Chapter 6- The Announcement
923 Words
The invitation came early that morning.
Mafia style wedding; a public proclamation, their union would be ordained in the presence of everyone who counted.
Hours later, Elena stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the fabric of her gown. Her gown was red and flowed down to the floor, hugging her waist before it fell elegantly.
It was backless, long-sleeved, and eye-catching. Silver diamond played with the light on her collarbone.
Her hair was pulled into a bun. Make-up was kept to the minimum. Eyeliner was sharp. Lips were kept soft.
She looked… powerful.
For the first time since the marriage, she did not see herself as a pawn. She looked like someone who was meant to be beside Luca Rossi.
She took a breath and stepped out.
Downstairs, Luca stood waiting by the entrance. He stood in a dark suit, his one hand in his pocket and the other holding his phone. The guards were already there outside. The door was left open.
He looked up.
And froze.
Elena walked down the stairs slowly, one graceful step at a time. The red fabric followed behind her. The diamonds shimmered dimly. Her grey blue eyes met his dark ones.
He forgot what he was about to do.
She got to the last step.
Luca cleared his throat. “You look…good.”
He paused, then added in a low voice, “Really good.”
Elena giggled softly. “You clean nice yourself.
He offered his elbow out. She slipped her hand into his arm without any hesitation. Together they walked towards the door.
“This is new,” she murmured, “You being nice”.
“I’m always nice.
She smiled. “That’s not true.”
Teresa came out from the hallway and gasped. “You look gorgeous, Elena.
Elena blushed a little, “Thank you.
“Luca took her outside. The door to the car was opened. They got inside together.
This time Elena felt relaxed. At ease. She began to speak.
She spoke about her vlog. Her subscribers. About her fundraiser. About random things she saw in the house. She didn’t even realize she was rambling.
Luca listened quietly.
The driver smuggled a small smile.
They got to the venue. They reached the venue. The paparazzi crowded the entrance. Guards were instantly deployed.
Luca reached out for her hand.
Elena blinked in surprise as his fingers closed around hers. He pulled her closer, shielding her from the crowd. They stepped out, their hands entwined.
She felt heat in her cheeks.
Inside, the room became silent as they entered. People stared. Talking stopped. All eyes were on them.
They walked to their table. Luca pulled out a chair for her. She sat down.
He nodded and sat down.
Elena scanned the room; The fiirst thing she saw was her father. Viktor nodded his head slightly in approval. She gave a faint smile.
The announcer spoke into the microphone, talking about alliances and power. Finally, he got to the point.
“Tonight, we celebrate the union of Luca Rossi and Elena Petrova.”
They stood up.
There was applause in the room.
A man watched from across the hall.
Dimitri Ivanov.
Tall. Fair skinned. Hair is light brown in color. Staring at Elena with icy blue eyes. Something dark flickered beneath the surface, but his expression remained unchanged.
She had always been what he wanted.
He had told Viktor that years ago. And now she was standing next to another man.
His jaw clenched.
Congratulations started pouring in; One woman came too close to Luca and smiled at him sweetly. Elena was immediately aware.
“He’s married,” Elena said calmly.
The woman blinked, “I was just—”
Elena cut in quietly, “Yes. You were.
The woman walked away embarrassed. Elena grinned to herself.
Luca glanced at her, showing a slight amusement in his eyes.
Then Dimitri came up.
His eyes first searched Luca. He looked at Luca first. Luca was the first person he looked at and their eyes met, sending a silent challenge at each other.
“Congratulations,” Dimitri said calmly.
“Thank you,” Luca said back.
Dimitri looked at Elena. The expression on his face softened again. Then he gently took her hand and kissed it.
“Elena.
She gave a polite nod. “Dimitri.
Luca’s jaw clenched.
Dimitri’s gaze stayed for too long. Obsessive. Possessive.
“Elena,” Luca said in a low voice. “Elena,” Luca said quietly.
She frowned but nodded.
Luca stepped aside with Dimitri.
“Why are you looking at my wife like that?” Luca asked quietly.
Dimitri smiled faintly; She was always meant for me.
Luca said, “She’s mine not yours”.
“For now.”
Luca took a step closer. Hands off her.
His eyes Dimitri got harder. We’ll see”.
The conversation pissed Luca off and he was about to pull out his gun and shoot Dimitri in the face but he knew this wasn’t the time.
Back to their seats at the table. Luca sat down, his face calm but tense. She looked at him;
“What was wrong?”
“Nothing.”
She put her hand gently over his. Trying to calm him. That didn’t look like nothing.”
He looked at her. Then he removed his hand.
Elena blinked, hurt flashing briefly across her face.
He noticed at once.
“I didn’t—” he began.
She turned away, pretending to pay attention to the stage.
And ignored him.
- Writer
