The Mafia’s Accidental Bride

CHAPTER ONE ELENA’S POV “Hi, Dad. You wanted to see me?” I greeted my dad and took a seat across from him in his office. “Yes, Elena. I have something very important to discuss with you.” He said putting on his glasses. “I’m listening.” I was already a bit suspicious. It wasn’t like my dad to call me into his office acting all serious. “You’re 22 now.” He said and I nodded wearily. “I think it’s time for you to start thinking about marriage.” My face completely dropped. “Dad, I’m 22. There's absolutely no need for me to be thinking about marriage. I just graduated. I have my whole life ahead of me.” He took off the glasses he had just put on and placed them on the table. “Look Elena, I’m going to spare the long talk. I’ve been having conversations with Vito Costa. We think it would be a good idea for you and his son, Angelo to be married.” “Married?” I asked in disbelief. “What is this? The 90’s? You can’t just have a conversation about my marriage without involving me and expect me to go along with it.” “You don’t have a choice in this Elena. It’s already decided.” He said sternly. “How can you sit here and tell me I don’t have a choice in who I get married to? I’m 22 for crying out loud. The last thing I need is to get married and even if I wanted to, it would be to someone I love.” “Look around Elena. Look at where you come from. Do you think we get married for love around here?” He asked and then shook his head. “Your mother and I didn’t get married for love and it has been like that for years in our family.” “I don’t care about your stupid family tradition, Dad. I’m not getting married to Angelo. You can go back and speak to his dad and tell them I’m not interested.” I stood up from the chair. “Sit back down, Elena. This conversation is not over.” He gave me an intimidating stare and I had no choice but to lower myself back into the chair. “You can’t do this to me, Dad. Please. I can’t get married to him.” Tears were beginning to form in my eyes. “He’s a nice man, Elena. He’s only five years older than you. He’s good-looking and he’s going to take care of you. Why are you so against it?” He asked and for a second I thought that he would actually reason with me. “I’m against it because I don’t love him and I’m too young for marriage. I’m only 22.” I cried. “Your best friend is getting married. She’s only like a year older than you.” He argued. “But that’s her choice, Dad. She’s been in love with that man since she was eighteen years old. It’s different.” He sighed and opened his drawer. He pulled out some documents. “The contract is already drawn up. Like I said Elena, you do not have a choice in this.” “Please, Dad. Stop saying that. I should have a choice in who I get married to.” “But, you don’t Elena. He’s going to be at the gala tomorrow night. That’ll be an opportunity for you guys to get to know each other. Don’t let me down. You’re dismissed.” He said and waved me off. “Dad.” I was about to protest again but he gave me that intimidating look again. I managed to pick myself up from the chair and leave his office. I went straight to my room. I covered my head with a pillow and screamed as loudly as I could. “Elena.” I heard my mum knock softly and then she opened the door. “Baby, are you okay?” I threw the pillow across the room. “You knew about this didn’t you? Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Why didn’t you warn me? I could have done something to stop it.” “There’s nothing you could have done and there’s nothing I could have done either. This is who we are Elena, I should have talked to you about this before.” “I can’t get married to him, Mum. I can’t be another business deal for him. I barely know the man. We’ve only interacted about two times in my entire life.” I yelled. She flinched at the sound of my voice and sighed. “I’m sorry, baby. He’s going to treat you well. Your father wouldn’t have gotten you into this if it were bad for you. He just wants the best for you.” “I can’t.” I shook my head and broke into a sob. She pulled in for a hug. I cried in her arms for what felt like 30 minutes. “It’s going to be okay, baby. This isn't the worst thing in the world.” “But it is though.” I wiped my tears with the back of my hands. “I have to get ready. I have that thing with Gabrielle today.” “Ok, sweetheart. I’ll leave you alone for now. Think about it, you’ll come to terms with the fact that it’s the best move for you and for all of us.” With a kiss on the cheek, she left my room. I went to the bathroom to get cleaned up. My eyes were already red and puffy from crying. I didn’t want to be late to meet up with Gabi. I finished getting ready and tried my best to hide my puffy eyes with makeup and I left the house. I tried not to think about my upcoming wedding. I knew damn well that I wasn’t going to go through with the marriage. I had no idea how but I was going to stop it. Even though that meant being disowned by my father. I knew what he meant when he said I shouldn't let him down.