All Chapters of A Bride Chosen by Fate: Chapter 1 - Chapter 7

Dad always boasted about Bernardo Vito's sharp efficiency, even though he had not officially taken the reins yet. However, if he could not cough up a good explanation today, I would be off the hook for that arranged marriage, and they would find someone else to take his place. When I got through to Bernardo on the phone, though, I was met with nothing but a chilly tone. "Who's this? Liliana's business isn't something for strangers like you to meddle with. You're out of line." Before I could even spit out my name, he cut the call short. The dial tone mocked me, and I could not help but snort with laughter. Liliana's boldness suddenly made sense. She had a heavyweight in her corner.Liliana's lips twisted into a sneer. "Putting on airs, are we? I wonder what sleazy moves you pulled to snag Bernardo's number. Dreaming of rubbing elbows with him? You're a fool." Her eyes raked over me, pausing with disdain on my attire. "And this getup? The Vito family's maids are better dressed t

Dad said that our proposed union propelled the Vito family to unprecedented heights of power.If Oscar Vito, Bernardo's dad, got wind of his son botching the alliance, Bernardo would be in for a world of punishment.With that thought, I was itching to get home and spill the beans on Bernardo.As I spun on my heel to leave, Liliana lunged and grabbed my dress bag."Think you can just walk out? Not without leaving that dress, you lowlife!"I liked to keep things understated, but I was no pushover. I seized her wrist with precise force, squeezing hard enough to make her think I might snap it."Ah!!!!"Her scream echoed as the bag slipped from her weakened grasp back into mine."Nobody takes what's mine unless I say so."Liliana's tear-streaked face turned to Bernardo, her eyes pleading: "Bernardo, she's humiliated me, you have to defend me."With a swift backhand, I silenced her, my voice like ice. "Say lowlife again, and you'll regret it."The slap wiped the smugness off Lilia

His voice was soft, but the deadly undertone was clear as day.Bernardo tensed up, but the Vito family pride would not let him submit. He struggled against his restraints. "Who do you think you are? Causing trouble on Vito turf? I suggest you let us go now, or my father will have your head!"Dad looked down at him, a slight smile on his face."Your father, Oscar Vito? He doesn't have the guts."Bernardo's face went pale, and he roared in defiance:"No way! My father runs the Vito family. He's got the whole underworld in his pocket. You insult him, you're declaring war on the Vito family!"Dad did not bother with more talk, just dialed a number.As soon as the call connected, a shaky, old voice came through: "Mr. Olivieri? What can I do for you?"It was Oscar, sounding scared.Father's voice was eerily calm, yet it carried a weight that brooked no argument:"Oscar, your boy hurt my little Principessa and vowed to make her life a living hell. What do you think I should do with

I approached Liliana, who lay defeated on the ground.She trembled with fear, her earlier bravado gone."Ms. Olivieri, I was wrong, so very wrong. I shouldn't have taken your dress, shouldn't have struck you, please. Have mercy on me!"I leaned in, my voice calm and detached, and gave Anthony a simple command:"Strip her, and dump her in the slums.""Yes, Principessa."Liliana's scream was chilling as the guards dragged her away like she was nothing.Bernardo's eyes were wild with rage as he bellowed at me:"Cecilia! I see my mistake! Let Liliana go, and we'll marry right away, I'll make it up to you for the rest of my life."His plea sounded like the punchline to a bad joke."Marry?"I looked down at him, my eyes icy, "You think you're worthy?"I stepped on his chest, applying pressure slowly. "You were so keen to defend her, weren't you? Thought I wasn't good enough for the Vito family?"Now, let's get one thing straight: you didn't dump me, I, Cecilia Olivieri, am the o