THE MAFIA'S KING RELUCTANT BRIDE

Chapter Two: the substitute 2

Sofia opens the door and the sound of the orchestra drift down the hallway. her mother calls after her

"Sofia" but she didn't look back. with every step towards the ballroom she could feel it and she knows that she's walking away from the life she dreamed of and towards a future someone else has chosen.

she finally got to the altar and standing in front of her was her so called husband 'Matteo de santis'

The people in the hall were few just de santis family, Sofia selfish parents, the priests and Matteo body guards

Sofia stands at the front bouquet trembling in her hands. Her throat tight as she looks at Matteo. He is emotionless. The priest begins. "We are gathered here to witness the union of Matteo De Santis and Sofia Moretti." The words just blur past her. In her mind, she whispers "Where are you, Isabella?" Matteo speaks his vows carefully, measured. Almost rehearsed. Sofia swallows hard. Her voice breaks. "I, Sofia Moretti, take you, Matteo De Santis..." Her eyes sting. "...to be my husband." She can barely get the words out. A tear slips down her cheek. Matteo notices. He leans in just far enough that only she can hear. He says, "Don't mistake my silence for kindness." "This marriage was agreed upon long before today." His voice is flat. "Running won't change it." Then he steps back, face blank again. The priest smiles politely, unaware of the storm underneath. "By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." "You may kiss the bride." Matteo moves forward. There's no tenderness. It's a brief, formal press of lips, nothing more. When he pulls back, his expression doesn't shift. The rings are exchanged. The ceremony ends. A moment later, one of Matteo's men comes quickly, whispers something to him. His eyes tighten, like something just cracked behind his composure. He turns to Sofia, voice colder than before. "I have urgent business to handle. My men will take you to the estate." "Don't wait for me." "I'll be home later." His tone is distant. Then he leaves. The doors swing shut behind him. Sofia stands alone at the altar, still in the wedding dress. Her new reality pressing down on her like a weight she can't yet name.