THE MAFIA’S ACCIDENTAL FIANCE

PAST BETRAYED

I was already tired before I reached the gate.

Work had drained everything out of me, my legs, my head, even my patience. All I wanted was a bath, food, and silence. The compound lights were on brighter than usual, but I didn't give it much thought.

Then I heard laughter.

Not small laughter. Not casual laughter. The kind of laughter that comes with excitement.

I slowed my step.

“Why are they shouting like this?” I muttered.

Elise’s voice floated out clearly, high and Happy. My father laughed too. My mother's voice followed, warm and full of pride.

I stopped completely.

Nothing like this ever happened on a normal evening.

I dropped my bag on the small bench near the door and walked inside.

The living room looked different. Chairs were pulled closer together. My mother stood near the table, smiling as she had just received the best news of her life. My father paced slowly, nodding as if he was still processing something big.

Elise stood in the middle of the room.

Glowing.

“Good evening,” I said.

No one answered immediately.

Elise turned first, "Roselie! You’re back.”

“I live here,” I said tiredly. “Why does this place sound like a celebration?”

My mother laughed softly. “Come and sit down first.”

“That's not an answer,” I said, moving closer. “Why is everyone happy?”

My father cleared his voice. “You just came back from work. Relax.”

“I am relaxed,” I said, “I just want to know what's going on.”

Elise rushed towards me and grabbed my hands.

“Guess,” she said bouncing slightly.

I frowned, “I should guess what?”

“Just guess,” she insisted.

I looked around the room again. My mother couldn't stop smiling. My father's eyes were shining.

“You people are acting strange,” I said. “Did something happen?”

Elise laughed loudly. “Yes!”

I sighed. “Okay. Did Dad finally agree to renovate the house?”

“No.”

“Did Mom win something?”

“No.”

“Then what?” I asked.

Elise squeezed my hands harder. “I’m getting married.”

The words landed softly.

Then everything in my chest tightened.

“You’re… what?” I asked.

“Engaged,” she corrected quickly. “I’m engaged!”

My mother clapped her hands together. “My daughter is finally engaged.”

My father smiled proudly. “It’s a blessing.”

I stared at Elise.

“Married?” I repeated slowly.

“Yes!” Elise said, laughing. “Married. Can you believe it?”

I forced my lips into a smile. “Wow. That’s… that’s big.”

“I know,” she said excitedly. “I still can’t believe it myself.”

“When did this happen?” I asked.

“Recently,” my mother replied. “Very recently.”

“How recently?” I pressed.

Elise waved her hand. “Details later.”

I nodded slowly. “Okay. Congratulations.”

She hugged me immediately. “Thank you. I was hoping you’d be happy for me.”

“I am,” I said, even though my chest felt heavy. “I’m just surprised.”

Elise tilted her head at me, not noticing, or maybe not caring, how stiff I had become. “Oh, Roselie, you’re going to be my bridesmaid! You have to be there for me!”

Something inside me cracked.

Bridesmaid.

The word hung in the air like a cruel joke. My chest tightened, a sharp pain shooting through me. I swallowed hard.

“Of course…” I said quietly, forcing it to sound cheerful.

“See!” Elise squealed. “Isn’t this amazing?” She leaned in, practically vibrating with excitement. “You’ll help me plan everything, and we’ll make it perfect. It’s going to be the happiest day ever!”

I nodded, my throat tight, my hands suddenly clammy. “Of course…” I repeated, barely able to think straight.

Then I asked the question.

The one that had been building in my chest the moment she said she was engaged.

My voice stayed calm, but my stomach twisted, and my hands trembled slightly.

“So… who’s the lucky man?”

Elise froze.

Just for a second.

Then a slow, knowing smile crept onto her face, the kind that made my blood run cold. Her eyes sparkled, almost playful, as if she knew exactly what she was doing.

She said the name slowly.

Clearly.

“Julian Moore.”

The world stopped.

I couldn’t breathe. The sound of his name echoed in my head, sharp and unbearable.

“Julian.”

The man who had once held my face in his hands and promised, I’m yours, Roselie. Always.

The man who had whispered in the dark that he would never leave, that I was his future, his everything.

The man who had kissed my forehead and said, No matter what happens, I’ll choose you.

Six months ago, he had walked away without explanation and shattered me into pieces.

And now…

He belonged to my sister.

I stumbled back a step, my hand flying to my chest. “Wait… what?” My voice cracked. “Julian? You’re… marrying him?”

Elise clapped her hands together again, eyes shining. “Yes! Isn’t it perfect? I mean… he’s amazing, and he’s mine now! Isn’t this just… amazing, Roselie?”

I wanted to scream.

I wanted to run.

I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole.

But the words tangled in my throat, mixed with bile and heartbreak.

“Yes… " Amazing,” I croaked.

My parents looked at me expectantly, smiles still fixed on their faces.

“Roselie, it’s a big day for all of us. You should be happy for your sister,” my father said gently.

Happy.

The word mocked me.

How could I be happy? The man I had loved. The man I had trusted. The man who had promised me everything.

None of it mattered anymore.

Because he was gone.

And now he was hers.

I forced a smile, brittle and weak. “Of course. I’m… happy for you,” I said, my voice shaking.

Elise grabbed my shoulders, ignoring the tension in my body. “Roselie! You’re going to be my bridesmaid! It’s going to be so fun! You’ll help me pick the dress, the flowers… oh, we’ll have the best time ever!”

I nodded numbly, pretending to listen, pretending to care. My hands clenched into fists at my sides. My chest felt heavy, my heart pounding too loud.

“And don’t worry,” Elise added lightly, a faint smirk touching her lips. “Julian and I already talked about it. You’ll fit right in. I know you still have feelings for him…”

My eyes snapped to hers. “What… what did you just say?”

She laughed softly, dismissive. “Oh, nothing. Just… It’s okay. You’ll get over it. Everyone gets over their first heartbreak eventually, right?”

My hands shook. “Elise… this isn’t funny,” I said, my voice low and trembling. “This is not funny.”

She tilted her head, feigning innocence. “I’m sorry, Roselie. I’m just really excited. I didn’t think”

I swallowed hard, forcing back the tears burning my eyes. “It’s fine,” I said quickly. “I… I should leave you to celebrate.”

Before anyone could stop me, I turned and walked out.

My chest felt hollow. My stomach ached. My world had shattered.

I didn’t notice the headlights cutting through my tears as I slid into my car. I just drove, aimless, reckless, desperate to escape the suffocating truth that my sister had taken everything from me.

Even the man I loved.