SHADOW

CHAPTER THREE

CLANK

A loud clink resounded across the room as the champagne glass in Antonio's hand hit the floor,he sat there mouth agape as he stared in admiration of Aurora's beauty. It took a minute before he could register what had happened . He looked down at the mess he created and called a kitchen maid over to clear up the mess.Meanwhile Aurora stood at the end of the stairs fidgeting with her dress as she stood shy and stifly unsure of what to do.

After composing himself, he strode over to where she stood frozen and extended his hand to which she accepted hesistantly.In the car, a defeaning silence filled the car and made it uncomfortable , both did not care as they were too lost in their worlds to notice. After what felt like an eternity the car came to astop inb front if the grand and glamorous hall.

The car door opened with a quiet click.He stepped out like time had paused for him.One polished shoe touched the pavement,then the other,as he rose from the sleek black vehicle with the kind of effortless grace that couldn't be taught.The dark suit caught the light to hint at the luxury in its fabric.He stood tall,running a single hand through his hair and then adjusting the silver cufflinx at his wrist .His cold gaze swept across everyone,before he made his way to the other side of the car. He opened the car slowly-not rushed.And then stretched his hand out for her,making everyone turn with curious gaze.Then her delicate fingers slid into his and a silver heels stepped out and then the other revealing a gorgeous and breathtaking face who looked like just came out of a painting. Everyone had the same question on their mind-who was this person with Mr.Antonio,and why was he acting so caring towards her.Side by side they made their way towards the entrance of the hall,creating a picture-perfect image of the perfect couple-one;cold and unreachable while the other delicate and fragile.

Two figures draped in silence and power.Cold beautiful unreachable.

The clink of champagne glasses and the hum of piano music filled the grand hall,but Aurora could only hear the sounds of her rapid heartbeat.the atmosphere reeked of elegance and power.This wasn't just a dinner.It was a show.The youngest mafia king hadtaken a bride.And every guest was there to measure her.She could feel their stares grazing over her like knives.Whispers could be heard from every corner of the grand hall.

"That's not the sister we met last year"

"Where's serena-isn't she Antonio's bride"

"Didn't you hear,she fled,and her sister replaced her"

"Lucas will really do anything to save face-even brought his second daughter into this"

"This new bride looks like she'll die with a single slap"

Antonio walked her over to a table where well-known mafia boss were sitted.They both sat down and her eyes grazed across the powerful men sitted across her.

There was Massimo Ricci,according to the file Antonio's assitant had handed to her,he was the closest to Antonio he looked like an ordinary businessman but he's anything but that-Calm and dangerous

Then next to him was Elio Guerra,silver haired and snake eyed.Head of the Guerra family equally dangerous as well.

Those were the only people who could talk to Antonio casually.

Two seats down was Godfather Neri.He ran the largest casino in the city and is no stranger to the mafia world and money laundries.He stared at me for a second too long and then smirked-a knowing smirk that make me squirt uncomfortably on my seat.Feeling too uncomfortable under his gaze i excused myself to the restroom.

Making my way to the restroom I saw a figure that looked familiar-too familiar. I tried reaching her but she turned just when i was about to tap her , our eyes made contact and i was right it was her-Serena-she's back. She gave me a knowing look and turned to leave but i couldn't let her leave-not when she didn't tell me the reason for all of this.I ran to catch up to her but she had already gone.I ran to the rooftop to see where she was-and there she was trying to sneak out and blend with the crowd.No she can't just leave-i need answers.

And then,mindlessly i jumped.