Chapter 13: After party

WARNING SIGNS:

LANGUAGE THAT IS UNAMBIGUOUS

CURSING

VIOLENCE, GUN VIOLENCE

SELF-INFLICTED HARM

BLOOD, DECEASE, and GORE

VALENTINA’s POV

If the wedding wasn’t already overwhelming, I also had to stick around for the after party. After all, it was my own wedding. Still, I would prefer to be anywhere else than at Luca’s place with a crowd of people I genuinely couldn’t stand and didn’t give a shit about at all.

I lingered in my wedding gown, keeping my distance. Dad was deeply engaged in discussion with Luca’s parents and I watched in confusion as he seemed to be laughing more than he had in the entire month. The lines on his forehead and around his eyes deepened with each chuckle.

Nico was by my side since Luca had vanished to hell knows where. Honestly, I didn’t mind. Nico came back with two glasses of champagne, giving one to me. I accepted it eagerly and gulped it down quickly.

He raised his eyebrows in concern. “Are you okay, Valentina? ” he asked. I smiled as I handed the empty glass to a waiter. “I’m completely fine,” I replied as my smile faded.

“I just want to get out of here. I feel drained and I’m really hungry,” I sighed, letting my mask slip. Nico nodded thoughtfully, biting his lip. He was genuinely kind. “I realize you can’t leave until your father does. But maybe you would like some food?" he said with a smile.

As I gazed at him, I couldn't help but grin. He was very kind and sympathetic. Growing up in a mafia, how is that possible? It really made me think.

And then there was Luca, who appeared to be the complete opposite.

That piqued my curiosity even further. There was no room for compassion or humor in a mafia.

"Yes," I said, nodding. He guided me through the living room, which was quite empty. I was there, thinking that I was well-known and that people would come to the party.

Wine, champagne, and stronger stuff were served at tables. From time to time, waiters approached guests to offer them drinks.

We quickly moved into the kitchen. The lights were turned on by Nico. It was unexpectedly contemporary and quite sophisticated. I sat on a bar stool that was positioned on the island in the middle. I didn't care that my dress was a bit uncomfortable.

Nico ruffled his dark hair and inquired, "So, what do you want?" Additionally, he appeared to be really worn out, but he was being a nice host to me.

"I don't mind. anything," I said, suppressing a yawn.

He examined the refrigerator and cabinets.

I gently took my tiara off my head, my fingertips brushing against it. The weight was making my head hurt like hell. It sparkled in the bright light when I put it on the counter.

Nico put some reheated pasta in front of me after a couple of minutes. I inspected the tomato-based meal. "Looks lovely," I said, smiling as I took the fork from him. The pasta tasted decent, but it made me feel full, so I didn't mind.

I haven't eaten anything else all day.

"Valentina, sweetheart, are you okay? " Camila inquired as she walked into the kitchen with Marco beside her. I nodded and set my fork aside.

"I'm fine, thank you," I replied with a soft smile. This unfamiliar woman had shown concern for me, doing more than my father ever would.

"Just getting a little snack, huh? " Camila said with a smile, her delicate pink lips curling as she approached Nico. Why did she speak in that manner? She started to fuss over his shirt being untucked and his hair, which was a mess.

This woman was impossible.

Marco grinned as he adjusted the cuffs of his white shirt. "We hope Luca isn't causing you too much trouble. I'm delighted that you’re now part of our family," he said with a genuine smile. I didn’t want to be included in their family. Fuck.

I found myself smiling back without thinking. I barely knew Marco, but he seemed like a good person. Although he had a reputation for being cruel, he appeared to care about family, something my father did not.

Marco was a bit shorter than Nico, and his face was clean-shaven. His hair, a mix of salt and pepper, was neatly styled, and he was dressed in a very expensive tailored suit. He seemed to be around my father’s age but looked younger.

Perhaps years of being a despicable person had made my father age more quickly.

"Thank you," was all I could manage to say. I couldn't help but smirk at the sight of Camila fussing over Nico, much to his annoyance. It was almost as if she viewed him as a child. Quite endearing, really.

"Ah, there you are. Marco, I have someone for you to meet," my father said with a smile as he entered the kitchen, instantly diminishing the upbeat atmosphere. I wished I weren’t his daughter.

My father scanned the room with a cheerful smile, but it faltered when he noticed me. Just typical.

Marco turned to my father, responding with, "Of course," and smiled at him.

Father approached me and whispered sternly, "Smetti di mangiare così tanto. Sei già abbastanza grande così (Stop eating so much. You're already big enough.)” He smirked as he turned and left the room with Marco.

Ah yes, just another familiar jab I've dealt with throughout my life.

I let out a breath as I resumed my meal. I never allow his rude remarks to get under my skin. That's what he intends, to weaken me. But I refuse to be defeated.

"What did your father say? " Nico inquired, leaning against the counter behind him. I licked my lips and replied, "Nothing. " I shrugged my shoulders nonchalantly.

He seemed displeased with my response but didn’t press for further details.

I hadn’t noticed Camila sneak up behind me. She ran her fingers through my hair and said, "Gorgeous hair. " Her breath carried a meaty scent.

Fuck hell. I squirmed in my seat, fighting the impulse to shove her hands away.

Nico picked up on my change in mood and quickly took hold of his mother's shoulders, guiding her toward the door.

"I'm taking mom outside for some fresh air. Will you be okay, Valentina? " he asked as Camila struggled against his hold. I nodded and felt at ease, enjoying the stillness of the kitchen for a while.

Once I finished my meal, I put the bowl in the sink and reached for a glass of water. The sound of heels clicked closer, and I internally groaned before turning around.

"What do you want? " I asked the two girls lingering at the door. One of them exaggeratedly pursed her lips, while the other crossed her skinny arms.

I’m unfortunate to be connected to these bitches. The first asshole spoke up, "We just came to see your husband. Isn’t he home? Did you scare him away already? "

She snickered nasally. She must have had a nose job, it does look a little off.

I set the glass down to avoid using it as a weapon if things turned south, which they likely would.

"He’s actually upstairs preparing our room," I said with a smirk, crossing my arms. This left the bitches speechless.

"As if. Who would want you? We all know you’re not innocent," the second girl laughed while playing with her mismatched hair extensions. What she intended as an insult, I took as a compliment.

I rolled my eyes. "I never claimed to be nice. Could you please leave? Your cheap perfume is making me sick. "

The first bitch growled as she marched over to the kitchen island. She grabbed my tiara. I cracked my knuckles. "Don’t you dare, bitch. " I said slowly, my anger visible.

But she did it anyway. She threw my tiara across the room, where it shattered. Diamonds scattered across the floor. I bit my tongue to stay calm. No need for violence today.