.

What had I gotten myself into? The thought made me uneasy.

I attempted to clear my head as much as possible. All I needed to do was walk down the aisle and say my vows.

After that, I could do whatever I wanted. It's straightforward.

It's straightforward.

"Don," Vix stated, pulling me out of my trance.

The room was now filled with bright sunlight indicating it was time to prepare. I sighed and pushed my hair away from my face. I left my bed messy and took a shower.

Once I put on a white t-shirt and leggings, I stepped out of the bathroom and noticed my bed was made. A maid was tidying up the room, and two women were standing at the entrance.

"What do you want? " I asked rudely, not caring for pleasantries, since I had little to begin with. I was extremely tired and even a bit upset. One of the women held up a large black bag.

"I'm the hairstylist, and she's the makeup artist," she indicated towards the slender woman next to her.

"And I'm feeling bored," I replied with a smirk as I crossed my arms. Vix shook her head at me, clearly annoyed with my behavior. I groaned and sank into a chair.

"Get started. I prefer natural makeup and please curl my hair," I told the two women.

In no time, both women began to work on my appearance. I sat quietly, feeling somewhat detached. I flinched when the curling iron brushed my ear.

"Be careful! " I snapped.

The stylist froze and stared at me, wide-eyed.

Before I could unleash another string of insults, Vix shot me a glance. I clenched my lips together and bit my tongue.

Eventually, I managed to slip into my gown. It was a stark white dress featuring a deep v-neckline. The dress was adorned with lace along the sleeves and neckline, beautifully accentuating my shape. It cascaded down to the ground, complete with a slight train.

I chose not to wear the veil, as I found it completely unattractive.

Instead, I opted for a small tiara that was incredibly valuable. Countless tiny Swarovski diamonds, masterfully arranged, sparkled brilliantly in the light with every movement. I cherished this chance to wear it since there were no other events where I could showcase it.

And yes, I truly felt like a queen.

That was until my awful excuse for a father strolled in, dressed in a dark suit instead of his regular grey attire. I bit my cheek as I observed him scanning my figure.

“You look lovely,” he muttered, as if the compliment caused him pain.

“Thanks, father,” I responded in a flat tone. I despised his praise and felt resentful for having to acknowledge it.

We soon departed for the cars and made our way to the wedding location. I settled comfortably in my seat while my father took a different vehicle. Vix sat across from me, her hand resting near her firearm.

“Vix, I’m feeling anxious. I’m not sure why,” I sighed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. She watched me with concern.

“Don’t worry, Valentina. You’ll be okay,” she comforted me.

Her words only made my heart race even faster.

"You are the most resilient woman I’ve ever met. Just look at everything you have accomplished. Your organization is one of the most powerful globally. That's all due to your efforts. And honestly, you can take down a man with no weapons, so what have you to fear? " She smiled.

"That's the kindest thing I've heard from you. " I returned her smile.

"Don't you dare retract it," she said with a snort, gazing out through the darkened windows. I laughed.

"You wouldn’t even think of it. . . I'm really happy to have you here, Vix, thank you. "