Mafia's Sinful Bride

Behind Closed Doors

Gabriella's Pov

I groaned as I sank into the bed, holding the plate of lasagna in my hands. The scent of tomato and cheese lingered in the room. I had no appetite to eat any longer. I stared at the plate, my stomach rumbling but not from hunger. I'd learnt how to make this from my father, it was his favorite recipe. I remembered how he laughs each time he teaches me. How he pretends to sneeze due to the flour in his hands, it made me giggle so loud. The memory remained fresh in my head, and I blinked rapidly, trying hard not to cry.

Why was I here? Why did he want to get married to me if he hated me? What did Alessio want from me? And why did he seem to take so much pleasure in my misery?

“Get a grip,” I muttered, shoving the plate onto the nightstand. The fork made a sharp noise and silence followed after.

I pulled my knees to my chest. I've spent days in the mansion, just forced to be kept here like a slave with nothing to do but think. Think about my parents, about Alessio’s cold eyes and colder words, about how I ended up here with no way out.

I glanced at the door, half-expecting it to burst open with one of his guards dragging me to meet him. But it stayed closed. Alessio always had a way to remind me that I was powerless against him.

I checked the time, it was past one in the afternoon. My fingers twitched, I couldn't stay here any longer, I needed to do something. I got up off the bed and changed into a pair of leggings and a green shirt I took from the closet. I put on sandals that matched. I turned to stare at my reflection in the mirror, my eyes still looked dull. Sighing, I tore my gaze away and opened the door, walking down the hallway.

Two guards stood at the bottom of the stairs, their eyes flickering to me before turning away. I cleared my throat, crossing my arms over my chest to hide my anxiety.

“Where’s Alessio?” I asked.

One of them, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, shrugged. “He’s out, handling business ma'am.”

Of course he was. I clenched my teeth. I had no idea what ‘business’ meant exactly, but I’d seen enough bloodstains scrubbed out of marble floors to have a pretty good guess.

“I’m heading out,” I said firmly, already turning towards the door.

The guards exchanged weirdglances. One reached into his pocket and pulled out a phone, muttering low. After a moment, he slipped the phone away and approached with a small black card between thick fingers.

“Boss said you can go,” he said gruffly, his hands stretched out. “He said you can spend whatever you need.”

I blinked, glancing between the card and the guard’s squished face. Slowly, I took it, the card cool against my palm. A slow smile cuved at the corner of my mouth. If Alessio thought throwing money at me would keep me caged, he had another thing coming. I’d spend every damn cent.

We headed to the garage and the moment we stepped in, I froze. the garage. Rows of cars were parked; Range Rover, Lamborghini, Mercedes. But a gasp escaped my lips when my gaze landed on a sleek gray mustang. It was breathtaking.

“That one,” I said, pointing.

The guard’s eyes widened. That’s…off limits. It's the Don's favorite.”

“Did I stutter?” I asked sweetly, already walking towards it. “I want that one.”

I heard him sigh, muttering under his breath, as he walked behind me. I let out a soft chuckle as I skid inti the black seat, my fingers brushed against the soft leather seat, it was so soft. The engine roared to life, the sound vibrating through my chest, and for a moment, I felt free.

As he drove, I stared out the window, my fingers tapping restlessly on my lap. Despite the luxury, I felt empty. I hated the fact that Alessio hated me, but I was enjoying my new freedom.

We pulled up to a phone shop first. I needed to get a phone if I was going to be locked up The cashier’s eyes widened at the sight of the black card. I tried so hard not to laugh, focusing instead on the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max which was on display. My eyes widened at the price tag, but I swiped the card without hesitation. Alessio’s money, not mine. I’d spend every last penny.

Next stop was Dior, then Gucci, then Louis Vuitton. The bags piled up, the guard’s face darkened with every bag I have him. But I ignored his glances, smirking to myself as I stared at the designer clothes, bags and shoes I'd purchased.

By the time we arrived back at the mansion, it was already late. I stepped out of the car, fixing my glasses as I motioned for the guard who was struggling with the bags to follow me. The guard staggered behind, his feet dragging against the pavement. I bit back a laugh, but the sound died in my throat when I turned.

Alessio stood at the top of the steps, his arms crossed, his eyes dark as he looked between me and the guard. My heart raced fast as his eyes met mine. He took slow steps towards me, halting when he was few meters away.

“What…..” he began, his voice low and husky. “did you buy with my money?”

I lifted my chin, forcing a smile, despite the lump forming in my throat. “Ermmm… I bought a phone some clothes, bags and a cell phone.”

He clenched his jaw, his hands shaking. I expected him to shout or take me I side to unleash whatever anger he had waiting to be unleashed. But before he could react, he looked past me and his eyes widened.

I could hear footsteps behind me and I turned to see a man with dark hair walking towards us. He had a similarity with Alessio and could be mistaken for his father. He looked between us, his lips curving into a sinister smile.

His voice cut through the silence, making me flinch. “What is going on here?”