The Mafia's bride

CHAPTER 3

VALERIA POV

Frustration filled me as I glanced at Javier, fully aware of the direction this conversation was heading. The strained relationship between Antonio and Javier had always puzzled me. I couldn't determine if it was due to their differing regional backgrounds or some past transgressions that had irked Javier. Nevertheless, I knew that Javier held a deep resentment towards Antonio, but suggesting that I get a divorce was beyond anything I could have anticipated. For the sake of my daughter, Sofia, I knew I had to endure and find a way to navigate this situation.

"I really don't want to discuss this, Javier," I replied, mustering all the calmness I could. Desperate to shift the focus away from the uncomfortable topic, I added, "I heard there was a meeting at Dad's company. How did it go?" I hoped that diverting the conversation would provide some relief from the tension.

I looked up, only to be met with a chilling gaze from Javier. The coldness in his eyes sent a shiver down my spine.

Realizing my mistake, I quickly corrected myself,

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that."

Even though our father had passed away, Javier still revered him greatly and despised any reference to him as his father.

VALERIA POV

I tried to break the tense atmosphere by asking , "So, how did the meeting go?" Hoping to divert our attention from the mounting tension.

Javier's response, accompanied by his straight expression, only added to my unease.

"Manuel is dead set on becoming the company's CEO. He seems to have Mr. Diego's support," he replied, his voice filled with no concern to my surprise.

"Well, we all know Mr. Diego can be as unpredictable as water. He's not exactly known for his trustworthiness, from what I've heard," I retorted, hoping to cast doubt on Manuel's alliance with him.

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence, prompting me to break it once more.

"So, how did the meeting conclude, and what does that mean for you?" I inquired, trying to gather more information.

Javier's reply hit me like a bolt of lightning. "I have to get married," he stated, his words causing me to choke on the sip of water I had taken.

"What?" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in disbelief. I couldn't fathom what I had just heard. "You have to get married? Soon?" I asked, desperately seeking confirmation, while Javier maintained a grave expression, confirming the seriousness of his statement.

JAVIER POV

I settled into my office chair after my sister and niece were asleep .

The weight of the impending marriage situation continued to burden my mind. How was I going to navigate this whole arrangement? The thought of sharing a house with a woman, considering my troubled history with numerous relationships, only served to irritate me further.

As I sat there, deep in thought, I contemplated the qualities I desired in a temporary partner. "Confident, assertive, yet kind…" I mused, searching for someone who embodied these attributes. My mind wandered, and unexpectedly, it returned to the memory of the stripper from the club. The image of her enchanting brown eyes and luscious pink lips stirred unfamiliar sensations within me. I shook my head, attempting to dispel the thought, and reached for a bottle of alcoholic wine to calm my racing thoughts.

"Hmm, perhaps it's the stripper," I concluded, a half-smile forming on my lips as I contemplated the possibility

MANUEL POV

I woke up early in the morning, feeling restless and troubled after the events of the previous day. As I dressed for work, my mind was consumed by thoughts of how everything had unfolded. I never expected Mr. Torres to align himself with Javier, considering how difficult he is to please. The fact that he sided with Javier meant that I had lost a crucial ally.

Sitting in my car, I contemplated my next move. I needed to find a way to regain control of my company. Handing over a significant portion of my shares to Mr. Diego was a calculated risk, based on his promises of securing favorable outcomes for me. Losing my company and failing to secure the Gondez company would be a devastating blow. Anger and frustration coursed through me as I clenched my fist tightly, determined to find a solution.

JAVIER POV

I had dispatched some of my guards to inquire about the whereabouts of the specific stripper I had taken a liking to. Time was of the essence, and I couldn't afford to waste any. Was I rushing things due to the urgency of the company situation, or was it because I genuinely desired to see her again? I also had my guards compile a file report on the woman. She seemed to have very little to her name, making her a seemingly perfect candidate for the role I had in mind.

After a long and tiring day, evening descended, and I made my way to the club. My mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming meeting and the potential partnership I was considering.

CARMEN POV

I received a call asking me to arrive at the club earlier than usual for my night job. Anxious and unsure of what was going on, I immediately reached out to my best friend, Maria, who rushed to my place to offer support and accompany me.

As we arrived at the club, I was taken aback by its emptiness. I had expected loud music and a lively atmosphere, but it was deserted, save for a few guards. My apprehension grew as I recognized one of the guards I had encountered before, heightening my uncertainty.

"You can't go in," a guard stated, blocking Maria's path.

"I'll be waiting here," Maria assured me with a warm smile, her presence providing a sense of comfort. I entered a room and found myself face-to-face with the man I had saved days ago.

JAVIER POV

I observed as she cautiously entered the room, uncertainty evident in her eyes. "Good evening, sir," she greeted politely.

"Have a seat," I ordered, pouring her a glass of alcoholic wine. "Let's keep this meeting brief. First, what's your name?" I asked, handing her the glass.

"My name's Fernanda," she quickly replied.

I couldn't help but offer a half-smile, knowing full well that Fernanda wasn't her real name, but I decided to play along.