Chapter 27 #2
I instantly recognize the woman walking our way, tablet in hand.
She’s the one who gave me the tour of the noir grapes on the night of the Bellantis’ thank-you party.
Today, she’s wearing a smart blue-gray blazer and matching skirt with navy heels.
What is it that makes the women around here so elegant and self-assured? Will it rub off on me?
“Candi, may I introduce our newlywed, Karina Bellanti,” Frankie says, gesturing to me.
“We’ve met,” I say, smiling. “During one of the events here at the vineyard.”
“It’s so good to see you again.” Candi smiles and nods, but shoots Frankie a confused look. “Newlywed?”
Frankie glances at me. “Can I tell her? You can trust Candi. She’s one of us.”
“Please do,” I say, curious about what her version of my nuptials is going to be.
Plus, Marco never said anything about keeping our wedding a secret. Granted, I’m pretty sure he hasn’t had time to properly inform his whole family, but I’m sure he would’ve told me to keep things quiet if he didn’t want me to say anything.
Frankie dashes off to grab a few bottles of Pellegrino for us and then leads us to a cluster of wingback chairs by the windows.
Then she gives Candi the full rundown (which, I soon learn, is a slightly-edited version of the truth that Marco decided to share with her): a brief history of the war between the Bellantis and the Brunos, and how Marco and I had a whirlwind, forbidden courtship, followed by a secret wedding at the Bellanti Chapel just yesterday.
“How romantic,” Candi sighs. “So Romeo and Juliet.”
I smile at the comparison that I’ve made myself so many times.
I like Candi—she’s not as instantly warm and open as Frankie is, but she’s kind.
And I couldn’t help noticing that she seemed visibly relieved when Frankie explained that I married Marco, not Armani.
Which tells me a little something about the Bellanti brother that Candi likes best…
Frankie didn’t mention my prior engagement to Pietro or my runaway bride act, so either she was being tactful about it or else Marco never told her that I was promised to another man and that I had to escape my wedding via trellis.
I wonder if Marco mentioned anything to her about Uncle Sergio, either.
How he kept me like a prisoner in his home, chaperoned at all times, groomed to be nothing but a wife, a bargaining chip.
I clear my throat and look at Frankie.
“About the family feud—I know there are hard feelings between the Bellantis and the Brunos, and my uncle has never had anything good to say about this family, but…honestly, I’ve never been informed why,” I tell her.
“Oh, gosh.” Frankie looks stricken. “How much do you know about your family’s, uh, dealings?”
“Not much. I mean, I’ve been peripherally aware that shady stuff goes on, but it’s not something I know about personally—and nobody ever tells me anything either.”
Frankie nods. “Okay, well…from what I’ve gathered, the two families used to do business together, peacefully, and then at some point the Brunos got into a bit of business that the Bellantis couldn’t get behind—I don’t know if it was drugs or guns or what, but that disagreement in operations is where the trouble started.
Ever since then, it’s been suspicions and accusations left and right, especially when something goes wrong with a job, or cops show up.
And I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, Karina, but…
the Brunos are suspected of killing Marco’s father, and also putting a hit out on him at the racetrack, along with several other members of this family, including myself and my sisters. ”
My jaw drops as I soak in what Frankie just said.
I’m shocked at how horrible this all is, but I don’t doubt that her words are true.
Because it makes sense…and it makes me sick, deep in my gut.
All the underhanded things my uncle has done.
His tyranny, his paranoia, his insistence on complete loyalty from his family, employees, and colleagues.
His cruelty. His torture room. How easily staff and other people around us disappear without a trace…
“My uncle is not a good person,” I tell Frankie, awash in guilt. “And I am so, so sorry for any pain he’s caused your family.”
I may not have ordered any hits myself, but by proxy, I guess I could be considered responsible. I’m a Bruno, by blood. Even if I’m not part of the family physically anymore.
Frankie squeezes my shoulder gently. “Hey, look—the sons are not responsible for the sins of the fathers, and neither are the daughters, as the case may be. No one blames you.”
The way she’s talking, I almost get the sense that she’s got some experience with this.
Frankie’s phone rings and she frowns. “It’s my mom. Excuse me, I’ll be right back.”
With that, she leaves us and goes outside to the pavilion to take the call.
“Well, congratulations on accomplishing Mission Impossible,” Candi teases, toasting me with her sparkling water. “I never thought I’d see the day Marco Bellanti would get married.”
“Thank you.” I’m not getting a catty vibe from Candi, but I think I can safely assume from her comment that Marco is—was—quite the ladies’ man.
I’m not surprised, but I’m not jealous, either. He’s mine now. All mine. For always. And I’ve definitely benefited from his experience.
Frankie rushes back over. She’s white as a sheet.
Candi jumps to her feet. “Is it the baby? What’s wrong?”
“No, it’s…it’s Livvie,” Frankie says unsteadily.
“Your little sister,” I say, remembering Frankie’s mention of her. Dread fills me.
“What happened? Did she break up with the bodyguard?” Candi asks. “I thought they eloped.”
Frankie shakes her head, tears glittering in her eyes as she babbles anxiously.
“So did we, but Livvie never reached out after they took off. We never got any calls or texts or wedding photos, she didn’t post anything on social media—nothing.
At first we just assumed they were caught up in some big romantic secret vacation, but now…
we’re not even sure she’s the one who wrote that note saying that they were eloping. ”
“Oh my God,” Candi says, all color drained from her face. “And she’s not picking up her phone? What about the bodyguard?”
“Her phone’s been disconnected. Nobody can get a hold of either of them,” Frankie says. “Livvie’s just…vanished. And we have no idea where she is.”