Claws Of Two Mafia Kings

Chapter 5: Haunting Temptation

Celine's POV

"Add a little bit of powder." My mother tells the artist doing my face beat.

Even though Mr. Kelvin has specifically told us that it's a private wedding and there is no need for all of these shenanigans, my mother went out of her way to make sure I look gorgeous on my most horrible day, that's sadly special to them.

To be honest, I don't mind, or maybe I just don't care anymore as there isn't much damage that can be done to my life. Also, I just might look my best today, it may be the last time I would fake a smile.

"I'll be back shortly, I need to put the rest of the things in order," She assures me.

"Hmm." I manage a murmur, watching her through the large mirror in front of me, as she leaves.

"Hey, darling." Anna comes from behind and hugs me, careful to not pull down my veil. "You look gorgeous."

"Right." I sigh loudly. She is my best friend and there is no need to pretend around her.

"Come on, Celine, if you're going to do this, you just have to make the best out of it." She encourages me.

"Of course." I fake a smile, one she can obviously tell from miles away as she easily reads me like a book.

"Can you give us a moment, please?" She demands, looking at the artist.

Setting down her brush and pallet, she leaves the room, giving us a little bit of privacy.

Barely having so much to plan for the wedding despite me marrying the favorite son of a multimillionaire, we got a simple dress and shoes and the less of those pretty little things a bride would be all over the moon to have.

These are signs enough that I'm in for a rough ride and sadly, I can't do a hoot about it.

"Darling, you told me that you wanted to go ahead with it," Anna says after a while.

"Like I have much of a choice."

When she brought up the idea of confronting my father for the second time, I had dismissed it, aware that it would be of no good.

First, his ego will be bruised and then, we still don't have the money to pay up, so why go through all that stress just to fall hard to the ground?

"There's no point, Anna." I continue, fighting back the tears that are welling up in my eyes.

"My darling, you should go easy on yourself... He may be a good husband for all it's worth..."

"Good?" I scoff, cleaning off a teardrop and ruining my makeup. "His personality is nothing close to being good." I groan, hating that his conversation is crossing my lips, but I can't avoid it, can I?

"I googled him... Aside from him being young and rich and handsome, he is kind, a philanthropist..."

I laugh loudly, interrupting her rudely. "I'm sorry," I cover my mouth with my palm. "Come on, Anna, you know better than to believe whatever the f**k you see on the gram."

"There could be an iota of truth..."

"There is nothing." I stop her again. "Those are cheap propaganda, he's a nepo baby for a reason, and the favorite at that." I sigh. "He's rude and petty and stingy!"

"Celine..."

"What?" I shrug. "Talking about being a philanthropist, I'm a perfect example of his good deeds; most expensive wedding gown and a pair of designer shoes and all of that shit."

Anna starts to laugh but stops when I give her an angry gaze.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help it." She apologizes. "Look, he may be angry too, he's got a life, a damn smooth one before his father stepped in and caused a stir..." She puffs. "I bet his twin will be elated to dodge this bullet."

At the mention of Kelvin's twin, Jayden, my heart stops to beat momentarily. The awkward situation I was in with him yesterday comes in vivid flashes.

I slept with my boss, his brother... I had a fling with my boss, I didn't know they were a twin...

I sound outrightly dumb. Instead of coming clean, I swallow my words, and if I should wash my dirty linens, it's definitely not today.

"He has a Goomah, yunno. I wonder how she is feeling right now, being whisked away from your lover..."

"Anna, are you for real?" I scoff, pissed off at her analogy. I don't give a flying f**k about Kelvin or any of his mistresses and I don't see why she should. She is my best friend for crying out loud.

"Pardon me." She apologizes and stands up to hug me. "Be good, my darling, and don't shed another tear," she whispers to me. "this might just be the breakthrough you need."

"Whatever," I murmur, taking the hug.

"I'll be outside, you need to be done before your mum has my head for soup." I laugh at her teasing. "Call me if you need anything." She says as she detaches and leaves.

"I will," I assure her.

The artist returns to complete my makeup and dress me up like the cheap bride of a billionaire that I am.

Unlike what I deserve by the right of my title, there isn't any luxurious car in sight, talk more of a convoy. Just my father's old jaguar that's due for refurbishing.

"You look pretty, sweetheart." My mother tries to make me feel good, but I walk past her with a stern face and stuff myself in the back seat of the car, feeling hot from the heated car leathers and my long-sleeved gown.

I so much hate today. In my fantasies, I walk down the aisle, with my father taking me to the altar, and now... I drag my long dress along the courtroom as I head to take a seat far away from Kelvin.

All we have to do is sign the damn papers and get the f**k out of this place, there isn't any need for the little things that give the bride butterflies; the exchange of vows, holy declaration, kissing... Nothing.

The judge in charge gives me the marriage certificate, boldly bearing my name and his.

Maybe this is the point I should call their bluff and rip the ugly paper into shreds, but that will be stupid of me, so I sit back in my chair, choking from the anxiety of being declared the wife to this scumbag.

"Don't keep your husband waiting." My mother leans closer. I let out a soft sigh and sign and pass it back to the priest, instead of to Kelvin.

"Here, Mr. Kelvin." He gives him the signed paper and then a pen.

"Wait." A familiar voice stops us from proceeding as Kelvin halts signing on the certificate.

The door creaks as footsteps get closer. We all turn to see Jayden, taking gentle strides in.

"I may have something you need." He says, one hand in the pocket of his pants and the other stroking his well-groomed beard.

Oh, no! It feels like the ground should open and swallow me up. When he asked me to work for him, I managed to break free from his grip and ran for my sanity. If only I knew this day would come, I would have gladly accepted.

I wish this is a case of good riddance but I know that it's not, because my family will not only pay the money they owe this powerful family, but also compensate them for the humiliation.

With Jayden's step getting louder, my heart beats faster, thick beads of sweat washing off my cheap makeup and ruining my dress.

I bet he is my karma, and he is here to haunt me.