Chapter 12: Too Late To Flee

WARNING SIGNS:

LANGUAGE THAT IS UNAMBIGUOUS

CURSING

VIOLENCE, GUN VIOLENCE

SELF-INFLICTED HARM

BLOOD, DECEASE, and GORE

VALENTINA’s POV

Eventually, we arrived at a castle. It was quite appropriate. I stayed seated, trying to postpone my entrance. I had always preferred arriving late; why not be tardy for my own wedding? Soon after, my father showed up with a grim expression. I disliked the way his eyes twitched, so I got out of the car by myself, otherwise, he would have pulled me out.

I took in my surroundings as I adjusted my tiara. The castle was stunning. The entrance was embellished with countless fresh white roses, and a red carpet spread out toward the doors. I made a mental note to acquire this castle, I absolutely needed it.

I had a tendency to purchase extravagant items, like castles and artwork, but I still hadn’t bought an island, which had always been my dream.

Your wedding day is meant to be the most joyful day of your life, yet here I was, set to marry a man I hardly knew, all for a trivial alliance. My joy was irrelevant. It never mattered.

My father extended his arm toward me, a foul, earthy smell wafting from him. The man was a smoker, and frankly, he could just disappear.

He was trying to give away a daughter he cared nothing about. A daughter he never desired. When I didn’t make a move, he roughly seized my arm and linked it with his.

“Non fare questo, Valentina. Ci farai fare una brutta figura, a me e alla mafia.” (Don't do this Valentina. You will embarrass me. You will embarrass the mafia). He said this in a low growl.

I don't miss the way he wanted to express his mafia. I received a bunch of twelve white roses and gave a nervous grin. I spent some time admiring the attractiveness of my wedding.

Standing at a gorgeous castle, I was wearing a gorgeous gown. The picture went through my head as soon as it entered.

As we walked inside, I took deep breaths. The air was filled with peaceful piano music, which was mesmerizing. The rows of seats were decorated with garlands of roses, lilies, and green leafy twigs that stretched along the aisle.

I couldn't see my buddies since the rows were only half full. I could only see my cousins, though, with whom I had no connection. They were all avaricious, money-grabbing prostitutes.

The room was lined with armed guards, and the security was too strict. When my cousins' faces dropped when they saw me, I made an effort not to grin. I have it all, you bitches. They were envious of me because I answered back and didn't give a damn.

Half the guests were strangers to me, but I recognized Nico's familiar face as he stood next to Luca, who was facing away from the altar. While playing with a ring on his finger, Nico gave a big smile.

As Luca looked at me, he became agitated. I saw him stiffen up when he turned around. As he struggled to maintain his composure, I saw a little gulp go down his throat.

His gaze was exceedingly cold, quite black, and bright. His black suit was a perfect fit for his body.

A little white rose was seen peeking out of his pocket. I was really into it. In this light, he was definitely more alluring.

Father guided me up the aisle. A more somber experience than a joyous one. He was at last getting rid of me.

Fortunately, it was a dry kiss when he released my arm and pulled me closer to him. The action was foreign to me, so I made an effort not to flinch. Repulsive.

Father left and took a seat in the front row next to Luca's parents.

Facing Luca, I found myself alone. I was only a few inches shorter, so I could roughly see into his eyes. In heels, I was as tall as him.

"Did you like your gift? " He asked me, as a kind of greeting. He just stared at me, never at my breasts.

Odd. "I did," I said truthfully when the officiant cleared his throat.

Someone seems to be in a hurry. I liked it, I didn't lie to him.

"You look gorgeous, Valentina" Luca said with a gentle smile. I saw his hands. He didn't move around. He wasn't anxious for a reason.

I responded with, "Thank you."

He gave me a smile. "No compliment for me?"

"No, you look terrible," I said with a grin. He chuckled as if the response made him happy. He was aware that it was a lie.

A skilled liar is aware of the truth, while a dishonest liar is already aware of it.

As Luca extended his hands for me to hold, I refrained from slapping the grin off his face during the ceremony.

As I gently put my hands in his, I experienced a spark. As he carefully put a ring on my finger, I observed. While I held onto his firm hand, feeling the smooth yet calloused skin on mine, I also put a ring on it.

And it was completed. We were introduced as Mr. and Mrs.

It was now too late to flee. My name was all I had. I despised the notion of adopting my husband's name, particularly Luca's, and remained Valentina Moretti.

Moretti was my mafia's name for me. Luca seemed unconcerned as I signed the documents; my reputation was tied to my name.

I believe I actually witnessed a hint of pride in his eyes, or perhaps it was just pure joy.