Chapter 13 Cesare
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
cesare
The tension in the room is thick enough to cut with a knife as I take my seat at the long mahogany table.
Around me sit the other leaders of the Syndicate: Ronan Delaney, Olezka Morozov, and the King brothers.
We've gathered again to finalize details of the arranged marriages we discussed two months ago.
I clear my throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Gentlemen, before we proceed, I'd like to propose a slight modification to our original plan."
Ronan raises an eyebrow. "Oh? And what might that be, Cesare?"
I lean forward, hands clasped on the table. "I suggest we extend the engagement period for these marriages, particularly for my son Lorenzo and your daughter Daire, Ronan."
A murmur ripples through the room. Olezka's eyes narrow. "For what purpose? We agreed on these unions to strengthen our alliance immediately."
"I understand that," I say, keeping my voice calm and measured.
"But I believe a longer engagement period would be beneficial for all parties.
It would give our children time to get to know each other, to prepare for their roles.
And it would allow us to present a united front to the outside world for an extended period. "
Prior King leans back in his chair, a dark expression on his face. "He's got a point. A long engagement could be seen as a sign of our commitment to this alliance. It might even make our enemies more hesitant to move against us."
Ronan strokes his beard, considering. "And how long of an engagement are you proposing, Cesare?"
"A year," I say firmly. "We set the date for Lorenzo and Daire's wedding for one year from now. The other marriages can follow in the months after, as we see fit."
Silence as everyone processes this suggestion. I can see wheels turning in their minds, weighing pros and cons.
Finally, Ronan speaks. "I can see merit in your proposal, Cesare. A year-long engagement would give our children time to adjust. And it would allow us to use this time to our advantage, to strengthen our position."
Olezka nods slowly. "It could also give us time to deal with any... loose ends before unions are finalized."
I suppress a smile, knowing he's referring to potential threats within his own organization. Olezka's had trouble with two of his men getting too big for their boots, wanting more money, more power, forgetting who the fuck gave them their current status.
"Very well," Ronan says, looking around the table. "All in favor of extending the engagement period to one year, starting with Lorenzo Mariano and Daire Delaney's union?"
One by one, hands are raised. It's unanimous.
"Excellent," I say, feeling relief. This will give Elisabetta more time, just as Vittoria hoped. "Now, let's discuss specifics of the engagement announcement."
Ronan grins. "Bridget has had details laid out for months. We're just waiting on a date."
As the meeting continues, I can't help feeling satisfaction. Vittoria will be pleased I secured the longer engagement period she wanted for Elisabetta. It's a small victory, but an important one.
We spend the next hour hammering out details of the engagement announcement and subsequent celebrations. By the time we adjourn, everything is set. Lorenzo and Daire's engagement will be officially announced in two weeks, with a grand party to follow.
As I'm gathering my things, Ronan approaches. "A word, Cesare?" he asks, voice low.
I nod and follow him to a quiet corner. "What is it, Ronan?"
He studies me before speaking. "This delay... it wasn't just about giving the kids more time, was it?"
I meet his gaze steadily. "What are you implying?"
Ronan chuckles softly. "Come now, Cesare. We've known each other too long for games. This has your new wife's influence written all over it."
Anger surges through me. No one gets to speak about Vittoria like that.
"Watch yourself, Ronan," I growl. "My daughters are barely eighteen. The past year has been fucked up, uncertain, and intense. My daughter lost her mother, had to deal with me getting a new wife, and now she's being thrown into an arranged marriage. Do not get this twisted. It's about my daughter."
Ronan raises his hands in a placating gesture. "Easy, Cesare. I meant no disrespect. I'm simply observing that you seem... different since your marriage. Softer, perhaps."
I clench my jaw, not liking the implication. "My personal life is none of your concern, Ronan. My decisions here are based on what's best for our families and our business. Nothing more."
Ronan nods, though I can see he's not entirely convinced. "Of course. Well, I look forward to the engagement party. Should be quite the affair."
As he walks away, I take a deep breath, trying to calm my anger. The truth is, Ronan isn't wrong. Vittoria has influenced this decision. But I'll be damned if I let anyone use that against me or her.
As I slide into the back of my waiting car, I pull out my phone to text Vittoria.
Meeting went well. We'll talk when I get home.
Her reply comes almost instantly.
Can't wait to hear about it. Drive safe. xx
Warmth spreads through my chest. Whatever changes Vittoria may have brought to my life, I can't bring myself to regret them. She's become more important to me than I ever thought possible.
"How did it go?" Elisabetta asks the moment I enter the house. She's bouncing on her toes, her sisters right behind her, all watching and waiting.
I glance left and see my sons are also waiting for news.
"Let's go sit down," I say, moving toward the kitchen, where my wife is currently cooking, something I had no idea she could do until recently.
"What happened?" Valentina asks, looking anxious as we all gather around the kitchen island.
I take a deep breath, knowing my children have been hoping for this outcome. "The engagement period has been extended to one year, starting with Lorenzo and Daire's union."
There's a collective gasp from my daughters. Elisabetta's eyes widen in disbelief. "Really? A whole year?"
I nod, allowing a small smile. "Yes. The other families agreed it would be beneficial for all parties. It gives everyone more time to prepare."
Lorenzo leans forward, expression thoughtful. "And my wedding to Daire will be first?"
"Yes," I confirm. "Your engagement will be officially announced in two weeks, with a grand party to follow. The other marriages will be scheduled in the months after yours."
Elisabetta lets out a shaky breath, relief evident on her face. "So... I have more time?"
I nod. "Yes. You have more time. Your wedding won't be for at least another year and a half, possibly longer."
Tears well up in Elisabetta's eyes, and to my surprise, she throws her arms around me in a tight hug. "Thank you, Dad," she whispers.
I return the embrace, feeling a lump form in my throat. I can't remember the last time Elisabetta hugged me like this.
Over her shoulder, I catch Vittoria's eye. She's watching us with a soft smile, happiness and pride shining in her gaze.
As Elisabetta pulls away, wiping her eyes, Sofia speaks up. "Is everyone okay with pushing the dates out?"
"Yes," I say, straightening. "It gives us time to strengthen our alliances. Show that what happened last year won't happen again."
"Indeed," Lorenzo says, jaw tight. "And it gives us more time to get to know our future spouses."
I study him carefully. Out of all my children, he's most like me. "Speaking of which, how do you feel about this, son? About marrying Daire Delaney?"
Lorenzo considers before answering. "I've met Daire a few times at various functions. She seems intelligent and capable. I think we could work well together."
I nod, pleased with his mature response. "Good. Remember, this union is about more than just you two. It's about strengthening our family's position within the Syndicate."
"I understand, Father," Lorenzo says solemnly. "I won't let you down."
Vittoria clears her throat softly, drawing everyone's attention. "I think what's important is that you two get to know each other during this engagement period," she says gently to Lorenzo. "A strong partnership is built on mutual understanding and respect."
I'm surprised by her input, but find myself nodding in agreement. "Vittoria's right. Use this time wisely, Lorenzo."
Lorenzo looks thoughtful, nodding slowly. "I will, Father. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly."
The tension in the room eases. All my children seem happier, Elisabetta more than the others.
"So, when exactly is this engagement party?" Ciro questions with a raised brow.
"Two weeks from now," I reply. "It will be a huge affair, hosted at the Delaney Estate. All the major families will be in attendance, plus everyone of importance in Boston."
Hopefully, Vince Calloway will stay the fuck away.
Valentina's eyes light up. "Oh! We'll need new dresses!"
Sofia rolls her eyes at her sister's enthusiasm. Out of all my daughters, Sofia is least likely to want to shop. "Trust you to focus on fashion, Val."
I can't help but chuckle at Sofia's sass.
"Yes, you can get new dresses," I concede. "Vittoria, perhaps you could take the girls shopping?"
Vittoria nods, a warm smile on her face. "Of course. We'll make a day of it."
Elisabetta perks up. "Can... can I come too?" she asks hesitantly, looking at Vittoria.
My wife's smile widens. "Absolutely. It wouldn't be a proper shopping trip without you, Elisabetta."
Since losing their mother, I haven't seen my daughters look so happy. I'm thankful they're healing, and I know it's partly down to Vittoria.
"Dinner's ready," Tori announces. "Why don't you all get washed up and we can begin."
Within minutes, we're all seated as Vittoria dishes up dinner. The second she takes her seat beside me, I reach out to squeeze her hand under the table.
"Thank you," I murmur, low enough that only she can hear.
She looks at me quizzically. "For what?"
"For being you," I say softly, ensuring only she can hear.
Vittoria's eyes soften, and she squeezes my hand back. "Cesare," she whispers with a beautiful smile.
God, I'm so in love with her. I'm not sure when it happened, but I never really tried to stop it. Vittoria is an amazing woman, and I'm lucky as hell that she's my wife.
Later that night, after dinner and after my children have all gone to their rooms, I find Vittoria in our bedroom, brushing her hair at the vanity.
"The girls seem excited about the shopping trip," I comment, coming up behind her.
She meets my eyes in the mirror, smile soft. "They are. I think it'll be good for all of us."
I place my hands on her shoulders, gently massaging. "You've been incredible with them, Tori. I don't think I've thanked you properly for that."
She leans back into my touch. "They're good kids, Cesare. They just needed time to adjust."
"And you gave them that time," I say, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Even when they were hostile toward you."
Vittoria turns in her chair to face me, reaching up to cup my cheek. "They lost their mother. I understand that pain, even if it's different from what I experienced."
I lean into her touch, marveling at her capacity for forgiveness and understanding.
"I love you," I say suddenly, the words spilling out before I can stop them.
Vittoria's eyes widen, then fill with tears. "Cesare..."
"I know it's complicated," I continue, heart pounding. "I know our world doesn't leave much room for love. But I can't deny it anymore, Tori. I love you. Completely. Irrevocably."
She stands, wrapping her arms around my neck. "I love you too," she whispers against my lips. "So much it scares me sometimes."
I pull her closer, burying my face in her neck. "We'll figure it out," I murmur. "Together."
As I hold my wife in my arms, I realize this is what I've been missing my entire life. Not just a partner or an ally, but someone who completes me in ways I never knew I needed.
Someone worth everything.