MINE TO CLAIM

It’s going to be fine, we have waited for this day. Give mummy a smile.” Mrs Moreles said with a bright smile, Ava struggled to put a smile on her face as her heart race fast. “If I can’t have you, no one else, and If you go against me to marry Leandro, i will make sure to drag and f**k you on his corpse, his blood smearing your immaculate gown”. His cold threatening words send shiver down her spine as she shudders. “Mum……………….” “It’s time Ava” Mr Moreles said as he walked into the dressing room. “You look so breathtakenly beautiful, I bet Leandro’s breath will be taken away by your stunning beauty.” Ava blushed, her fingers trailed softly on the delicate white bouquet. “Let’s not keep everyone waiting, let’s go”. Mrs Moreles said, giving Ava a soft hug and an assuring smile as they step out of the house. A car was waiting to drive them to the cathedral from the wedding service. The car screeched at a halt in front of the cathedral, Mr Moreles held his hand out and Ava took it, her hand in his arm as they walked into the church, Ava’s hand trembled on the white bouquet, her eyes fixed on Leandro, Her fiancé who stood on the altar with a proud smile. They had anticipated for this day to come when they will be joined together as one in holy matrimony. How heart swell with pride as his gaze fell on his beautiful bride, who was walking down the aisle with her father beside her. The sun shine brightly through the stained-glass windows of the grand cathedral, casting colorful patterns on the floor. Families, friends and well wishers gathered, it was a small low key wedding ceremony,away from the prying eyes of the media. Leandro held his hand out as he took Ava from her father, they stood before the priest to exchange their vows. “Dearly Beloved Brethrens, we have gathered here today to join our children in the order of holy matrimony. Before we begin, is there anyone who objects to this marriage?” The priest asked. No one moved a muscle, everywhere was quiet, they all consented. Ava’s heart was racing as if she could sense an impending doom. Minutes passed and no one moved or raised their hands in objection. “Let’s proceed, Leandro McCarthy, do you take Ava Moreles to be you lawfully wedded wife, to love and cherish, to care and provide, protect and support every step of the way?”. The priest asked. “I do” Leandro replied firmly. “Very well. Ava Moreles do yo take Leandro MCcarthy as your lawfully wedded husband, to love and cherish, to honor and respect, to be submissive and supportive in every step of the war?”. The priest asked again. “I….do” Ava stuttered, her heart pounding in her ears , Leandro gave her a suspicious look but she assured him with a sweet smile. “Dear Brethrens, I ask again before the exchange of the rings. Do anyone seated here object to this marriage? If not spoken now, forever hold ur peace.” He said but he’s greeted by silence. “Unfortunately I do”. A deep voice laced from the shadows, the door burst open, and a group of heavily armed men, dressed in black stormed into the cathedral. Ava pales, as if frozen in time, her fear was finally out in reality, her heart racing as she watched in horror, the armed men surrounded the guests, their guns drawn. Leandro’s eyes widened in shock, but he remained frozen in place as a gun was being pointed on his head ready to blow his brains out. A figured emerged, his piercing blue eyes locked into Ava’s. Dario Santos, the ruthless and heartless Mafia Don, who inspired fear and his name can bring the whole Northshore city to its knees, his reputation preceded him, striking dread into the hearts of those who dared cross him. His imposing figure clad in a tailored black suit that seemed to absurd the light around him, his dress shirt was a crisp white, perfectly complementing his chiseled features. A slim black tie add a touch of sophistication to his overall appearance, but it was his piercing blue eyes that truly commanded attention. They seemed to bore into Ava’s soul, as if daring her to defy him. His black suit jacket was perfectly fitted, sculptured his broad shoulders and powerful physique. His dark hair styled impeccably, adding to his aura of authority and confidence. As he marched forward, his eyes never left Ava’s face, his gaze burning with an intensity that left her breathless, she stumbled backward as her worst nightmare came in place. He exuded an aura of power and control, a ruthless determination, making it clear that he would stop at nothing to claim her. What did I say about defying me Ava.?” Dario asked in an eerie voice as he stood before trembling Ava who already had tears circled in her eyes, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine, she opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. “Get away from my daughter, you beast”. Mr Moreles yelled, but he was dragged to his knees by one of the men, a gun to his head waiting for permission to blow his head off. “No, no….. let my father go”. Ava said, with tears streaming down her cheeks. “My pretty little firecracker.” Dario stroked her cheeks, lifting her chin up, her makeup was already smudged with tears. “Please let them go, I beg you” Ava pleaded with more tears rolling down. Dario’s pupil dilated, a cold satanic smile creeped into his lips, his gaze left hers and fell on Leandro who knelt before the altar , his hands mid-air in surrender, a gun on his head. “I love the Audacity that made you think you can take what’s mine, Leandro McCarthy.” Dario grinned coldly as he lifted his chin, their eyes met. Leandro gave him a death glare earning a soft chuckle from Dario. “Ava was never yours, she has been mine. She was engaged to me and will always be mine. I will always be her first choice.” Leandro said with a knowing smile as he had already hit a nerve, Dario’s demeanor changed, he punched Leandro hard on the face, breaking his nose and bursting his lips, blood spilled out from his nose and lips. “Stop please”. Ava yelled, snatching the gun attached on Dario’s waist, her fingers trembled slightly as she pointed the gun at Dario’s back. He turned swiftly to her and she crocked the gun. “Stay back, don’t move or I will pull the trigger.” Ava threatened him but he moved closer to her. “I said stop right there”. Ava screamed, his finger tight on the trigger. Dario let out a devilish laugh, with a click of his finger, her father was pushed forward with a bomb vest dressed on him, Ava yelped in shock and faced Dario who held the button up. “Give me the Gun nicely Ava, or I will blow everyone up.” He said, extending his hand towards her. “Ava don’t listen to him, pull the trigger.” Leandro said from behind but she wasn’t focused in him, her eyes was on her father who closed his eyes welcoming his fate, her mother was crying profusely, begging her silently ti hand over the gun, all the guest were terrified, some had already peeped in their pants, she can’t allow everyone die for what they know nothing about. In her silent battle and daze, Dario close in on her and snatched the gun from her, she has already surrendered to her fate. “Good girl”, he whispered into her ears, lifting her up, he placed her on his shoulders, she didn’t struggle or fight him, she let him carry her effortlessly out of the church . The armed men released everyone and followed behind them and they zoomed off. Leandro tried to go after them but his crying mother held him back. “Do you want to kill yourself?”. She yelled at him “Mom, I can’t let him take my bride away from me. I will fight him till my last breath. I will get Ava back.” Leandro said, fuming with rage. “Ava already made her decision, let her go. She will only bring danger and harm to you Leandro, listen to your mom. I don’t want to loose my only child for a giro who will choose a total stranger over her loved ones, she’s not worth the fight.” Mrs McCarthy said, wiping her tears away. “Don’t speak about my daughter like that.” Mr Moreles yelled at her but she scoffed and dragged Leandro with her. “Calm down Owen.”