Secret love of the Mafia Widow

"Congratulations, Eliza! You're about to become the seventh wife of Bob Wald, the mafia kingpin!" A shrill, mocking voice shattered my sobbing. "I hear he's a real freak. Try not to die in bed tonight!" I wiped away my tears and looked at my reflection in the mirror. The custom-made mermaid-style strapless wedding dress accentuated my figure, making me look even more alluring. My usually loose golden hair was now styled into an elegant updo, crowned with a luxurious, gem-studded tiara. My lips were as red as roses, and my eyes sparkled a brilliant ocean blue... As a bride, I was undeniably beautiful. But despite my beauty, I wasn't marrying the man I loved. Instead, I was being forced to marry a seventy-something, violent mafia boss! I closed my eyes in pain and turned to face the woman who had suddenly appeared behind me. It was my half-sister, Caroline Abercrombie. Caroline had a voluptuous figure, dark brown curly hair, and striking green eyes, making her a stunning beauty. But she always wore a superior, mocking smile, which made me very uncomfortable. Just like now... "Thank you, but even if I die, you'll still get your money from the Wald family." I frowned, exhausted by her presence. "Oh, I'm just being nice, giving you a heads-up. You should be thanking me, actually!" Caroline grabbed my chin forcefully, making me look her in the eye. "Why are you crying? If I hadn't given you the chance to marry Bob Wald in my place, your mom would have died by now!" I stayed silent, choosing not to argue. As long as Caroline and my father were willing to pay my mother's medical bills, I didn't care who they were marrying me off to. "Are you still hung up on that broke ex-boyfriend of yours? What was his name? Leon? I heard he cheated on you." "He did not!" Anger replaced my sadness as I yanked Caroline's hand away. "Then you're even more pathetic. You dumped your boyfriend just to sell your body and soul." Caroline sneered. "You!" Just as I was about to retort, a scream interrupted us. A maid from the Wald family burst into the room, looking flustered. "Ma'am, Mr. Wald has fainted. The wedding is postponed!" ***** Caroline looked extremely anxious when she heard the news and hurried off with the maid, leaving me alone in the lounge. I took off the necklace hanging around my neck, fingering the ring on it as I got lost in my thoughts. I had lied to Caroline. Leon had indeed betrayed me. We were supposed to be getting married today, too. A month ago, Leon had planned a romantic proposal and gifted me this ring, and I had joyfully accepted. But soon after, I caught him in bed with another woman... The memory stung, bringing fresh tears to my eyes. That bastard didn't matter to me any longer. The doctors had diagnosed me with brain cancer and given me a prognosis of only three years left to live at most. I needed to focus on saving enough money for my mom's medical bills for the rest of her life... Not waste time dwelling on a cheating jerk! A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. The flustered maid came to deliver another message. "Ma'am, Mr. Wald's condition is critical. The family doctor is doing everything he can... The butler has called back his two sons and asked me to fetch you as well." The maid hesitated, her anxiety palpable. "And... Mr. Wald's eldest son, Billy, is throwing a tantrum. You should be prepared." "Thanks, I'll be careful. What's your name?" "Emma, Ma'am." I thanked Emma for her kindness, then stood up and got ready to leave the lounge with her. As we stepped out, I saw a very familiar figure! He was coming up the stairs, over six and a half feet tall, with dark skin, black hair, a prominent nose, and deep-set eyes... Those bright blue eyes had gazed at me so lovingly countless times before! It was my ex-boyfriend, Leon! What was he doing here?! "Eliza!" Leon saw me too, his eyes filled with shock! "You... you're my stepmother?!" Leon hurried up the stairs, and I instinctively backed away. The two of us, moving in sync like a dance, quickly ended up back in the lounge. I retreated until I was positioned in front of the mirror, with nowhere else to go, nervously wringing my hands. Leon stopped in front of me, his eyes now darkened with anger, a stark contrast to the love they once held. The suffocating silence between us stretched on. Emma looked between us and broke the silence. "Ma'am, this is Mr. Wald's youngest son, Leon." "And this is Eliza, Leon. It's your first time meeting her, right?" Leon let out a cold laugh. "Yeah, the first time. Emma, leave us. I need to have a private chat with my new stepmother."