A diamond ring

Chapter two

A sleek Cybertruck was parked just outside the marriage registry. Its tinted windows gleamed under the afternoon sun. Inside, seated in the back seat, was a man dressed in a sharp black suit, his expression unreadable.

Jason, his driver, turned slightly from the front seat and said in a low voice,

“Boss... your bride scammed us.”

His jaw tightened. Lorenzo had feared something like this might happen. He didn’t say a word at first. Then, calmly,

“Find me a bride, Jason.”

Jason blinked. “Sir?”

“You heard me.”

Lorenzo stepped out from the car going towards the registry building. He needed the ceremony delayed. As he reached the steps, a scream broke through the air.

He looked up just in time to catch a falling bride.

She landed in his arms, breathless and shaken. Tears streaked her cheeks. She clung to his shirt, trying to steady herself.

Jason saw this, he was going to intervene but a single glare from Lorenzo sent him back.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

Lucia's eyes fluttered open. She stared at him, stunned. His face was striking, sharp features, black eyes, unreadable.

“I... I think so,” she said, pulling away from his arms.

“You were crying.”

She wiped her face. “My fiancé... he cancelled the wedding. Today.”

His gaze narrowed. He just looked at her for a while then dropped the bombshell.

“Marry me,” he said.

“What?” Her voice cracked.

“Marry me.”

“I don’t even know you.”

“I don’t take no for an answer.” His baritone deepened. “Marry me, and everyone who hurt you will regret it.”

Lucia stared at him. Her hands trembled again. She wasn't the type of girl that would jump on any handsome guy she meets.

"Sorry." She was going to walk away.

He grabbed her arms.

"Don't you feel bitterness, anger, and the urge to revenge. We don't know anything about ourselves but I can't let you walk away from me."

Lucia's heart beat so fast as if she ran a marathon.

Who was this man?

But does it really matter now? She has lost everything. Mike made his choice and her step mother made it clear there is nothing she can do to change that.

She might not have Mike as her husband. What if she can make Mike regret this day?

Lucia gulped saliva.

“I’ll marry you,” she whispered.

A sinful smile curved up his lips “Good.”

"The priest is waiting."

Lorenzo took Lucia's hand. As she took a step she winced and stumbled. Lorenzo caught her. His next action sent an electrifying sensation into Lucia's body. He swept Lucia off her feet in a bridal style.

“You don’t have to.” she started shyly

“You can’t walk,” he said simply. “Let’s not make this harder.”

He carried her down the hall and into a private room. A few men in black suits looked up, confused.

Jason soon returned with a priest.

“Start the ceremony,” Lorenzo said.

The priest hesitated, then began.

Lucia felt a tight knot in her stomach because Lorenzo's hands were around her waist as she leaned on him like a child.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Lorenzo signed the document. Lucia leaned forward, wincing. Something caught her eyes, his full name.

Lorenzo Salvatore.

Her stomach dropped. “You’re a Salvatore?”

“Yes I am.”

“As in the mafia?”

Lorenzo met her eyes without flinching.

"Yes," he said. "The same Salvatore who owns half of Brooklyn Town. We rule with power and we’re feared for a reason."

A chill ran down her spine. She wasn’t sure if it was fear… or the thrill of knowing she stood so close to a man like him.

“You’re not joking?” she asked again.

“I’m not joking.” There was no lie in his eyes. This man is the famous Lorenzo Salvatore.

Lucia's throat went dry. She hesitated, then picked up the pen and signed.

“It’s done,” the priest confirmed.

Jason handed Lorenzo a small box. He opened it and placed a diamond ring on her finger.

“It was my grandmother’s.”

Lucia looked at the ring, then at him. “i'm not worthy of this ring. You don't know me ”

“ I follow my instincts,” Lorenzo replied. “I don’t care about your past. But from today on, things will be different. Anyone who tries to hurt you won’t get away with it.”