Chapter 8
Diego
Ithrew on a pair of linen pants and a cashmere sweater, thinking the rehearsal would be indoors. But, in true Violeta fashion, my niece decided to change the location at the very last second.
I still don’t even understand why I need to be here when I’m not part of the wedding party—but here I am, the dutiful uncle, showing up anyway.
“Good to see you, little brother,” Armando says, voice dripping with that usual smugness. “For a moment I thought you’d left.”
“Nope. I wouldn’t miss my niece’s wedding.” It’s all I give him. Short and clean—no room for him to dig further.
“At least it’s good to know you still prioritize family. Now the business…” Fernando adds, sliding into the seat next to me in the makeshift rehearsal area.
I bite the inside of my cheek before answering. “I prioritize business when it’s the right time—not when we’re in the middle of a wedding, for Chrissake.”
Armando smirks. “So now we’re back to caring about the wedding,” he adds. “Because the last thing I heard, you were giving the luxury treatment to the girl you threw into the pool.”
I close my eyes and count to five. I promised myself I wouldn’t lose my temper and ruin Violeta’s rehearsal, but my brothers are really trying me right now.
“What I do in my life is none of your business,” I say, my tone calm but unyielding. “I’m using my own money and my own time. It shouldn’t matter who I spend it with.”
“His own money, he says,” Armando scoffs. “Keep thinking that way, little brother. Maybe one day you will actually make your own money.”
“That’s enough,” Dad’s voice booms behind us. Even after all these years, it still has the power to make us all sit up straighter. “Diego is as much my son as you or Fernando.”
He gives Armando a pointed look, and for once, my oldest brother actually has the decency to look contrite.
“The father of the bride is requested by the orchids near the ceremony area,” the wedding coordinator calls out through a megaphone. Armando stands, adjusts his jacket, and stalks off toward where Violeta’s waiting.
“I’m sorry Armando was being an ass to you,” Fernando says once he’s gone. “In all honesty, I’m happy you’re having a good time with that girl.”
He sounds sincere, but I don’t believe him. He’s always been nice when it’s convenient for him. Lord knows what he’s after now.
“Well, good,” I say, standing and dusting off my pants. “Because she’s coming with me to dinner tonight.”
I’ve had enough of family politics for one day.
It’s time to go pick up Mia.
“Wow…”
Words fail me as I take her in—Mia in a beautiful, understated lilac dress that drapes around her body like mist. The long layers move when she breathes, giving her this almost ethereal look.
“Thank you,” she says, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her eyes drop for a second, her smile widening.
Yes, baby. The feeling’s mutual.
A faint blush creeps up her chest, proof she felt the heat in my stare.
I crook my elbow the same way I did last night, and she slips her arm through mine like it’s second nature. We start walking toward the ceremony area. It’s crazy how easy this feels—like we’ve known each other for years, not barely over twenty-four hours.
“Happy first day,” I blurt out.
Mia blinks at me, puzzled.
“Yes, it’s officially been over twenty-four hours since we met,” I clarify.
The realization clicks, and the glint in her eyes could light up the entire island. “You’re silly,” she says, leaning in to place a chaste kiss on my jaw.
“A good kind of silly? Or the ‘I can’t wait to get rid of this man’ kind?” I ask, not recognizing myself. I’ve never been with someone who makes me care about her thoughts and her feelings toward me.
Until now.
Feelings.
Fuuccckkk.
I need to cool it down. Mia said no falling, and she’s right. She lives in North Carolina. My life’s in Boston. Grosso's expansion plans don’t exactly include a small town in the Appalachian mountains.
As we reach the ceremony area, Dad turns toward us. “Son,” he greets with his usual clipped tone. His eyes flick to Mia, and he gives her a polite smile. It's more acknowledgement than most people get from him—but somehow, it still makes my blood boil.
“Dad, this is Mia Martinez. My plus-one.” I motion between them, hoping—expecting—he’ll at least shake her hand.
But he doesn’t. Just another brief nod before he turns his back.
“I’m going to look for your mother. I’ll see you at dinner,” he says and walks off.
My jaw tightens as anger bubbles inside me. How can he be so rude? Is it because Mia’s a guest at the resort? Or just because she’s not part of our world?
Whatever the reason—it’s unacceptable.
From the corner of my eye, I catch Mia bouncing slightly on her heels. When I glance over, she’s trying to smile, but the discomfort is clear in her eyes.
“I’m sorry, bonita. I didn’t think Dad would be so rude.”
She shrugs, but the flicker of hurt on her face twists something inside me.
“Please, don’t apologize. I’m sure he has a lot of things on his mind,” she says, grabbing my hand.
I lift her hand and press a kiss to the back of it. Her eyes flutter, and my heart soars at the sight. Seeing her relax—seeing her feel seen—makes me exhale for the first time since Dad walked away.
“Little brother,” Armando says as he approaches with his wife, holding hands like they’re posing for a damn portrait. “Dinner’s this way.” He gestures to my left.
“You didn’t tell me you were bringing someone,” my sister-in-law says, her tone way too chirpy for my liking. “Eva, pleasure to meet you,” she adds, extending her hand toward Mia.
Mia hesitates for half a second, then takes it. Within moments, Eva’s talking animatedly, her forced laughter echoing across the path as they walk ahead of us. Mia smiles politely, though she looks a little overwhelmed by Eva’s energy.
“Really, Diego? The girl you almost drowned is your plus-one?” Armando asks, jerking his chin toward the women in front of us.
I blow out air through my teeth and rake a hand through my hair. “Yes. You got a problem with that?”
“No, of course not,” he says with a chuckle. “So long as it doesn’t distract you too much from business, I don’t care where you get your dick wet.”
I turn so fast, I trip on his shoes, almost tumbling to the floor. “What the fuck did you just say?” I snarl, grabbing him by his jacket.
“Let go, Diego,” he says, unaffected. “I don’t have time for this.”
I shake him before pushing him back. Why do I even bother with my family? No matter what I do, they’ll always have an opinion against it.
“Wait,” he says, catching up to me. “Is this serious?”
“It’s not supposed to be,” I say honestly. I’m done pretending. That’s what Mia and I agreed on.
“But?” he presses, smirking.
“But…” I pause, surprising even myself with the truth that slips out. “I don’t know, Armando. I’ve felt more in the last few hours than I have with any woman I’ve ever dated.”
The moment the words are out, I regret them.
Why the hell did I say that to him? My brother—the man who’ll use anything to remind me why I’m not ready for bigger responsibilities in the family business.
“That’s how it usually goes,” he says, shrugging.
His words catch me off guard. I stare at him, half convinced I imagined them. How can someone do a complete one-eighty in a matter of minutes?
His face is calm now, a hint of a smile curving his lips.
“I’m sorry about what I said a moment ago,” he says softly.
“I just wanted to see for myself if you were real about this. I had a conversation with Eva after you left the rehearsal. She reminded me how we met.” The smile grows, softening his usually sharp features.
I think it’s the first time I’ve seen my brother smile like that in years.
“Yeah? How did you meet?” I ask, suddenly curious.
I was ten the first time he brought her home, too young to hang out with the adults. I didn’t really get to know my sister-in-law until college.
I was a little ass during my teen years—angry, restless, always on the outside looking in. Everyone else in the house was an adult, and I was just the kid who had to do as I was told.
“I was on a business trip,” Armando starts, “and stopped by a bar to blow off some steam. I was twenty-five—cocky, full of confidence I hadn’t earned yet.”
He glances toward the main table, where Eva’s laughing with Mia. “She was the bartender that night. I thought I could flirt my way into her bed, but she told me she’d only consider a date if I helped her man the bar.”
I laugh at the image, and my brother joins in.
“Yeah, I worked the whole night for free,” he says, grinning. “Then sent flowers and jewelry for a month before she finally called me. It took her that long to agree to go out with me—but it took me one night to know she was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my days with.”
“So what are you trying to say?” I ask, half-teasing, half-wary. I can’t believe he’s comparing my story to his.
“All I’m saying is I see the way your face changes when you talk about her—the way your whole body hums when she’s near.” Armando points at me, and I shake my head. There’s no way he noticed all that in the two minutes we’ve been here.
“Don’t bullshit a bullshitter,” I tell him. “This is literally the first time you’ve seen us together.”
“Is it?” he counters, raising a brow. “We were at the marina today when you two came back on the catamaran.”
I swallow hard. I didn’t realize we had an audience. But the more I think about it, the less I care. Let them see. I’m proud to have Mia by my side.
I move to stand behind her. She turns, gives me a small wave, and her body relaxes against mine. It’s such a simple thing, but it hits deep. How can something this new already feel so good?
“Did you have a nice talk with Eva?” I ask, sliding an arm around her waist.
“I did.” A playful smile curves her lips.
“Care to share what about?” I chuckle, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek before stepping back, already missing her warmth.
“Well, the usual. She asked what I do for a living, where I live…” Mia trails off as I help her into her seat.
Dinner is served, but before I can ask more, my niece stands with a microphone in hand.
“I wanted to thank everyone for being here for Jaime and me,” Violeta starts.
“This resort holds a special place in my heart, and Jaime being part Dominican makes it even more special.” She beams at her fiancé before turning to her parents.
“I wouldn’t be here without the two of you.
Thank you for always giving me everything and more. ”
She pauses, smiling sweetly before her next words cut sharp. “Now, if I could ask for one more thing—I’d appreciate it if we didn’t allow strangers into my festivities. It takes away from the vibe I want at my wedding.”
Gasps are heard throughout the room, and everyone looks around for the suspected intruder.
What the hell is wrong with Violeta?
Jaime tugs her down to her chair, and she glares at him.
He stands, and after clearing his throat, he says, “I apologize if my bride’s words offended anyone. She’s had a very stressful day, and I think she’s become hangry.”
Laughter echoes through the room, but the damage is done. Mia won’t look at me.
“We’re sure everyone is here to celebrate our love, and that’s all that matters.” A round of applause follows his words, and he sits, feeling pleased with his work.
“Yes, I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me,” Violeta apologizes as she dabs a tissue over her eyes.
I didn’t think my niece would transform into a Bridezilla—but damn.
She didn’t look directly at Mia then, and she sure isn’t looking at her now. But she made her feel like shit. And that’s something I simply can’t let pass. Mia is here with me; she’s not a wedding crasher.
I stand slowly, jaw clenched so tight I’m afraid I’ll crack a molar. “Are you ready to go, bonita?” I ask, keeping my gaze fixed on Mia.
She nods, eyes downcast.
I’ve never been more upset at Violeta in my life.
Taking Mia’s hand, I lead her out, ignoring every whisper that follows.
Each step away from the table feels like stepping into something unknown—but right.
Something that feels like mine.
The no-falling rule already feels impossible to keep.
I just hope she’s breaking it too.