Chapter-1

"Oh, mother Mary, have mercy on me today, please!" Bella Ferrari begged when the screeching sound of the engine broke her heart before her car roared for a moment only to be halted again. She released an exasperated sigh.

“You know what, you can't just ditch me now. Today I'm gonna get a big tip from Peter if I deliver a good performance. I never gave up on you, never deserted you and I expect the same.” Bella let out her frustration and helplessness while throwing her hands on the steering wheel. She was running out of time and she can't lose it today.

"Don't do this to me, Bestie. We have been together for the past seven years. I need you today or he will fire me!" She cried anxiously as she kissed the steering wheel, begging her car to start but all her begging and prayers went to vain when the engine sounded like a dead piano.

She banged her head lightly on the headrest of her car seat and her hands clenched on its steering as she let out a helpless cry.

It was one of the most important events for the catering company she works part-time at. She has a full-time nine-to-five job in a big business firm but the money was not enough so she waitresses on weekends. It helps with her Grandmother's medical bills and her sister's education.

Her phone was tossing her messages one after another with annoying ping sounds. Then it went off.

“Bella, where the hell are you, woman? Peter is all over my head asking about your lazy ass. The party is gonna start now. Fucking get here as soon as possible. I can't pretend anymore.” Scarlet burst on the other side the second Bella picked up her call. She squeezed her eyes and thinned her lips.

“Scarlett, I am trying…. It's just that my car..”

“Leave the fucking trash and get the bloody cab over here.” Bella winced and looked at her phone after it rewarded her with a beep sound. She sighed in desperation when Scarlett cut the call in anger. She kept trying on her car.

Finally, after half an hour, her ancient car decided to wake up from its deep slumber and took her to the destination. She was relieved at least it functioned.

She reached the venue and gasped at the entrance decoration outside the big banquet hall. Must be Richie rich!

“I am here!”

She messaged Scarlett and wandered around to find the way into the kitchen. It was already a dusky evening and she was tense because the party had already started. And no way, she could enter through the bunch of people inside. She walked up the backside of the building.

Scarlett called her instantly.

“Bella, don't come through the back door. I unlocked the window on the right side of the kitchen. Use it.” Scarlett instructed her.

Sighing, Bella walked to the direction and saw a medium size glass window. It was unlocked. Pushing her phone into the loose pants, she opened it quietly and jumped inside. She nearly fell but stumbled forward.

"Thank God you are finally here," Scarlett said and pushed a duffle bag in her hands. "Dress up fast and come out. Peter is chewing my head off asking about you every two seconds." Bella sighed for the umpteenth time before opening the bag.

.

.

A sleek, expensive black car halted outside the hotel reception ballroom. The people standing outside stopped their chatters as the atmosphere suddenly turned tense. The chauffeur stepped out and opened the door of the car for his Boss.

Aaron Salvatore Knight stepped out of the car effortlessly, almost majestically and closed the single button of his black velvet tuxedo coat. He could sense the stares of people on him. The fear in their bodies could be felt in the tense air, people bowed their heads down when He passed by them.

“Velenoso is here….”

Someone whispered- yelled. Aaron didn't pay attention to anyone, He was habitual to this after all He was the man who was about to take over as the Capo di tutti i Capi of Cosa Nostra. The biggest Criminal Organisation in New York City. Technically, his father was the current Capo but everyone knew that He was the one with authority. His taking over as the new Capo was nothing but a mere formality which would happen on his thirtieth birthday.

Aaron stepped leading to the entrance of the crystal ballroom when a few flashes of cameras greeted his sight. Of course, they were the private photographers for the ceremony so He didn't mind but passed them a sharp intimidating gaze.

He roamed his eyes and scrutinised the atmosphere and people around him. His cold grey eyes held the dominance and power which is elusive to the outside world.

The crystal ballroom looked magnificent, decorated with white lillies. So his cousin Flavio Salvarore was trying to show his superiority by spending millions on his wedding but it all wasted on Aaron, he was least impressed by all this.

He looked around the ballroom searching for the newlywed couple.

The hustle-bustle of reception ceased when people noticed him, even the music was stopped for a moment. Aaron glanced at the musicians standing near the dance space and nodded at them, ordering them to restart playing.

Aaron didn't like marriages and parties, playing socially and enjoying other people's company was not his forte. He prefers other kinds of activities to relieve stress.

People were talking with each other with smiles plastered over their faces as if they were happy about the wedding which they were not. Anyone could be fooled by the scene which was demonstrated in front of him.

A happy loving occasion. A special day for the groom and bride strengthening their bond by tying themselves in the holy bond of matrimony. Aaron knew better. The marriage had nothing to do with strengthening loving bonds.

No. It was a strategic move to take Aaron's birthright from him. Flavio Salvatore wanted the title of Capo di tutti i Capi of Cosa Nostra and for that he was marrying the daughter of another famiglia's Consigliere.

It was a smart move as it would give wind to the silent whispers of a coup among the people who were unhappy with his father Ethan Knight, an American outsider, who was ruling over them for the past three decades.

Everyone had bowed down to Ethan's authority because they were scared of him but now when they had a chance to rule out his authority they would never let the chance go and Flavio had given them the opportunity on the golden bloody platter.

“Aaron..”

Aaron turned to see his grandfather in all his glory walking to him and beside him was his younger brother Asher Salvatore knight who had a grin on his face. Aaron directly approached his grandfather and kissed his hand, greeting him with a nod.

“I hope you are still doing great at this age, Nonno.” Aaron’s thick yet gracious voice made Giovanni smile in pride. After all, He was his favourite grandson.

“I am doing more than great when you keep making me proud, Aaron.” He replied with a smile. Aaron nodded

“You should wish your blessings to your cousin now. He has been waiting for you for hours.” Giovanni said, gesturing towards the stage.

Asher chuckled with humour listening to his Nonno. But one look from his brother sealed his mouth.

Aaron found the newly weds couple standing in the middle of the ballroom and was being congratulated by the people.

“I will leave you youngsters then…” Giovanni took his leave from there before shaking his head at his naughty grandson Asher. Aaron’s eyes were on Flavio.

"I wonder how she can say yes to this dog, Eldy? She is a real beauty…"

Aaron twitched his upper lip as his younger brother’s voice hit his ears. Aaron muttered before standing beside his brother after Giovanni left. Aaron turned to see him making faces at the decorated couple. He couldn't stop leaking out his hearty feelings towards his oh-so-lovely cousin.

Aaron closed his eyes for a second and stared ahead before rebuking him silently.

“I will personally throw you out if you create any snarky comments until this reception is over, Ash.” Asher straightened up and fake smiled.

Aaron knew how his little brother is capable of creating straight disturbance in the public so He warned him.

"Be vigilant and don't let anyone rile you up. Understand?" Aaron said in a strict tone before walking to his cousin and his wife.

Asher understood his brother was not in the mood for his jokes. He knew when to shut up with his brother. "I will try," he mumbled and walked beside his brother to see the drama. Flavio saw them walking to him and he plastered a complacent smile on his face.

"Congratulations on your wedding. I wish you all the best with your future plans," Aaron said to his cousin with the unblinking gaze with his stormy grey eyes. Flavio smiled at him and stretched his hand to shake. "My future is safe now," His cousin Flavio said with a sheltered warning in his words.

Aaron eyed the hand as if it was a disease. He ignored it and looked at the bride. "Congratulations," He wished her, once again nodding at his cousin who still had his hand hanging in the air. Aaron walked away from there leaving a fuming Flavio behind.

Asher muffled his laugh with fake cough and kissed the hand of Cara, Flavio’s bride before congratulating and leaving them and joining his brother.

Asher groaned, walking behind his brother. "I am going to drink. His face is leaving a bitter taste in my mouth," He muttered and sprinted towards the bar area.

"Drink, Sir?" A server asked Aaron when He stood at the corner with boredness.

Aaron glanced at the serving tray briefly and picked a glass of whiskey. He took a whiff of the dark liquid before taking a sip. Flavio started dancing with his wife but his eyes were on Aaron. He was smirking as if he was declaring his victory. Aaron raised his glass in a mock salute and then gulped the whole liquid down.

"He is stating his claim on your Cosa Nostra."

Ethan Knight's Voice hit his ears. Aaron blinked and leisurely turned his gaze towards him. "His claim is worth nothing. This is my birthright and I dare anyone to come and snatch it from me. I will send them back into tiny shredded pieces!" He said in a dark tone.

Aaron had to present a facade that He respects his father, which He didn't. He had reasons for that. But He just couldn't insult the current Capo in front of all these people. He needs these people to respect him like God itself.

Ethan nodded and after a while called him. “Aaron…”

Aaron turned to him and gave his father a curt nod. "Father."

Ethan Knight gestured at him towards the corner where people were staring at them. They all looked away, resuming their conversations when Aaron levelled his eyes on them. Aaron turned to his father and waited for him to speak who was looking at Aaron’s shirt.

"The stain is invisible to others but I could notice the blood on your shirt."

"I put down a few dogs before coming here," Aaron said, nonchalantly before letting out an exhausting breath. "If this was what you wanted to ask then…"

"I want you to meet Rosalina, she is here and expecting a meeting…"

"I told you not to interfere, Father," Aaron snapped at his father, furious that he dared to intrude on his life and plans as if he had the right to do so.

"The girl is beautiful and up to our standards, Aaron…" His father started but stopped when he saw the dark look in Aaron's eyes.

"I think I told you my decision. It would be better for you to remember it," Aaron warned his father while gritting his teeth.

"Aaron, you can't prolong your marriage. It's important…"

Suddenly Ethan’s eyes turned to a girl who was walking towards them.

"Think about it, it's not a bad decision," saying that he walked away when Rosalina De Luca approached Aaron. Aaron moved his head a little, eyeing her every move as she stopped near her. Rosalina moved around him, her eyes shining as if she was eying her most prized possession.