Mafia’s Seduction

Chapter 005: The Marriage

I arrived home the following morning and immediately headed to my room. After a few minutes, I heard the door open,it was my mom.

"Aria, where did you go last night?" my mom asked.

"Does it really matter, Mom? I'm back now," I replied getting ready for work.

"But I want to know," she insisted, her tone serious.

"Mom, I returned home safely. Can I leave now?" I asked, making my way towards the door.

"I need the document today," she said.

"It's on the table," I said,struggling to put on my shoes.

"I need it signed," she added, with a very serious look.

I walked over to the table, picked up the document, and handed it to her.

"Signed," I said.

I could see the excitement in her eyes as she immediately smiled, as if she had won the lottery.

"Thank you, Aria," she expressed her gratitude.

"Don't thank me, Mom. Thank Dad," I replied, leaving the room.

Today at work was incredibly stressful. The files I had been putting off for days had piled up, and I had to tackle them all myself. It was a constant flow from one file to another until the end of the day.

As I was driving home, it started to rain, and I couldn't help but think of Xavier and how he had carried me yesterday. I felt a desire to see him again. But then I reminded myself, "He's a stranger, Aria. Forget about him.”

As I arrived home and parked my car, my phone rang from an unknown caller.

"Hello... Hello," I greeted, but there was no response.

I hung up, hoping they would call back, but they didn't.

As I entered my room, my phone rang again, this time it was Amy, and I answered right away.

"Hi, Amy," I said into the phone.

"Aria, where did you go to yesterday? I woke up to a bunch of missed calls from your mom," Amy asked.

"Something came up," I replied, trying to cover it up.

"She explained everything to me, Aria. Give it a try," she said in a low voice.

“Give what a try?” I asked confused.

“The Marriage,” She replied

"Wow, you too, Amy? Well, I've signed it. Am I free now?" I asked.

I could hear her laughing loudly on the other end.

"Amy," I called.

"Yes, Aria," she responded.

"I met someone yesterday. He reminded me of Derek somehow, but I won't lie, he's hotter," I said, giggling.

"Easy, girl. You're getting married in 4 days," Amy teased, laughing.

"I know... I know. Bye," I said.

"I miss you, Aria," Amy expressed.

"I miss you too, Amy," I replied as I ended the call.

My mind wandered back to Xavier, and I hurriedly searched my bag for a card I had picked up from his car a few days ago. I found it and searched his name on the internet, and I opened my mouth in shock at the result.

It turns out he's the first son of the Johnsons, one of the richest billionaires in the country. He owns the Paradise Hills Guest Suite.

"Wow, wow," I whispered to myself.

But then, Amy's words echoed in my mind. I'll be getting married in four days. I shouldn't be thinking about him.

Four days later... wedding day

"Aria, what are you doing? We need to go downstairs in 20 minutes," Amy said as she entered the room.

"Oh, okay," I replied, glancing out the window. It was a wedding between two prominent families, and everything was perfectly arranged.

"My mom has been planning this for a long time," I said, looking away from the window. Suddenly, I noticed a familiar face. "What could he be doing here?" I asked, walking towards Amy.

I stopped and gazed at myself in the mirror. I looked stunning in my white gown adorned with beautiful lace and my light makeup which enhanced my natural beauty. Thoughts of Derek crossed my mind, and tears welled up in my eyes.

"Aria, not today, please. You'll ruin your makeup," Amy said, guiding me to a chair to sit.

"I heard he's quite handsome and charming with the ladies, so you don't have to worry," she said, applying my makeup.

"Really? Who told you that?" I inquired.

"Your mom," she replied, and we both burst into laughter. Amy always knew how to lift my spirits.

"It's time, let's go," Amy said, standing up.

My legs felt weak, and my heart raced with anticipation.

"You're strong, Aria. You can do this. I'm always here for you," Amy said with a smile.

I took a deep breath and walked out of the room, making my way downstairs to meet my groom. As I walked through the crowd, I caught a glimpse of my mom smiling from her seat.

As I approached my groom, a mix of emotions swirled inside me. Memories of Derek,my love and Xavier who met days ago resurfaced,causing my heart to ache. I wondered if I was making the right decision, if I would ever find that same connection with anyone else.

“Pull yourself together Aria,” I said to myself and continued walking towards my groom. As he turned to face me, I was taken aback. I couldn't believe my eyes.

"How?" was all I could manage to say, my mouth hanging open in surprise.

He stood there, looking at me with a blank expression, as if we had never met before. It was an opposite to our initial encounter, leaving me puzzled. I looked down, trying to regain my composure, and walked towards him without making eye contact.

He approached me and stopped in front of me. "At least it's not raining this time. You should be able to walk comfortably," he said, taking my hand as we made our way to the front.

As we stood there, exchanging our vows, a sense of disbelief washed over me. It felt surreal, as if I were trapped in a dream that I couldn't wake up from.

Then, the moment arrived. The words "you may now kiss" echoed through the room, and without hesitation, he pulled me close looking deeply into my eyes. Suddenly we heard a gunshot.