The Mafia's bride

CHAPTER 4

JAVIER POV

"So, Fernanda, I have a proposal for you. I want you to marry me for a certain period of time, and in return, I will give you anything you desire," I stated, awaiting her response. Silence hung between us, and when I urged her to speak, she responded with doubt and a sarcastic look.

"Is that it? I just marry you, and you give me what I want?" she questioned, her skepticism apparent.

I thought to myself that I shouldn't complicate things further. After all, I wasn't interested in unnecessary stress. I picked up a bag filled with dollars and unzipped it, revealing its contents, which visibly shocked her.

"So, are you in?" I inquired.

"Well, I need to get to know you better. You're still a stranger, and what are the terms and conditions cause I wouldn't want to believe it's as easy as you're making it sound sir" she said

I couldn't help but be amazed by her intelligence and how she wasn't swayed by the mere sight of the money in front of her.

"You'll have to adapt to my lifestyle and follow my instructions. And first, you must keep this arrangement strictly between us. I chose you because you'll fit the role perfectly," I explained to her.

However, I sensed her dissatisfaction with my answers, so I decided to play another card.

"Well, I'm sure you have many pressing needs that this money could solve. All you have to do is play a certain role for a month. Think of it as me hiring you to act," I said with a slight grin, hoping to convince her.

CARMEN POV

I stared at the man before me and the bag of money placed between us. It was obvious that the money could settle Antonio's medical bills and provide numerous other benefits for us.

My thoughts drifted back to the promise I made to Antonio in the hospital. Perhaps this was God's way of answering our prayers, I thought.

"Yes, I will be your wife, but I have some conditions. You must explain everything clearly and in detail," I said, firm in my decision.

He gave me a slight grin, and I extended my hand, signaling a contract between us.

The meeting concluded, and as I was about to leave with the bag of money which was handed over to me, I turned to face him one last time.

"Well, since I will be your fake wife, my name is Carmen, sir. And you are?" I inquired.

"Javier," he replied, and I took my leave, a mix of confusion and apprehension swirling within me

JAVIER P.O.V.

As I watched Carmen leave, a sense of satisfaction washed over me. She would make a perfect fake wife, I thought, allowing a half-smile to form on my face. Returning home, I couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness. Was it because the company seemed to be heading in my favor, or was it because Carmen had agreed to be my wife? My fake wife, I reminded myself, pushing the thought aside.

Upon arriving home, I was greeted by the joyful presence of my niece, Sofia. She skipped past the guards and jumped into my arms without a hint of fear. Only she was allowed to do so. My sister greeted me with a mild hug and a peck on the cheek, and I made my way upstairs to change before joining them for dinner

CARMEN P.O.V.

Maria and I boarded a taxi to head home, and she bombarded me with questions. "What really happened?" she persisted, along with a string of other inquiries. I wanted to speak up, but I had given my word not to say a word to anyone. "Well, I think he wants me to work for him," I lied, hoping to divert her curiosity.

"Work for him? What kind of work?" Maria furrowed her eyebrows, clearly not convinced by my explanation.

"He didn't provide many details," I replied vaguely, hoping to close the topic.

Curiosity got the best of Maria as she attempted to reach for the bag I had received. I swiftly stopped her, claiming that it was an order from Javier not to open it—a test of sorts. "Ooh, is that so," she responded, scanning my face as if searching for something. Sensing the tension, I quickly changed the subject, remarking on how long and tiring the day had been.

We arrived home, and I thanked God that Maria didn't insist on staying over. She mentioned having plans to see her boyfriend, Ricardo, and preparing for work. I quickly fabricated an excuse, claiming I wasn't feeling well and had obtained permission from our madam. After bidding each other goodnight, I entered our small apartment and locked the door behind me.

"How was work?" my mom asked, surprising me as I hadn't expected her to be awake so late.

"It was fine, Mom," I said, forcing a smile as I made my way towards my room.

Curiosity got the better of her as she inquired about the bag. Fear gripped me momentarily, but I quickly composed myself. "It's for a customer. She forgot it and asked me to keep it safe until she returns tomorrow," I replied, relieved when she smiled back at me, returning to her newspaper. I couldn't believe how adept I had become at lying in such a short period of time.

Alone in my small room, I locked the noisy door gently and made sure the windows were closed and the curtains drawn, shielding myself from prying eyes. This situation was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Sitting on my bed, I opened the bag filled with money, contemplating what I should do first. "Tomorrow, I'll pay Antonio's medical bills," I said to myself, overcome with a sense of happiness and fulfillment.

MANUEL P.O.V.

I had scheduled an important meeting with Mr. Diego and called him earlier in the day. Restlessness filled my mind as I drove to his mansion, unsure of what awaited me.

Arriving at his house, I walked to his office, accompanied by his bodyguards and mine. I found the old man, as usual, smoking a cigarette. It made me wonder if he ever grew tired of it.

MANUEL POV

"To what do I owe this visit, Manuel?" Me Diego asked from his chair swirling smoke around him. I couldn't help but suppress the irritation that surged within me at his seemingly oblivious question. Didn't he realize what had transpired at the Gondez meeting?

"So, what's next, Mr. Diego? The meeting didn't unfold as you had promised," I said, trying to maintain a composed tone.

"But it wasn't my fault, was it? You asked me to support you and suggest that the CEO be chosen through a vote, and that's exactly what I did," he replied, still puffing on his cigarette, seemingly unfazed by the situation.

"No, the deal was for me to become the CEO, finally. I wouldn't have given you such a large share in my company without any guarantees, would I?" I retorted, my pitch rising with frustration.

Hush, son. I don't appreciate noise," he said, casually reaching towards the gun in front of him, a gesture meant to be a threat. Was he trying to threaten me? How dare he?

An uncomfortable silence hung in the air, thick with tension. Mr. Diego broke the silence, a wicked smile forming on his aged face. "I believe there might be other ways to spice things up," he said, his tone laced with an eerie sense of mischief.

"Tell me about it," I replied, allowing myself to relax back into the chair, eager to hear the plans he had in mind.

The room seemed to darken as he outlined his proposal. A surge of anticipation mixed with trepidation flowed through my veins.

As Mr. Diego delved deeper into his twisted ideas, a sense of both desperation and possibility ignited within me. The stakes were high, and I knew I had to tread carefully. This collaboration with Mr. Diego would test my limits and challenge my principles. But in this cutthroat world, sacrifices had to be made, and I couldn't afford to lose everything I had built.

I couldn't deny the flicker of excitement that danced in my core as I contemplated the possibilities.

As the meeting drew to a close, we hardened our agreement with a firm handshake, sealing our unholy alliance.

Satisfied, I nodded and exited his office, the weight of the impending challenges pressing down on my shoulders. This was a path I had chosen, a treacherous journey ahead. But if I played my cards right, if I stayed one step ahead, perhaps I could reclaim what was rightfully mine.

As I walked out of Mr. Diego's mansion, I couldn't help but wonder what fate awaited me on this perilous road, and I was determined to emerge victorious.

"The Gondez company is mine" I thought with a half smile.