42. Nico
Nico
42
Everything is falling into place beautifully.
It seems that the Feds have recently found all sorts of issues with the way the Cosa’s handled business. It certainly gives the world a very good reason why the embarrassed senator had to go off and kill himself after his son disappeared with millions of his clients’ money.
Shame.
Christina will soon be legally mine according to New York State laws but ours in every other sense. She will bear the name Venitti proudly and carry our legacy forward. And in return for her hand in marriage and loyalty, she will receive unwavering protection and love fit for a Queen.
There is no one else on this planet that would treat her better.
Our inner circle has already been informed of the marriage. Albert has let them know that this is the best strategic move to protect our assets after the Cossi betrayal.
Most have accepted it without question.
Arranged marriages are not uncommon in our world; they exist beyond social media fa?ades and public perceptions. It’s more often a business decision than a love story. But even if they didn’t accept us, I don’t give a fuck what anyone else thinks.
We are a family.
Christina is finishing the rest of her school year out at home with the finest private tutors available. We convinced her to move to online courses for the sake of her safety, but she’s going to get as many degrees as she wants.
I promised her that.
She deserves it. Christina is brilliant and talented and beautiful, but she and her mother are also proving to be the legal minds we need in the absence of our ties with the former senator and his now defunct law firm.
I smile to myself.
“Explain this to me again,” Meredith says, weakly.
“She will be cherished,” I say confidently, knowing that my assurance holds weight, now that I’m as good as Don. “We pledge to love her forever, to support her, and to give her anything and everything she wants. Forever.”
Meredith sighs and studies us.
Enzo steps in smoothly, his tone firm yet respectful. "This isn't a discussion; it's a decision made out of love. Christina is ours already, but we're including you because you’re her mother."
I smirk as Meredith struggles to find words, her eyes darting between Enzo and me.
Without missing a beat, she finally manages, "Both of you... with her? Just her?"
I lean back casually in my chair, mirroring Enzo's calm demeanor.
"Yes," I confirm solemnly. "She is now part of us. Forever. The only woman for us."
The weight of my statement lingers heavily in the room, a silent warning to anyone who dares to challenge us.
Meredith's shock is palpable as she tries to comprehend the situation. "How do we explain--"
I cut her off abruptly, emphasizing, "Explanations are unnecessary. Christina belongs with us, end of story."
Meredith slowly nods. "And the... the child?"
"We will raise it together as a family," I answer, confidently.
Enzo smiles. "The child will be our family's future heir," he adds cheerfully. "We will have as many children as Christina desires."
Meredith is silent for a long moment.
“Well… okay” She clears her throat awkwardly. "I suppose I should make arrangements then. The church will need to be informed."
"We would appreciate your help with that," Enzo acknowledges graciously.
"When would you like this to happen?" Meredith asks tentatively.
"Is next week too soon?" I inquire.
Meredith’s eyes widen but before she can say anything, Albert answers for her.
"Next week works perfectly."
He gives me a reassuring pat on the shoulder before embracing Enzo warmly. "There's no need for delay when we have a new Don to introduce."