MARRIED TO THE CAPO

Episode 5

BRIANNA ANDERSON

On the day of the wedding, as Ava and I prepared for the ceremony, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Ava, my best friend, was by my side, offering me consoling words.

"Brianna, you're going to be just fine," Ava reassured me, her voice filled with warmth and support. "Kade is a handsome man, and he's the head of the Italian mafia. You're going to have a life full of adventure and excitement."

I offered a shaky smile, grateful for Ava's attempts to ease my nerves. "I hope you're right, Ava. It's just that everything is happening so fast, and I can't help but feel overwhelmed."

Ava placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I know, but you're strong and independent. You've always been that way. You can handle whatever comes your way, and you have me by your side."

As we continued to prepare, My mother, entered the room, offering her comforting presence."Brianna, my dear," she said as she approached, her voice filled with warmth. "You look absolutely beautiful today. Your father and I are so proud of you."Tears welled up in my eyes as I met her gaze. "Thank you, Maria. This day means a lot to me, even if it's so different from what I had imagined."Maria smiled tenderly and reached out to brush a stray hair away from my face. "Life has its own way of surprising us, dear. You're about to embark on a new journey, and I know you will do it with grace and strength."

As the time approached for me to walk down the aisle, my father came to escort me. He looked at me with pride in his eyes and offered a heartfelt compliment."Brianna, you look stunning today," he said, his voice filled with affection. "You're a remarkable woman, and I couldn't be prouder of the person you've become."Touched by his words, I smiled and replied, "Thank you, Father. Your support means the world to me, especially on a day like today."

Soon the piano started playing and everyone stood up in respect to the bride, the flower girl, Kade's adorable baby Niece, Nix, enthusiastically scattered flowers along the aisle, creating a beautiful and heartwarming spectacle. The innocence and joy of the young child added a touch of enchantment to the occasion.

Meanwhile, Kade stood at the altar, looking striking and charming in his role as the groom.

In that moment, as I stood at the altar, my father's hand gently released me into Kade's waiting grasp. It was a symbolic act, signifying the trust he had placed in Kade to care for me. The transition was filled with emotions, both the bittersweet goodbye to my father and the hopeful anticipation of the future with Kade. Hermes, Kade's loyal friend, assumed the role of the officiating priest.

Hermes: "Brianna Anderson, do you take this man, Kade Romano, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to cherish and honor, to support and love, through good times and bad, to seek understanding, even when faced with challenges?"

Brianna: "I do."

Hermes then turned to Kade.

"Kade Romano, do you take this woman, Brianna Anderson, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to cherish and honor, to support and love, through good times and bad, to seek understanding, even when faced with challenges?"

Kade: "I do."

Kade's hand, firm and reassuring, held the ring he had chosen for me. I marveled at the delicate band of gold, a symbol of his commitment to our love. With care and tenderness, he slid it onto my finger, a silent promise that warmed my heart.

In return, I placed the ring I had chosen for Kade into his waiting hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if there is anyone present who opposes this union, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." Hermes said and the hall was silent.

Hermes, the officiating priest, smiled and said, "You may now kiss the bride."

Kade and I locked eyes and then kissed. After a blissful few seconds, Hermes announced, "I now pronounce you, Mr. and Mrs. Romano, husband and wife."

The room erupted in cheers.

Soon enough, we moved to the reception

After our couple's dance which was awkward as f**k, I joined Ava at our table, the two of us chatting quietly amidst the lively music and laughter.

Ava leaned closer, her voice filled with excitement. "Brianna, I have something to tell you."

I raised an eyebrow, curious.

"What is it?"She grinned mischievously. "You remember that handsome man I met at the club the other day? Well, turns out he's Hermes, Kade's best friend and the one who officiated your wedding. And I have to say, I think I have a little crush on him."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Ava, you always manage to find yourself in intriguing situations. What are you going to do about this 'crush' of yours?"She shrugged, her eyes dancing with excitement. "I have no idea, but maybe I'll get to know him better during this wedding. It's not every day you get to meet someone like Hermes."

Kade suddenly appeared at our table which was unexpected, and his expression was serious. He motioned for me to follow him, and we moved to a more secluded corner of the reception hall. As we stood there, Kade spoke, his voice low and determined. "Brianna, we need to leave for Italy. There's a situation that requires my presence, and it's going to take a few months."

I frowned, my stubborn nature surfacing. "Italy? But we just got married, and this is our reception. I can't just up and leave everything behind."

Kade's icy grey eyes locked onto mine, his gaze unwavering. "Brianna, it's not a choice. It's a necessity. I can't explain everything now, but I promise I'll keep you safe."

Kade's voice was firm, cold, and devoid of emotion. "Brianna, I have no time for discussions. We're leaving for Italy, and it's happening right now. Pack your bags; we're leaving immediately."I crossed my arms and glared at him, refusing to back down.

"I won't be treated like this, Kade. You can't just order me around like I have no say in my own life."

His eyes bore into mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. "This is not the time for your stubbornness, Brianna. There are things you don't understand, and I'm doing this to keep you safe. Trust me."I stomped my foot, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I won't just follow your orders blindly. You need to explain this to me."Kade's expression remained unyielding, and he had no intention of relenting. "Brianna, there's no time for explanations now. Just trust me, and we'll talk more in Italy."

Just then a blondie came in and looked at Kade.

"Excuse me who are you?" I asked.