To Marry a Mafia Don

Chapter 2 - My New home

_______________ Jia's POV :

As I stood there still trying to grasp what I had just heard, I kept my head down to avoid the intense stares I was currently getting from the guests.

Dad stood there sweating through his palms as he rolled them into clenched fists and left the hall with the informant.

Murmurs began spreading across the hall.

"The Groom isn't coming? Poor girl got abandoned even before she could meet him" I heard one of them whisper.

My head instantly went cold and I kept still, unable to stop fidgeting while they continued to murmur in my presence.

I turned to look up and quickly averted my gaze when I saw the number of eyes that were on me.

This was hell. Someone save me from this. I could barely breathe. Words clawed at my throat, struggling to come out but they couldn't. This better be a funny dream, I told myself, hoping intently that Nala was about to wake me up from it anytime soon.

But no - this was reality. One I badly needed to escape.

"Jia" Mom's voice tore through my thoughts, from behind and I turned and looked up to meet her gaze.

She quickly took my hand, led me out of the altar and away from the hall.

Murmurs followed behind us as we evaded the hall and shut the door as we left.

"Jia" Mom let out, barely a whisper, with tears forming on her eyes as she pulled me into a warm hug.

My eyes widened as I stood there awestruck. Mom! was - hugging me? Balls of tears began forming on my eyelids and I instantly wrapped my hands around her.

We stood there for what felt like a decade before she finally pulled out, wiped her tears and mine and began.

"I know I have not been the best mom to you - or your brothers, Jia."

I nodded and we both laughed and she continued.

"I'm sure you don't need me to explain how undervalued Women in our City are and how we are treated. I'm sure your father has all that handled"

She cupped my cheeks with her palm as she smiled and said.

"I know this seems scary to you - Deep down it is. I was younger than you are right now, when I was married off to your father and was made to bear him kids"

I gulped. Kids. That word scared the hell out of me. Was I going to be forced to bear kids too for my husband if I eventually got married to him?

Mom wiped the sweat off my forehead and fixed my hair.

"Your father might not have been the best husband or father but I am lucky I got someone as good as him and I hope your new husband will be better"

Husband? A husband I hadn't even met or knew his name? The same husband who was nowhere to be found right now? I was about asking her about it when one of Dad's informant stepped in and interrupted our sweet mother - daughter moment.

"Sir calls for you both, My lady" he informed.

"Give us a minute. Tell him we are on our way" Mom told him. He stood there, still not moving.

"He says it's urgent and that he wants you both there now. I'm sorry but orders are orders, my Lady"

Mom glared at him for a while and sighed as she gave me one last hug. I tightened my arms around hers, wondering what awaited us. This could be the last time I get to hug her. I definitely wasn't going to take it for granted .

We pulled out of each other's arms and Mom faced him.

"Take us to him"

"This way, my Lady" He said as he gestured for us to follow him.

He led us through the second hall and out through the garden door where the reception and farewell was supposed to hold.

Dad was standing there, a carrier of gifts beside him and surrounded by some extremely masculine men on black. I knew each and everyone of Dad's men and these people didn't seem to be amongst them so who were they?

Mom gently helped me out and we both faced Dad.

"Henry?" Mom gently let out, going to stand beside him as her eyes trailed along the strange men beside him. "What's going on?"

He smiled and walked up to me as he cupped my cheeks and gently rubbed my head.

"These are your husband's men dear"

"He can't make it today because of something important. They've come to take you to your new home"

My jaw dropped as I stared at Dad in silence. He kept his face straight, not a falter to his smile as he faced me.

Couldn't make it? New home? Just like that! Dad wanted to push me into the arms of another man - just like that!

I looked back at Mom, hoping intently that she would speak up but she kept her head down, averting her gaze. Coward!

She was standing there silently as I was about to be taken away by these strange men I doubt she knew anything about.

I clenched my fists tightly as a Black Rolls Royce pulled up in front of us followed by a long line of black cars.

One of the men opened the car doors and gestured for me to get in as the others stared at me.

Something about these men felt wrong. Dangerously wrong. If these men were his, then the man I was being married off to was clearly far from safe.

They looked like they could easily kill with their bare hands if asked to and I was sure I wasn't the only one seeing it.

I stood still there, shaking my head for a while as beads of tears began clouding my vision. I looked up at mom and saw she was also holding back tears.

Dad furrowed his brow as he brushed off the awkward atmosphere with a smile.

"Umm... Don't bother about this. She's just being emotional. Her brothers couldn't make it here for the final goodbye and she must be so sad to let go of her mom and I" He nervously explained as he walked up to me.

"Look Jia" He let out, his voice low "Don't create a scene here. You will make this harder if you keep delaying"

I clenched my fists and directed a fierce glare at him.

Without uttering a word, My trembling hands wiped the tears from my eyes as I paid Mom one last glance before getting into the Car.

It was clear I wasn't wanted here so there was no need forcing myself on them. I'd rather move in with a stranger than continue letting them treat me like s**t.

The strange men followed me into the car as we got ready to leave. I didn't spare them another glance as we drove out of the estate.

When we had gotten to a distance, I burst out into uncontrollable sobs. I glanced at the car's rear view mirror and spotted mom at the distance. Her face was buried in her palms as she fell to the floor and broke down.

Dad didn't say a word. He didn't even spare her a single glance. He placed his hands behind his back and strutted inside, not a single remorse on his face.

"Please put on your seatbelt, Lady Caruso. It's going to be a long ride" One of the men informed.

I wiped the tears from my face and did as I was ordered.

Mom was nothing but a puppet all through her marriage with Dad.

No matter who my husband turns out to be - I refuse to give in to being like her. I'd rather end my life before he even has the chance to control it.