Chapter nine
I stand before the full-length mirror, my reflection staring back at me with a mixture of doubt and discomfort.
The dress clings to my frame, its stiff fabric restricting my movement as if it's already trying to trap me in a future I don't want.
The high neckline and long sleeves make me feel suffocated, a far cry from the effortless elegance I had envisioned for my wedding day.
Neveah, on the other hand, beams from the corner of the room, clasping her hands together like she's already planning my bridal photos.
Taking a deep breath, I step out of the dressing room.
The room falls silent as my family and friends take in the sight of me in the gown. Their expressions range from uncertain to outright horrified.
Mama clears her throat, trying to soften the blow. "It's... definitely something."
"It's disgusting," I say flatly, smoothing my hands down the stiff fabric. "I look like a fucking bore."
Ameena erupts into laughter, doubling over and wheezing. "She's not wrong."
Aurora shakes her head, unimpressed. "None of these dresses are you. We'll have to look somewhere else tomorrow."
Relieved, I nod. "Can someone call the other boutiques and book an appointment? I have lunch plans with some friends from university—I need to tell them I'm moving."
I retreat into the changing room, peeling off the suffocating dress and slipping into my usual clothes. As I step out, I hand the gown back to the sales assistant with zero hesitation.
Mamma presses a few crisp bills into my palm, though we both know I don't need them. It's just her way of looking out for me. She kisses my cheek, and I say my goodbyes before stepping out onto the bustling street.
The air is thick with the scent of fresh pastries from the nearby bakery, and the late afternoon sun casts long shadows on the pavement. I weave through the crowd, my thoughts heavy as I make my way to the café.
Inside, my friends are already waiting.
Gilbert spots me first and stands, waving me over enthusiastically.
"Hey, Gil," I greet, giving him a brief hug before sliding into the seat across from him.
Tia passes me a steaming cup of coffee without a word, but her arched brow tells me she's suspicious. "Alright, spill. What's going on? Is it family drama?"
I swallow, choosing my words carefully. "Sort of. You know how my family's involved in, um... business? With the clubs, hotels, and everything?"
Both of them nod, urging me to continue.
"Well..." I take a deep breath. "I met someone at a business event a while back, and—long story short—I'm moving in with him."
Gil's jaw practically hits the table. Tia, on the other hand, merely shrugs and asks, "Is he hot?"
Gil groans. "Tia, seriously? That's your first question?" He turns back to me, eyes searching mine. "Why didn't you tell us before? Do you love him?"
I force a smile. "Yeah, of course, I do. The only downside is... he lives in Sicily."
Gilbert's expression darkens, but Tia just sighs. "Well, that's a bummer. But you still didn't answer my question."
I chuckle, taking a sip of my coffee. "He's alright."
We spend the next hour chatting, pretending everything is normal. But when it's time to say goodbye, Gil's eyes well up. I feel a pang of guilt.
Vincenzo would never allow my university friends to attend the wedding. And honestly, even if he did, it would be dangerous with all the cartel and mafia figures expected to show up.
— — —
Steam clings to my skin as I step out of the shower, wrapping a towel tightly around my body. A sudden, frantic pounding on my bedroom door makes me jump.
Before I can react, Mamma and Ameena barge in, their faces tense. Without explanation, they head straight for my closet, rifling through hangers with an urgency that sends a chill down my spine.
"What the hell is going on?" I demand, clutching my towel.
"Dry your hair," Mamma orders, not even looking at me. "Ameena will do your makeup while we wait for everyone to arrive."
Ameena tosses a white lace lingerie set onto my bed, flashing me a tight-lipped smile.
"What's happening?" I press, my voice rising slightly.
Ameena sighs, finally turning to face me. "Something happened in Sicily. Vincenzo is losing his mind and says he needs to get back immediately. He wants the wedding tonight."
The words hit me like a slap.
"Tonight?" I whisper, my stomach twisting. "But—what about everyone who's supposed to come? Can't he wait two more days?"
Mamma exchanges a look with Ameena before shaking her head. "Apparently not. I'm sorry, baby." She holds up a simple yet elegant white tea-length dress. "Put this on as soon as Ameena is done."
Ameena works quickly, blowing my damp hair dry before twisting it into a sleek, low bun. She applies soft, natural makeup, but my hands tremble in my lap. I barely register what she's doing.
The door suddenly bursts open—so violently I'm surprised it doesn't fly off its hinges.
Neveah, Aurora, and Mia rush in, each holding small bags.
Aurora sets them down and pulls out a white dress, handing it to Mia. "Get changed."
Mia hugs me briefly before disappearing into the bathroom. I force a smile for her sake, but my chest is tight.
Aurora turns back to me, placing two small boxes in my hands.
"What's this?" I ask, prying them open.
Inside the first is a delicate rose gold ring, shaped like a crown. My breath catches as memories flood in. Nonna Rayne used to twist this ring around her finger whenever she was nervous.
Tears prick my eyes. "I can't take this. It was Nonna's first wedding ring."
Mamma squeezes my hand. "She wanted you to have it on your wedding day."
I swallow the lump in my throat and slip it onto my right hand, the metal cool against my skin.
Aurora gestures to the second box. "Something old, something new, something blue..."
I open it, immediately turning red. Inside are two lace bridal garters—one simple and delicate, the other intricate with tiny pearls sewn into the floral pattern.
Mamma and Neveah burst into laughter as I snatch them out of sight.
"The first one is for the toss," Neveah teases. "The second one... well, that's for Mr. Lombardo."
My face burns as I hurriedly slide them up my leg beneath my dress.
The bathroom door swings open, and I quickly compose myself. Mia emerges, dressed and ready.
Mamma reaches into her jewelry box and pulls out a silver hairpin, her expression turning nostalgic.
"This was Aunt Ava's wedding gift to me," she murmurs, gently tucking it into my bun. "Now it's yours."
Before I can respond, a deep voice interrupts.
"You look beautiful."
We all turn to see Babbo and Nico standing in the doorway.
Nico's expression is serious as he steps forward and pulls me into a tight embrace. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
I take a deep breath, steadying my nerves.
No, I don't.
But I have no choice.
"Let's do this," I whisper.
— — —
^ Alexa's wedding outfit