Chapter 4

Chapter 4-A wedding of disaster

It was her husband’s funeral and yet Victoria mourned something even more—her freedom. Tears rolled down her eyes as she made her way down the stairs, the guests had already started to entertain themselves with canapés and champagne, small talk and negotiations. Deals were going on and around the room, she could smell it…she was suffocated by it.

At the far end of the room, there he was, the man she was to marry. Her eyes filled with unbridled rage and pure hatred, she was trapped with nowhere to go. Gulping hard, she slowly walked down and eyes fell on her.

The whispers followed, almost like they knew what was happening, how she was being forced to marry Vincent Morano. She fought hard against her tears as she walked towards the buffet table, there she grabbed two glasses of champagne and downed them in one gulp.

“Respect yourself, Victoria.” She heard her mother from behind her.

Turning around sharply, “Respect? You’re the—

Emilia didn’t hesitate before she dragged her daughter out of the room and into the kitchen which was empty. She quickly shut the door behind her, letting out a huge sigh, “I don’t think you know what’s at stake here.”

Sniffling, Victoria shrugged in mockery, “You’re right. I don’t know what’s happening, but I’m very sure I’m not marrying Vincent, not when I still love the man who’s six feet underground. His body hasn’t even rotted yet and—

Emilia bursted into laughter, a mocking cackle to say the least, “Love?? You really think you loved Maximoff?”

Victoria opened her mouth to speak but was quickly shut down by her mother, “In this world, love barely exists. Money, power, fame and connections are all you need to succeed, half of which you don’t have at the moment. Your husband is gone Victoria, you’re a target, the least you can do is be grateful that his brother is taking his place.”

Victoria’s tears streamed even stronger, “It’s Vincent we’re talking about here mom. I can’t-

“Yes he’s a ruthless prick, but he’s also a handsome one.” Emilia sighed as she brought her daughter to her arms, “It is your duty as the daughter in law, and my daughter Victoria. You have to marry Vincent for the good of all.”

Maximof—his bright smile flashed across her mind again, and her words of how she loved him followed. She wasn’t sure what the feeling was, but she could tell it was love and admiration for someone like him.

Her husband wasn’t perfect. She barely knew anything about him, but the little she knew she appreciated. He was kind, gentle, charming and they spent a lot of days in each other’s arms before his work trips. Now she was about to marry his brother.

“You said it’s for my protection?” She looked up at her mother, eyes beading with pain.

Emilia stroked her daughter’s cheek, “You really think I would let you marry Vincent if the situation wasn’t dire?”

“I really don’t want to do this.”

“It’s life or death. You have no choice.”

She scoffed, “B—but we can’t let them—

“It’s the Morano family we’re talking about here.” Her mother said, “Saddle up Toria. Fulfil your duty as a Moretti and let’s get this wedding on the way.”

She blinked at the mention of wedding, “On the way? You mean—

“Yes.” Emilia sighed, “You’re getting married tonight.”

**********

The Winston Chapel was at the far end of town, uphill, and can only be accessed by the most powerful families to evade cameras. It was the sanctuary of most mafia families, The Moranos and Morettis included—now they were about to marry both of their offspring on the night of Maximof’s funeral.

Victoria was distraught, made to wear a simple red dress and given a half-wilted bouqet of lilies. She hated lilies, Maximof knew that, but of course he was dead and she was about to marry his brother. It felt like the utmost betrayal.

She gulped hard as she stepped out of the car, the rest of the family were nowhere to be seen which she found strange. She turned to the driver who brought her to the chapel, “Where’s everyone?”

“They’re back home.”

“Home??”

“Yes ma’am.” He said, “The boss is inside.”

She frowned, ‘boss’ alluding to the devil’s spawn himself being inside the chapel. She managed to muster up enough courage, shoving her guilt down her throat as she opened the doors.

Vincent stood in front of the altar, clad in a simple black shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He had no tie, his diamond earring glistening under the ways of the moon that shone in from one of the windows. She hated him but she also couldn’t deny, he looked good.

“We have no time to waste.” The priest called and she nodded, walking down the aisle.

Each step felt heavier the more she went forward, the stark difference from her grand wedding to Maximof was clear as day. There was no music, no crowd in awe, no groom who actually liked her.

She finally reached the altar and Vincent’s eyes skimmed over her, it made her somewhat tensed as colors rose in her cheeks. Then he humphed, “You should wear red less, it’s not a flattering color.”

Bastard, she thought.

The priest said a few words, they didn’t exchange rings but she was rather given a piece of document to sign, this she also found very strange. Still, she let out a deep breath and signed the paper.

“You’re legally husband and wife.” The priest announced with a bright smile on the face, “I would say kiss the bride but it’s not—

“It’s enough, father.” Vincent cut him off, then with eyes on his new wife, “There’s a car waiting outside for you. It’ll take you straight to the airport.”

Victoria blinked, “Wh…what?!!”

“You heard me the first time.” He said, his voice deadpanned, “You’re leaving now.”