The Mafia's bride

CHAPTER 5

VALERIA POV

We sit at the dinner table, enveloped in silence, except for the familiar clattering of Sofia's spoon against her plate. I can't help but dwell on the questions that have been nagging at me since yesterday when Javier mentioned marriage. I gather my courage and decide to bring it up.

"How are you planning to handle the marriage issue?" I ask, my voice tinged with curiosity.

Javier responds with a confident tone, as if he had already anticipated my question. "I've got it covered," he replies.

His words make me wonder if I could be of any assistance. "Well, if you're considering marriage, I have a few friends who could make excellent wives," I offer, willing to help.

Javier's face breaks into a half-smile as he responds, "Why does that statement sound so familiar?"

I know exactly what he means. He's referring to Rosa, my best friend whom I introduced to him. They dated for a while until she betrayed him with Manuel, his half-brother.

"Just because the first didn't turn out well doesn't mean you should assume the rest won't," I explain, hoping to justify myself.

The tension in the air grows palpable after our conversation about Rosa. We continue eating our meal in silence, unsure of what else to say."

JAVIER'S POV

I retreat to my office to strategize, consumed by thoughts of various matters, when a call from one of my guards interrupts my concentration.

"Boss, she went straight home, and her friend went to a guy named Antonio's house," the guard reports.

"Good. Keep an eye on them and place a CCTV camera near her apartment," I instruct, determined to ensure everything goes smoothly and nothing ruins my plan."

CARMEN'S POV

I wake up early and set about preparing myself and the house. After making breakfast, I'm about to leave when my mom calls out to me.

"You're up and about pretty early," she remarks as she joins me in our small dining area.

"Yes, Mom. The owner of the bag called, so I have to return it to her," I explain, ready to head out after receiving her warm smile.

I hurry to the bank to deposit the money because carrying a bag filled with cash doesn't feel safe. As I enter the bank, I approach one of the bankers.

"Good morning, ma'am. How can I assist you?" the banker asks.

"I need to deposit some money into my account," I tell her.

"Ma'am, can you show me the money so that I can count it?" she requests, making me hesitate for a moment.

"Well, ma'am, the money is a substantial sum," I explain.

"How much are we talking about here?" she asks.

"Over 700 thousand dollars," I reveal, and I see the shock on her face as she gazes at me in disbelief."

"VALERIA'S POV

I wake up and realize that Javier isn't home. After getting Sofia ready for school, I accompany her with a few guards.

"Bye, my love," I say, giving her a peck on the cheek, watching her disappear from sight. I get into the car and check my phone, expecting to see a message from Antonio, my husband, but find none. Worry fills my mind as I contemplate what mischief he might be up to. My driver brings me back from my thoughts.

"Where would you like to go, ma'am?" he asks.

"Take me to Bienestar Hospital," I say, and we drive off."

CARMEN PO.V

I rushed to the hospital after the money was deposited into my account. The banker's condescending attitude, underestimating me and my ability to have such a sum, lingered in my mind. But I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand: paying for Antonio's surgery.

Arriving at the hospital, I approached the receptionist, who handed me the account details for the payment. With determination, I retrieved my old phone and swiftly transferred the necessary funds to the hospital's account. "All done," I exclaimed, a surge of anticipation flowing through me. I couldn't wait to see my brother undergo the surgery and recover.

VALERIA P.O.V

I arrived at the hospital, instructing my guards to wait at a designated spot. Nervously, I sought out the doctor I had an appointment with, knowing there were tests and examinations I needed to undergo. Anxiety gnawed at my insides as I took a seat, awaiting the doctor's report.

After what felt like an eternity, the doctor returned with a solemn expression. "Mrs. Valeria, it's stage 1 cancer," he said, attempting to offer reassurance. But his words fell on deaf ears as the weight of that single word, "cancer," crushed my spirit. Tears streamed down my face, and I struggled to comprehend the overwhelming emotions flooding through me.

CARMEN P.O.V

Having signed the necessary documents, I made my way to the doctor's office. He explained that the operation would take place the following morning, ensuring Antonio's blood pressure was stable. I nodded, absorbing the information and feeling a mix of anxiety and hope.

"Don't be scared, everything will go fine, Miss," the doctor assured me, a warm smile on his face.

Leaving the office, I retreated to the hallway to catch my breath. Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly noticed a woman seated nearby, crying inconsolably. With curiosity piqued, I turned to see if anyone was accompanying her, but she was alone. Despite her tears, she exuded elegance and beauty.

Compelled by compassion, I approached her, reaching into my bag to offer her a tissue.

VALERIA P.O.V

I sat in the hallway, overwhelmed by the reports clutched in my hands. My tear-stained face served as evidence of the emotional turmoil raging within me. Suddenly, a kind stranger handed me a tissue, breaking through my despair. I managed a weak smile, gratefully accepting the small gesture of compassion.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice trembling with vulnerability.

With a gentle and confident tone, the stranger reassured me, "Everything will be fine, Miss."

"Thank you," I replied, wiping away my tears and feeling a glimmer of comfort.

Introducing herself, she said, "I'm Miss Carmen," offering a warm smile.

Gaining strength from her presence, I introduced myself in return. "And I'm Mrs. Valeria," I said, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within me

CARMEN P.O.V

After finishing my evening job, I yearned for the comfort of home. Contentment washed over me as I reflected on how the day had unfolded. However, there was a lingering curiosity within me, wondering where I had seen the face of the lady, Mrs. Valeria, whom I met at the hospital earlier.

As I entered the house, my mother's concerned gaze met mine. She wasted no time in expressing her surprise. "You didn't tell me you had managed to gather enough money to pay for Antonio's bills," she exclaimed, her worry evident in her voice. "Where did you get such a substantial amount? How did you manage to arrange everything?"

I stood there, contemplating how to explain the situation to her and what lie to say.

"Mom, I received the money from the person I want to marry," I confessed, my voice filled with a mixture of determination and vulnerability.

"W-What do you mean?" my mother stammered, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief. The news struck her like a lightning bolt, leaving her momentarily speechless.