03
767 Words
I enter the grand dining room, where my father is already waiting for me, sitting at the head of the table. He looks up at me as I enter, and I can see the determination in his eyes.
"Cora, you need to understand the importance of this alliance," he begins, his voice cold and uncompromising. "Valerio Rossi may be a criminal, but he's also a powerful ally in this world."
I open my mouth to protest, but he holds up a hand to silence me. "I didn't ask for your opinion," he says, his eyes burning into mine. "You will marry Rossi, and that's final."
The hot rage inside me threatens to erupt, but I force it back down. "How can you do this to me?" I ask, my voice shaking with emotion. "I thought you loved me, but this feels like a betrayal."
My father's expression remains unchanged, and I can see the walls coming up around him. "I do love you, Cora," he says, his voice colder than ever. "But I must do what is best for our family."
With a heavy heart, I turn and make my way back up to my bedroom, feeling like I've just lost a part of myself.
I slump back down on my bed, choosing to ignore the situation I'm in and decide to call one of my bestfriend's, I could really use a drink and I think Arabella could too.
Me and Arabella have been friends for year's—since we first started school, turns out we both share a part in the mafia world, a world we have both come to recognise well and clear.
We both made nickname's for eachother, Bella and Cor. Bella was always there no matter how hard life got, she was the sister I never had; she was my rock, and I was hers.
So when I dialed Bella's number, I knew she would be there for me.
"Hey, you," I said when Bella picked up. I could hear the concern in my own voice.
"Cor, what's wrong? You sound like you've been crying," Bella said, concern etched into her voice.
"I have," I admitted, taking a deep breath to steady myself. "My dad has arranged a marriage for me with Valerio Rossi."
There was a pause on the other end of the line as Bella processed this news. "Valerio Rossi, the italian?"
"Yes," I said, tears pricking at my eyes once more. "I don't want to marry him, Bella."
"Of course you don't," Bella said firmly. "But what can we do about it?"
"I don't know," I said, my voice shaking. "But I have to do something. I can't just let my dad ruin my life like this."
"I'll come over," Bella said quickly. "We'll figure this out together."
I could almost hear the conviction in her voice, and it gave me a glimmer of hope.
"Thank you, Bella," I said, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
as I wait for Bella to arrive, I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. I need to come up with a plan, something to get me out of this marriage before it's too late.
I pace around my room, my mind racing with possibilities. Maybe I can talk to Valerio, see if he'll be kind enough to refuse the marriage. Or maybe I can convince my father to let me marry someone else, someone who isn't a criminal.
But as much as I hate to admit it, I know that none of these options are likely to work. My father is determined to have this alliance with the Rossi family, and I don't have much sway in the matter.
I sink down onto my bed, feeling defeated. I don't know how I'll get through this, but I have to try.
Suddenly, I hear a knock at my door. It's Bella, come to spend the afternoon with me. I rush to open the door, feeling a wave of relief wash over me.
"Bella!" I cry, embracing my best friend tightly. "How did you know I needed you?"
"You know I always got your back, Cor," she says, her voice soothing. "Now, let's go out and get a drink. I think you need it."
I nod, feeling grateful for her friendship. We spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city, sampling different foods and talking about everything and anything.
It's a welcome distraction from the problems facing me, and I know that no matter what happens, at least I have Bella by my side.
- Writer
