Chapter 16 Ayanna #3
She smiled and Stephanie continued, “We just wanted to come by and speak, gotta head out in a little bit. You know there’s no rest for the weary. Always fires to put out.” She rolled her eyes and Teo grinned, clearly amused by her dramatics.
“Well, we appreciate you Steph. Thank you all for coming.”
After a few more exchanges and promises to catch up soon, Stephanie and Summer waved goodbye and made their way back through the crowd. The next hour blurred together as we moved through the crowd. Teo’s hand never left my waist, guiding me from one group to the next with practiced ease.
“Congratulations, beautiful couple!”
“Wishing you both happiness!”
“The ceremony was beautiful!”
The well-wishes came from all angles — distant cousins, family friends, business associates whose names I’d probably forget by morning.
Teo accepted each handshake like the absolute boss that he was and the kisses on the cheek with the same charming smile.
All while I found myself falling into the rhythm of being “Mrs. Donatelli” in public.
By the time we made it to the head table both sets of parents stood together, each with a flute in their hand.
“My beautiful daughter-in-law,” Rita stepped forward, her arms opening wide as she pulled me into an embrace that smelled like expensive perfume and maternal love. When she released me, she turned to Teo. “And my son, looking so handsome.”
“Thank you, Mama,” he said softly, sounding almost like a boy rather than the grown man I knew him to be.
Marco followed her embrace with a clap to Teo’s shoulders.
“Couldn’t be prouder of both of you. This is exactly what our family needed.
” He embraced both of us. Then, as if on cue, my father toasted, “The bride and groom.” He lifted his flute, encouraging the group to do the same.
“This is truly a joyous occasion. My daughter, and now my son.” He reached out, clasping Teo’s hand firmly, pulling him into one of those manly hugs, which Teo returned without hesitation.
It didn’t surprise me, they’d always had a good relationship. Though hindsight is 20/20. Now I understood why. When my father pulled away, he flexed his fingers, then wrapped them around my mother who stood close by.
“It is indeed.” Teo glanced down at me, making my mother smile widely.
“This union will prove to be beneficial for both our families. Our enemies—”
“Sam.” My mother’s voice was smooth, but the side-eye was sharp. “No business talk today. It’s their wedding day for goodness sake.”
A small chuckle rumbled from both Teo and my father. But my mother was not playing based on the wrinkles in her forehead, and crease at the corner of her lips.
Samuel Reed wasn't afraid of many things but knew Antoinette Reed didn’t play when it came to protecting family moments.
“Of course, dear.” He conceded, placing a kiss to her cheek. “I was just making an observation, baby.”
“Mm-hmm.” She arched a brow, lips twitching despite herself.
“Samuel, always strategizing.”
I turned toward the unfamiliar voice approaching our circle. His movements were fluid and deliberate. Everything about him screamed power, all the way down to the Italian leather shoes gliding against the grass. Even the conversation seemed to come to a pause on his arrival.
He embraced my mother first. “It’s good to see you, Antoinette.” A respectful kiss to her cheek before extending his hand to my father.
“Congratulations are in order.” He finally took Teo and I in. “A powerful union. Your partnership will strengthen us all.” The man said.
“Your words honor us, Gianni.” Teo said, stepping forward to shake his hand.
This was Gianni?
I’d heard the name countless times growing up, vaguely remember seeing him at various events, but I’d never been formally introduced.
Never had a reason to be in his presence, unlike the Donatelli’s, who always felt like extended family.
Again, now I understand. When your daughter is promised to one family, you don’t let her cultivate deep ties with the others.
“We’re all looking forward to seeing how you two will lead us into a new era.” Gianni continued, his gaze shifting between Teo and me. “Unity like this lasts decades, benefits everyone. It creates legacies.”
A loud huff of air escaped my mother before she began shaking her head. “Do y’all ever take a day off from business?” There was no real malice behind her question, but her exasperation was real. “The kids just got married, for goodness’ sake.”
Rita laughed, linking her arm through my mother’s.
They never change, do they? Forty years of marriage and Marco still discusses operations at breakfast.”
Marco shrugged with a grin. “Old habits, ladies.”
Gianni chuckled, holding his hands up in surrender. “I apologize. You’re right. Tonight is about celebrating.”
“What’s so funny?” A sugary sweet voice, I was beginning to loathe slid into the conversation. “I hope you’re not discussing anything too important without me. You know how I hate being left out of family matters.” Her laugh was light and playful, but I caught the way her jaw tightened slightly.
She held two glasses, a tumbler of amber whiskey and her flute of the plentiful champagne that was flowing around.
“Here, Papà,” she handed him the tumbler, while taking Gianni’s flute. “I thought you could use something stronger than champagne tonight.”
Gianni accepted the glass with a nod. “Thank you, Isabella.”
Isabella’s gaze then shifted, lingering on Teo with obvious appreciation. “You look incredibly handsome tonight.”
The audacity was breathtaking. The woman was so uncouth. She was openly flirting with my husband at our wedding while completely ignoring me.
“Aye, have you lost your fucking—”
I cleared my throat softly cutting off whatever explosion Teo was about to unleash.
“Isabella, isn’t it? We haven’t been properly introduced. Ayanna Donatelli”
“Of course. How rude of me. Isabella Vitale… family friend.” She offered me her hand, limp and dainty, as if she were accustomed to people kissing it rather than shaking it.
“Wife.” The word came out flat and final since she wanted to throw around titles.
I didn’t miss the flinch or the way she gazed at Mrs. Rita as if she would come to her defense.
Gianni’s once friendly tone turned icy when he said, “Apologize. Now.” Her face went pale, clearly not expecting to be embarrassed. Whatever game she thought she was playing died instantly under her father’s glare.
“I apologize,” she spoke slowly, looking between Teo and me. “I didn’t mean any disrespect.”
“You did exactly what I told you not to do,” Gianni said quietly, his disappointment evident. “Go.”
“You never let dignity get in your way, do you darling?.” Rita asked, taking her arm gently and guiding her away. “Did you come to stir the pot?” Her voice trailed as she left the group.
Gianni turned back to us, his expression apologetic but dignified. “I’m sorry about my daughter’s behavior. This is your day, and she had no business bringing her... issues here.”
“You’re right. You need to reign her in before I do.” Teo told Gianni pointedly.
Gianni simply nodded, understanding the warning.
“Well,” my father said, breaking the tension with a forced smile, “let’s not let one person ruin such a beautiful evening.”
But the mood had shifted. The magic of the night felt tainted, and I found myself suddenly exhausted by it all. I looked up at Teo, who seemed to read my thoughts immediately.
“You ready to call it a night, Mrs. Donatelli?” he asked quietly, his hand warm against my back.
I nodded, grateful he understood. “More than ready.”