Betrothed to the Mafia's Prince

Marriage to Dominic Mantello was like stepping into a dream I'd cherished forever. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I yearned to be a part of his world. The Mantello family held unparalleled power and wealth, commanding respect that could humble anyone. Thanks to my father's loyal alliance with the Mantellos, I had the opportunity to meet Dominic. I was just fifteen when I first set my eyes on Dominic, and I instantly fell deeply in love with him. Dominic only seventeen then, seemed indifferent to me, but I was utterly smitten. Love struck me instantly. Sadly, before we could even to know each other, he left for France and never returned for eight long years. Until fate summoned him back to take over the family business and, unexpectedly, for our wedding. My father, recognizing my unwavering affection for Dominic, struck a deal with Sir Vincenzo, and that sealed my betrothal to him. Obviously, it didn't sit well with him but the mafia had a rule and that is to never disobey an order from a superior. ********** The morning dawned, rays of sunlight peeking through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. Today was the day, the one I'd both longed for and feared. The day I would marry Dominic Mantello. Sitting before the mirror, I was surrounded by a group of stylists and close friends, their voices a symphony of excitement and encouragement. But beneath the veil of anticipation, nerves danced in my stomach. "You look absolutely stunning, Audrey," Jessica, my best friend remarked, adjusting a stray strand of hair. I managed a fragile smile, glancing at the reflection staring back at me. The makeup was artistry at its finest, enhancing my features, while the gown, an exquisite display of lace and silk, draped around me in graceful elegance. "Can you believe it's finally here?" Mary said, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy. My heart swelled with a blend of emotions. "I'm thrilled, nervous... a bit of everything," I admitted, fingers tracing the delicate patterns on the gown. The dress was a masterpiece, a symbol of promises and dreams, yet my heart felt heavy with uncertainty, an undercurrent beneath the bridal excitement. Amidst the final preparations, the room fell into a momentary hush, the weight of anticipation hanging in the air. "You're going to be the most radiant bride," the stylist whispered, stepping back to admire her work. I stole one last glance at the mirror, the veil framing my face delicately. My heart was a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, trepidation, and an intense longing for this day to unfold perfectly. "Thank you," I murmured, rising to my feet with newfound determination. "Let's do this." ********* At the altar, the priest's question hung in the air. With joy, I exclaimed 'Yes!' but Dominic, with a straight face, uttered a resounding 'No,' shattering my heart. Time seemed to freeze at his rejection. Amidst the stunned silence that followed Dominic's blunt refusal, I felt a mixture of humiliation and despair. The weight of his rejection settled like a heavy stone in my chest. "You have no other choice, boy," Sir Vincenzo's voice cut through the tension. As we moved through the customary rituals and exchanged vows, I couldn't shake off the chill of Dominic's rejection. The cheers and applause at the pronouncement of us as husband and wife felt hollow against the backdrop of his stark refusal. The reception hall was adorned with opulence, a stark contrast to the turmoil within me. I tried my best to put on a smile, to be the picture-perfect bride, but inside, I was crumbling. Dominic, detached and distant, seemed to move effortlessly through the congratulatory crowd. His icy demeanor was impenetrable, leaving me feeling like a stranger beside him. *********** Listening in on the murmurs and rumors about Dominic's intentions for our marriage, I resisted getting caught up in the unknowns. Dominic's refusal still stung, but I chose not to let it weigh me down. Stepping away from the festivities, I found a moment of peace in the corridor. Amidst the emotional whirlwind, I opted for acceptance rather than letting it all unravel me. Leaning against the wall, I took a deep breath, the memory of Dominic's 'No' lingering. Despite the confusion, I made a conscious choice to confront whatever lay ahead with strength and determination. Wiping away the tears, I straightened up, prepared to rejoin the reception. A fresh surge of hope filled me. Sporting a resolute smile, I resumed engaging with others, keen on forging new connections despite Dominic's absence. As I danced with my father, I couldn't help but notice the concern etched on his face. He leaned in and asked if I was alright, his voice filled with genuine worry. I paused for a moment, contemplating how to respond. Should I admit that I wasn't feeling fine? But then I reminded myself that this was what I had wanted, what I had asked for. So, with a nod, I reassured him and plastered an even brighter smile on my face, hoping to convince him that everything was indeed fine. We continued to dance for a little while longer, enjoying the music and the joyous atmosphere. And then, it was time to dance with Sir Vincenzo, Dominic's father. ************ I arrived at the Dominic's Villa very late in the night, feeling exhausted and quite sleepy. As soon as I stepped into my bedroom, I was struck by the stunning decor. The luxurious furnishings and the warm, inviting ambiance instantly made me feel more at ease. I changed out of my reception dress and then freshened up for the night in the bathroom. The soothing sound of running water helped to ease my fatigue, and I emerged feeling rejuvenated and ready for a good night's rest. The night seemed to draw on as I settled into the luxurious guest room at Dominic's Villa. The opulent surroundings felt simultaneously comforting and overwhelming. The weight of the day lingered, yet a spark of determination ignited within me, refusing to let the uncertainty consume my spirit entirely. I moved around the room, taking in the exquisite details of the décor—the rich tapestries adorning the walls, the soft glow of the bedside lamps casting a warm hue over the room, and the scent of fresh flowers in delicate vases scattered around. Despite the grandeur, a sense of solitude permeated the air. As I sat on the edge of the plush bed, the events of the day replayed in my mind like a relentless cycle. Dominic's rejection echoed louder than the opulence surrounding me, a stark reminder of the challenging path ahead. A quiet knock on the door interrupted my reverie. "Ma'am?" It was Maria, one of the household staff members, peeking in with concern evident in her eyes."May I come in, dear?" Maria asked softly, her warm demeanor easing the tension within me.I nodded, welcoming her in. Maria entered, carrying a tray with a cup of cold orange juice and a selection of pastries. Her nurturing presence was a soothing balm to my troubled soul."Thought you might need something to ease your mind after today," Maria said, placing the tray on the bedside table with a gentle smile. "Thank you, Maria. That's very thoughtful of you," I replied, touched by her kindness. And she left right after placing the tray beside me. Sipping the orange juice, it spread through me, offering solace amidst the whirlwind of emotions. "Where is he now? What is he doing?" I thought I took a last sip from my juice. With a deep breath, I closed the curtains and made my way back to the bed. Nestling beneath the soft covers, I tried to find sleep but it wouldn't come. Tossing and turning in the comfortable bed, I was finding it hard to sleep. It might be because I've only recently arrived in this environment. A soft chime from my phone disrupted the silence. With a curious frown, I picked it up, finding a message from my father: "Are you settling in alright, Audrey? Let me know if you need anything. I'm here for you. Love, Dad." His message, brought a faint smile to my lips. Typing a quick reply, I expressed gratitude for his concern and reassured him that I was adjusting to the surroundings. Settling back against the pillows, I scrolled through tons of unread congratulatory messages I had recieved from some friends and family members. I replied to few people I could reply and saved the rest for another day. A sudden impulse stirred within me. Unable to contain the curiosity any longer, I really wanted to know what fate awaits me. I reached for my phone and scrolled through the contacts, hesitating momentarily before tapping on Dominic's name. The phone rang, each passing second amplifying the drumming of my heart. After what felt like an eternity, the call connected. A breath caught in my throat as the line rang on the other end. But before a word could be spoken, the call went to voicemail. A mixture of disappointment and relief washed over me. The prospect of confronting Dominic directly, in the quietude of the night, felt both daunting and necessary. Instead, I composed a brief message: "Dominic, it's Audrey. Can we talk? There are things I need to understand. Tomorrow, perhaps?" Sending the message, I hoped for a response, a flicker of willingness from him to address the unspoken tension. With that, I set my phone aside, resigned to await a reply that might never arrive. Turning in the bed once more, I closed my eyes, the weight of the day finally catching up with me. As sleep began to embrace me, I held onto a glimmer of hope, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges and, perhaps, a chance to unravel the enigma that was Dominic. ***********