Chapter 3

Behind the huge mansion of Alexander Nick was a valley of a blossoming garden filled with red roses, tulips, delicate white lilies and lavender. The beautiful leaves and petals bloomed under the morning sun, with their fragrances filling the warm air.

At the entrance of the garden was a long, elegant aisle that led to an altar, with each detail made of luxury.

Alex stood at the altar dressed in a black suit that revealed his muscular chest. His sharp grey eyes scanned through the crowd of suited men and elegant women as they began to whisper.

Alex's marriage with Vanessa was not just a mere vow. It was a calculated move for Alex to gain dominion over the USA and Mexico, a step to be the most fearful mafia king and a step towards avenging his father’s assassination.

But as the clock ticked, Alex's fingers tightened around the silver lighter in his pocket, and his jaw clenched with anger as he stood waiting for the arrival of his bride, Vanessa.

One of his bodyguards walked up to him, and Alex quickly asked in a low and dangerous tone, “Why isn't Vanessa here yet?”

Martin’s face turned pale, and he swallowed hard. “Sir, information is reaching me that Vanessa flew away with Mafia Vincenzo and his crew,” he said nervously.

Alex clenched his fist together. “What do you mean?” he growled.

“Sie, it has been discovered that Vanessa is an ally to Vincenzo,” he whispered.

The crown murmurs were getting louder. Alex exhaled loudly and bit his lower lip hard, with a faint drop of blood on his lips.

“So she had been an informant to my greatest enemy,” he snarled. His voice filled with revenge.

“I will kill them both and feed her head to the coyotes,” Alex said.

Immediately, his eyes continued to scan through the crowd to plan his move when his eyes landed on Lillian Grey, who stood in the back seat. Her pale skin glowed, and her long blonde hair fell in soft waves over her back.

“Is that the girl owing me a huge sum?” Alex asked, his good eyes pinning Lillian across the room.

“Yes, sir,” Martin nodded. “Lilian Grey”.

“I want her,” Alex said.

Martin's eyes blinked in confusion. “What?”

“Get her ready to join me at the altar,” Alex ordered, his grey eyes locking onto Lilian’s. “Or I’ll kill everyone here.

Lilian’s heart slammed against her chest, tears filling her eyes as she shook her head. “No,” she whispered, her voice trembling, but two bodyguards had already gripped her as they dragged her to the side door.

There were silent whispers among the crowd as Alex tried to calm them down with a smile, but his mind raced.

In the upper room of Alex’s mansion, Lillian fought to regain her freedom as some women helped her tie. They stripped her of her plain dress and forced a white wedding dress that clung to her curves. The silk bodice was tight, revealing her full breast and her narrow waist. The lace skirt, threaded with shiny Christmas, flowed down to her feet.

Her blond hair was packed into a bun with soft tendrils. Her blue eyes were filled with tears, and her lips trembled as she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

She was breathtaking, a mixture of fire and ice, but to her, she knew that she was now a prisoner.

Alex paced on the altar as he waited for Lillian. He was disgusted and felt impatience as he felt the impact of Vanessa's betrayal. But Lillian was the solution. He needed a wife to secure his power, and Lilian would do.

The door was swung open, and Lilian walked in. All eyes were on her as she marched down the altar.

Ex froze as his eyes met hers. He was stunned by her transformation. Her pale skin glowed, and her eyes pierced into Alex’s eyes.

Lillian's heart pounded fast as she approached Alex at the altar with her gaze meeting his. She was filled with hatred and resentment inside her.

“Be my wife, and I will erase your father’s debt forever. Your mother will get the treatment she deserves, and your brother will have everything he needs.” Alex whispered.

Lilian felt a lump in her throat, her hands clutching her dress. She thought of her family and Liam. She still hasn't gotten over Liam, who shattered her heart, and now she is about to become a mafia wife.

“You are forcing me,” Lilian whispered.

Alex nodded. “This isn't a choice,” he said and turned to the officiant who began the ceremony.

They both said their vows, with Lilian's eyes never leaving Alex. Her hands trembled as Alex slid a diamond ring onto her finger. - a flawless oval and a breathtaking ring.

The officiant declared, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Lilian was still stunned. Before she couldn't brace herself. Alex's hand cupped her waist, and his other hand cupped her chin. He slowly leaned in and slightly brushed his lips against hers.

His touch was electric. Lilian felt cold chills move down her spine. His lips were warm, stained faintly with cigarette and whisky.

Lilian's body betrayed her as her lips slightly parted under his. The kiss deepened slowly and passionately as Alex pulled her closely to him.

For a few seconds, her breath ceased, caught in the heat of his warmth.

Alex felt it too. He held her tight and moaned slowly as his lips brushed hers. He had never kissed a woman and felt this good before.

Despite melting into his arms, Lilian despised him. His power, his cruelty, the way he stole her life.