Eternal Love Book Three: Mafia Love

Chapter Five: Forced Marriage

Anna pulled her father aside after everyone had left. Well almost everyone, Sebastiano was still around. He was around a lot; she couldn't help but notice. But she dismissed that thought, she had something else she wanted to discuss with her father. She went and waited in his office, while he finished his conversation with her brother. Vincenzo came in a few moments later and closed the door. He walked over and kissed the top of her head and then sat at his desk facing her.

“Well Princess, Congratulations you have completed high school, and for such an accomplishment I’m going to grant you one request, within reason of course. Then I have some news for you.” Vincenzo says a twinkle in his eye.

Anna smiled; this was a golden opportunity. “Thank you, father, I gladly accept and I already know what I want. I want your permission to date Ashley's brother Daniel.” Anna tells him.

The expression on her father's face slowly changed, “That's not within reason, besides, it's impossible. You can't be with him now or ever.” Vincenzo says rather strongly.

Anna was upset, “Why not father, you like him and his family so what’s the problem with me dating him?” She asks.

Her father put on the face he always used when he meant serious business. “Because in a week, the day after your eighteenth birthday to be more specific, I will be announcing your engagement to Sebastiano Genovese. And that's final.” Vincenzo says.

Anna was beyond infuriated, “So what I’m just another business deal to you so you can get what you want from him? Is that its father?” She asks trying not to yell at him.

He shook his head and sighed, “Annalisa, I told you a long time ago, this is how we do it in this family. You know your mother and I had an arranged marriage and look how happy we were. Our love was stronger that most peoples because of how we had to marry. Seb will be a wonderful husband for you. If I thought for even a second you wouldn’t be able to be safe, or loved, or happy with him I wouldn’t allow it. You will do this Anna whether you want to or not. So, for the next week I suggest you get used to the idea and try spending some time with your future husband. There is no changing my mind on this.” Vincenzo said it with such finality in his tone that Anna knew she had no choice but to listen.

Anna was stubborn but she respected her father enough to listen. She let out a sigh and went to her room. She hoped that she would feel different that next day...

Morning came and she was angry, she called Ashley and they spent the day together, then went back to Ashley's place. Anna vented her frustration to her and Daniel came in to say hello and talk with them both. After hearing what her father had done, Daniel knew this was his last chance. He took Anna outside to the small backyard, and when he thought no one was looking he kissed her, not knowing that Seb was watching from a way away. Seb was furious and Daniel had just signed his death warrant. Anna was shocked, but she realized something in that one kiss, there was nothing there, no feelings, nothing.

She left after saying goodbye and started walking home. A few feet away from Ashley's house was of course Sebastiano leaning against a building.

Anna rolled her eyes as she approached, “Stalking me again Bastion?” She asks him sarcastically.

Sebastiano smiled, “Someone has to keep you out of trouble, hmm Bastion, that's different I like it.” He says as they start walking down the street.

“It's better than Seb and Sebastiano is way too long to say in regular conversations.” Anna says with a smile.

As they walked, they talked, and Anna realized they had a lot in common. A part of her thought that maybe her father was right. The week of her birthday passed quickly and as promised the day after her eighteenth birthday her father announced her engagement to Bastion. She pretended to be excited but deep down she was afraid. What scared her more was the announcement that they would be married in three months. Anna's father let her plan the wedding for the most part.

Three months later, Bastion and Anna stood at the alter exchanging vows. After the wedding reception her father pulled her aside and told her how proud of her he was and how he knew she would be happy. Anna smiled and after she and her new husband said goodbye to everyone, they left for their honeymoon...