The Mafia’s Accidental Bride

Chapter Two

CHAPTER TWO

ELENA’S POV

After much back and forth with my mum, I finally agreed to wear the dress she picked out for me to wear to the gala. I’d already chosen my dress but with the new developments, she decided I needed to wear something else.

The red dress she chose for me had a really high slit. I was afraid that if I moved too much, it would show my underwear. The cleavage of the dress was also screaming “f**k me”.

I felt a bit uncomfortable in the dress but I gave in because of my mum. Growing up, I promised myself I wouldn’t be like my mother. She was a good person and an almost great mum but she was too much of a pushover for my dad. I didn’t want to be a pushover for anybody but my dad was making that very hard on me.

We had another conversation. It was nothing like the first. I had room for argument in the first conversation. There was no room for me to argue again. He reminded me that it was already a done deal and I should act like a good daughter and play along with it.

They were already making a lot of plans. Our engagement was going to be announced in three months and we were to act like a lovey-dovey couple till then.

“Remember what your father said, baby.” My mum said as she adjusted my necklace. “This is going to be good for you.”

I had no nice things to say so I rolled my eyes and picked up my purse. “Can we get going already? We’re going to be late.”

I didn’t wait for her to reply. I walked out of the room and went downstairs and got in the car. She joined me a few minutes later. The driver started the car and we were on our way.

We got to the gala after about 20 minutes of driving. My dad met us at the entrance. My mum was hooked to his right arm while I was hooked to his left like an accessory. My feet were already getting tired from going around and greeting everyone.

“Vito and his son are approaching. Be nice, Elena, and smile.” My dad said.

Angelo and his dad walked up to where we were standing.

“Antonio.” Vito shook hands with my father. “It’s nice to see you.”

Angelo also did the same.

“This is my daughter, Elena.” He pushed me forward a bit. I forced myself to smile and shake hands with both father and son. “Vito and I have some business to discuss. Both of you can get to know each other while we’re gone.”

They both left before I could say anything in protest. Angelo and I stood there awkwardly. I expected him to break the silence but he stood just staring at me, specifically my boobs.

“Want a drink?” I asked and he nodded. I walked to the bar without knowing if he would follow me or not but of course he did.

I got two drinks for both of us. We sat down side by side still without saying a word to each other. Was this what our marriage was going to be like?

“You look good in this dress.” He said, still staring at my boobs.

“Thank you.” I didn’t even care to show any ounce of interest in him.

“You’re welcome.”

I didn’t make any effort to have a conversation with him and the man wasn't even trying himself. We sat at the bar ordering drink after drink. I didn’t even care that I was going to wake up with a nasty hangover the next morning. I just hoped that drunk me wouldn’t make a fool out of myself.

“Elena.” I turned around as I heard my name.

“Gabi. Where were you? I was beginning to think you didn’t come.” I asked as I stood to hug her.

“I was with Luca. We had a lot of people to greet. I was looking for you also.” She said and looked behind me. I had told her about Angelo when we went out the previous day. We didn't have a chance to really talk about it because I didn’t want to and we were focused on her wedding preparations.

I turned around to talk to Angelo. “Look, we’ve been sitting here for almost an hour. I think that’s enough time to convince our fathers that we’ve been getting to know each other. I’m going to go with my friend now. I’ll see you whenever.”

I didn’t give him a chance to reply as I took Gabi’s hand and dragged her away. We got away from the party.

“So it’s really happening, huh?” Gabi asked. “You’re going to get married to him.”

“I’m not getting married to anyone. I’ll still find a way to stop it. Maybe if I show no interest, he’ll tell his father that he’s not going to marry me.”

“I believe if anyone can stop a marriage, it’s you.” She said and rubbed my back.

I could tell she didn’t believe there was anything I could do. I knew she was right but I didn’t want to believe it, either. I was going to try everything I could to get out of that marriage.

“Babe, you disappeared on me.” It was Luca coming behind Gabi.

“Ugh. I’m so tired of having to smile in everyone’s faces. I needed a break.” She sighed.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck from behind. “Hi, Elena.”

“Hi, Luca.” I replied flatly.

“Gabrielle.” I hadn’t noticed the man who was coming behind Luca.

“Maxim!” Gabi exclaimed. “I didn’t know we would be seeing you before Vegas.”

“I had a bit of work to do in Chicago before then.” The man replied coolly. He looked oddly familiar but I couldn’t remember where I knew him from.

“Elena, you know Maxim right? Maxim Orlov.” Gabi said.

Recognition dawned on my face. The new head of the Russian mafia.

“I believe I do but I don’t think I’ve met you before.” I said taking the hand that he extended to me. “Elena Marino.”

“I don’t think we have.” He replied. Our handshake didn't last more than 10 seconds. He snatched his hand back as quickly as he gave it. “But it was nice to meet you. Gabrielle, Luca. I’ll be on my way now.”

Without another word, he turned and went towards the exit.

“I have to make a call. I’ll be back babe.” Luca kissed Gabi on the cheek and turned to leave. He was the sweetest when it came to Gabi but was a ruthless enforcer when it came down to business. I was a bit scared of him.

“I still can’t believe your parents let you take a trip to Vegas for a joint bachelor and bachelorette party.” I tried to change the subject.

“They were so against it at first but when they saw that Luca was on board with the idea, they couldn't say no.”

“If I do get married to Angelo, I don’t even want a bachelorette party.” I tried not to talk about it but I couldn’t stop thinking about it.