Mafia's Accidental Bride

Two Days and a Doubt

The scent of summer rain mingled with the sweetness of Nadia's perfume as she stepped out of Liam's car. The streetlights cast a warm glow, their reflections dancing on the slick pavement. Dinner with Elina and her crew had been a whirlwind of laughter, eccentric art discussions, and enough free-flowing wine to leave a pleasant buzz in Nadia's head.

"Thanks for the ride, Liam," Nadia said, turning towards him with a smile. The streetlamp illuminated his face, highlighting the warmth in his eyes that seemed to intensify under her gaze.

"Anytime," he replied, leaning back in his seat. "I genuinely enjoyed myself tonight, even if I did spend most of the evening feeling slightly outmatched by Elina's artistic knowledge."

Nadia chuckled. "Don't worry, you held your own. Besides, Elina loves a good audience."

A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the rhythmic pattern of raindrops on the car roof. Nadia felt a flicker of warmth spread through her chest. Spending time with Liam was effortless, the conversation flowing easily between them. He wasn't just easy on the eyes, he was genuinely kind and funny, a refreshing change from the string of disappointing dates she'd endured lately.

Liam shifted in his seat, breaking the silence. "So," he began, his voice hesitant. "I was wondering…"

Nadia tilted her head, her smile widening. "Yes?"

Liam took a deep breath. "Would you like to… maybe… do this again sometime?"

His question hung in the air, a silent invitation. Nadia's heart skipped a beat. The thought of another evening spent with Liam, filled with laughter and easy conversation, filled her with a sense of anticipation. She enjoyed being with him more than she expected.

"I'd like that very much," she said, her voice sincere. "I was just thinking the same thing."

A grin spread across Liam's face, lighting up his features. "Great," he said, his voice filled with relief. "How about I pick you up next Friday? We could try that new Italian place you mentioned, or…"

Nadia cut him off with a playful laugh. "Hey, no pressure. Let's just figure it out during the week. But for now," she continued, leaning forward slightly, "how about a goodnight kiss?" She knew he would never initiate this so she took the matters into her own hands.

Liam's eyes widened in surprise, a blush creeping up his neck. But before he could stammer out a reply, Nadia leaned in, her lips brushing softly against his. The kiss was brief, a gentle touch that sent shivers down her spine.

When they pulled away, Liam's face was flushed, his eyes filled with a newfound intensity. "Goodnight, Nadia," he said, his voice a husky whisper.

"Goodnight, Liam," she replied, a smile playing on her lips. As she turned towards her porch, she couldn't help but glance back. Liam watched her go, a hesitant wave lingering in the air.

Stepping inside, Nadia closed the door behind her, the warmth from the kiss still lingering on her lips. Tonight had been perfect.

The soft hum of the refrigerator faded into the background as Nadia rummaged through her purse, searching for her phone. The familiar weight of the evening's receipts and crumpled napkins brushed against her fingers, followed by a cold, foreign object.

What is it? She thought.

Pulling it out, her breath hitched. It was a crisp white card, embossed with elegant lettering – an invitation. Panic, cold and sharp, clawed its way up her throat—another wedding invitation, addressed to "Nadia Petrova," just like the first one.

Her mind raced. When had this gotten into her bag? Was it at Elina's chaotic exhibition, amidst the throngs of people and swirling conversations? Her fingers trembled as she flipped the card open. The details swam before her eyes: a grand estate, a formal ceremony, an unfamiliar name for the bride and groom.

But the date sent a fresh wave of terror coursing through her. This wedding was happening in two days. Two days! The whole week flew by Sunday in two days.

The playful suspicion she'd entertained after the first invitation evaporated, replaced by a chilling fear. This was different. This felt deliberate, and targeted.

This is no longer a prank. She could not understand her connection with these Russos. She had never heard of them until a week ago.

Nadia's gaze darted around the quiet kitchen, searching for answers that weren't there. Then, a memory flickered in her mind. Liam. He'd helped her into his car after leaving Elina's, his fingers brushing against her purse for a fleeting moment. Could he have...?

No. Liam. He wouldn't do something like this. He wouldn't play with her like some kind of cruel game, especially not after their wonderful evening together. The image of his warm smile and how his eyes lit up when she'd suggested another date flashed before her. He is just a musician. What possible connection he might have with the Russos?

She remembered him telling her he was an orphan like her.

But then who? The mystery deepened, the weight of the unknown pressing down on her. Was someone stalking her? Playing a dangerous game?

Nadia sank onto a chair, the invitation clutched tightly in her hand. The joy of the evening with Liam, and the promise of a new beginning, all felt tainted by this unsettling development.

Why was this happening to her? She is just a small baker.