The Ruthless Don's Winter Bride

~CATALINA~ "Camila Morales, do you take Ezran Omar Vitale as your lawfully wedded husband?" The priest’s voice echoed in my ears, but all I could hear was the roaring of my own heart. The bouquet trembled in my sweaty palms. I wished no one could see me shaking—though I knew they could. Summoning every ounce of courage, I tilted my head toward my father. His eyes were pleading. Just two words—that’s all he wanted. Two words I couldn’t seem to force out. Like ice got stuck in my throat, freezing every sound. The last twenty-four hours replayed in my mind. BEFORE THE WEDDING “Where’s Camila?” My father’s roar shook the walls as we all waited for my twin, who should have arrived hours ago. “Calm down. I’m sure they’re just stuck in traffic. They’ll be here soon,” my mom said, though even she sounded flat. She knew. We all knew. Camila should have been here by now…unless. No, it’s nothing. My father tapped his shoes impatiently. The sound echoing through the hall, a sinister drumbeat of growing dread. My chest heaved as I closed my eyes, praying for my sister’s return. Ding! I snapped open my eyes at the sound. Everyone’s attention turned to the glowing phone in my hands. “It’s…from Camila,” I whispered, voice trembling. With shaking fingers, I hit play on the voice note. And instantly Camila’s voice filled the hall. "I’m sorry, Cathy. I didn’t want to do it, but I had no choice. Father wouldn’t listen. He…he will kill me. He’s a monster. I won’t marry him. I’m leaving. I’m running away…with Marcus." The phone slipped from my hands, clattering to the floor. “Oh God!” my mom cried, collapsing to her knees, tears streaking her face. Marcus? I couldn't believe my ears. Marcus Casino, our second-in-command. My father’s face went pale, the same thoughts mirrored in his eyes. He stormed to the couch and buried his face in his hands. Camila had run. She had run from her wedding…to the most feared mafia don. “Dad?” I whispered. Everything felt small and fragile at that moment. He didn’t answer. I sank beside him, feeling the weight of helplessness. I had never seen him broken like this. And it made my heart clench. He pulled his hands from his face, and my entire being froze with shock. Is that…tears glinting in my father’s eyes? “He…he will kill us,” he whispered. Suddenly, his hands gripped mine. “Cathy…now only you can save us. Please…please help me.” “Dad…I don’t know where Camila is. I can’t—” “No. I’m not asking about Camila.” My eyes widened. No sound escaped as realization clawed through me. He wanted me…to take her place. “No!” I jerked my hand away. “I can’t. I can’t marry him. You know I can’t.” “I know. But we have no choice,” he argued. “Just till we close the deal.” “No. She can’t survive there,” my mom said. “And you think we’ll survive if he finds out?” my father snapped. “Ezran Vitale will kill us all without a second thought!” His name rang loud and clear throughout the entire hall. Ezran Omar Vitale. The ruthless mafia don. The one who had killed his own father to seize power. My father is just a weapon supplier. Alone, he is nothing against his empire. No one would step in, no one would dare. The moment his name is spoken, fear would swallow every possible ally. He’s a…living monster. A sudden shiver ran down my spine as the truth settled: if he learned Camila ran…he'd kill us. All of us. My father fell to his knees in front of me. “Catalina…please. This is the only way. Or else…” He didn’t need to complete it. I knew well what would happen. My heart slammed against my ribs. My family’s survival rested in my hands now. “…Okay,” I whispered. “Hu? Really? Cathy…thank you. Thank you so much!” he sobbed, hugging me tightly. I hugged back, my hands trembling, fully aware that I had given my word. Tomorrow, I will marry Ezran Vitale. --- AT PRESENT “Miss…do you accept him as your husband?” The priest’s voice snapped me back to the room. I realized I had been staring at my father for God knows how long. I blinked, lowering my gaze. I do. Two simple words. Two words that could save us—or destroy us. You can do it, I whispered to myself. Yes, Cathy. Just two words. Say it. Yes— A deep, commanding voice cut through my panic. “Look at me.”