Tethered

Chapter 1:The Wedding

Weddings are supposed to be the epitome of happiness. Where two families come together to celebrate the union of two people who fell madly in love, so much so that they were willing to dedicate the rest of their lives together. And yet here I was, forced into a 20 thousand-dollar wedding dress staring at my reflection in the mirror, dreading what was coming. When I saw my father enter the room I quickly turned around. “You look beautiful.”

“You don’t actually expect me to marry him do you?” A last-minute ditch effort on my part.

“I expect you to walk down that aisle with a smile on that ungrateful face and say yes to the man who will take our family out of the trenches.” I rolled my eyes as he walked out of the room. We weren’t poor. He only wanted more. I wanted to scream. To scream at him for setting this up. Scream at my mother for letting this happen. And scream at the man on the other side of that stupid aisle.

But there was nothing I could do. So I just closed my eyes and inhaled.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

“Oh my goodness!”

“Look at you.”

“You’re stunning!”

“Que hermosura mija.”

I was suddenly pulled out of my trance by my mother and bridesmaids.

“I should be happy,” I replied.

“You will be. Give it time. The Adrianos are wonderful people.”

They’re killers, all of them.

“You’ll look back at this day and be grateful Papa made this match.” My sister said. All I did was nod because that’s all I can do. Just go along with whatever my family says. My father was currently the biggest drug lord in Mexico. He’s kept his business very private, so our family is not well known. He says it’s for our safety but I know it’s just to protect his ass. So far he’s been selling his drugs to organizations all along the west coast. Now he says he’s ready to expand. New York is his target. Of course, he had to get involved with the mafia. He wanted more and now he has it. What surprised me is how involved the Italians are with family ties. They needed a marriage to solidify their business with my father. He chose me to give away, because of my purity. All of my sisters already had partners. One is a ‘respectable’ businessman, another is a dirty lawyer, and 1 is just a bottom-of-the-barrel narco. I should have married someone, anyone. If I did I wouldn’t be in this situation. But I was too scared. Now I regret being a coward.

My mom pulled me aside and tucked us away from everyone into a corner.

“Mami, I didn't want this for you. I love you and I want the best for you. But I can’t go against your father no matter how much I want to.” She said as she cupped my cheek. I knew this wasn’t her fault but I still resented her a little and I hated myself for it. “Don’t worry about me, I understand.” I gave her a small smile, which she returned. “Let’s go take a picture.”

Here I was, standing behind a pair of large wooden double doors waiting for my cue to walk out. The cathedral was beautiful, its Gothic architecture contrasted beautifully against the white flower arrangements I picked. The song I chose for the ceremony was Ave Maria. Seemed fitting considering I was marrying into an Italian family.

“Where’s the veil?” My father said behind me.

I couldn’t talk. Words wouldn’t leave my mouth. “Are you stupid Sophia?” He asked. “Where’s the veil.” His tone was more stern. “These are people of value mija, traditions. They need to know we care about the same things they do.” He turned around and snapped at a servant. “You! Get the veil now.” The man began sprinting toward my room. My hands began to shake. “I can’t wear it,” I whispered.

“What did you say?” He asked as he stalked towards me. “You ungrateful brat.” He raised his hand but a servant interrupted. “Sir, the veil.” My father looked at him. “The f**k are you waiting for? Put it on her and hurry up, it’s almost time.”

The man stood behind me and I felt him place the comb in my bun. Oh god. The veil fell over my head and my breathing stopped. I felt my eyes begin to water. My father took my arm and placed it under his. I began to hyperventilate. I squeezed my flowers tightly and closed my eyes. Nothing is wrong. Breathe.

The huge doors opened and revealed my family as well as my new family. They were all staring at me. I walked slowly, I feared I would trip over my massive dress. The veil covered my face but I could still see the figure standing across the room. My husband. Suddenly I could breathe. Looking at him made me feel, safe. He was tall, with dark brown hair, that’s about all I could make out. My heart was pounding. Why am I so nervous? I don’t need this man to like me, the last thing I need is his approval. So why was his stare making me feel this way? I clutched my bouquet and prayed. ‘God, please let something good come out of this marriage. I’m begging you.’

Once I reached the end of the aisle my father took my hand and placed it in Domenico’s. My hand finally stopped trembling. His hand felt large and calloused. I wonder how many people he’s killed with this hand. We faced each other and waited for the priest to begin.

Words can’t describe how nervous I am. He’s going to see me clearly in a matter of seconds, he’s going to officially be my husband in less than a minute, and I’m going to spend the rest of my life as his wife. “Domenico, you may now kiss your bride.”

My heart was pounding as I felt the delicate lace being lifted off my face. ‘This is it.’ I closed my eyes and opened them. I was face to face with a Greek god. His eyes were a dark blue. It felt like I was back in Mexico staring at the ocean. He had a chiseled jawline and a sharp nose. His brows were furrowed and I had an urge to ask what was wrong. Was he not satisfied with me? Maybe he was expecting me to be blonde like my sisters. I felt him grab my waist pulling me closer and placing a quick but gentle kiss on my lips. He really didn’t like me. Can’t say I blame him. He was probably forced into this marriage just as much as I was. “Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Adriano!” Domenico began walking swiftly down the aisle, I picked up my dress and followed behind him. The large doors opened and we walked out of the church. A sleek black Bentley was waiting for us. Domenico opened the door and helped me in. ‘At least he has some manners.’

“Thank you,” I said before he shut the door in my face. ‘Prick.’

I waited for him to get in but he walked away and entered a separate car that immediately sped off. “Where is he going?” I asked the driver. “Mr.Adriano has important business to take care of.” He responded.

“You mean he’s not going to the reception?”

“Mr.Adriano has priorities and you Chiquita are not one of them.”

Suddenly my mind snapped.

*FlashBack*

She watched as a short man strode into the room. It was too dark to make out his face. He inched closer to her and pulled out a knife. “What are you doing with that?” She said breathlessly as she watched him bring the blade closer to her throat. “No, please! What do you want from me?” Her voice cracked. “We want money, and it seems your father has a lot of it. Call him and tell him I want 5 million dollars.”

Her breathing was unsteady. Her father just lost tens of millions in a lost drug shipment, he had to replace what he lost out of his pocket. So another 5 million? That was pushing it. “What if he doesn’t give you the money?” She whispered. “I think you’ll know what we’ll do Chiquita.”

*Flashback over*

“Mrs.Adriano?” The driver pulled me back into reality and out of nowhere I started to feel uncomfortable. “Yes?” I asked.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes um, I’m fine. I’m sorry but have we met before? You sound familiar.”

“We’re here.” He said as we pulled into the parking lot of the venue. The door opened and a man held his hand out to me. I tried getting a good look at the driver but his head was down.

And I realized I was holding my breath.

“Oh look at you! Every time I see you in this dress it takes my breath away.” Isabel smiled. “My husband isn’t here,” I stated, completely ignoring her compliments. I looked around the ballroom hoping to spot him. “What? Didn’t he ride with you?”

“No, he got into a different car and abandoned me.” It’s been almost an hour since the reception started and he was still nowhere to be found. Our first dance is supposed to start soon and then we have to cut the cake. I can’t possibly do all that alone. The nerve this man has.

Out of the blue people started cheering. “Looks like he just arrived,” Isabel said as she downed her champagne. I looked towards the entrance and my heart stopped. There he was. His tie and vest were gone. His white shirt was slightly unbuttoned and his perfectly tailored suit jacket was open. Not to mention his hair was disheveled. He looked like he just had s*x. I made my way to him. We needed to talk. I stopped in front of him. “Domenico.”

“Sofia.” His deep voice sent shivers down my whole body.

“I think we should talk, privately. I won’t take no for an answer.” I smiled. He sighed and nodded. We walked around the castle and found a bedroom. “Where did you go?” I asked. “I had important business to take care of.” He answered as he sat down on a chair. “More important than your wedding?” I sounded crazy. I don’t know this man at all, why do I care?

“This wedding wasn’t wanted by either of us. So why should it be a priority for me?”

“Because as much as we didn’t want it to happen, it did. I looked like a fool out there in front of my whole family. I would’ve left but I have no idea where to go because now I depend on you. We don’t have to be partners but we should at the very least respect each other. Maybe even become friends.”

My last statement earned a chuckle from him.

“Friends?” he stared at me like he was studying me. Eyeing me up and down. “This is how things will go between you and me.” He stood up and stalked towards me. I looked up at him and waited for his next words. “I’m going to stay out of your way and you’ll stay out of mine. We’ll respect each other but we won’t be friends. You-” he paused for a moment “You may be my wife but you are a stranger to me, and that’s how you’ll stay.”

For some reason, my heart ached. This man is my husband, and he’s indeed a complete stranger. I didn’t love him, I’m not friends with him, we’re not even acquaintances. But one thing’s for damn sure, I will not be disrespected. “I’m not done talking,” I said before he walked out the door. He sighed and turned around to face me. “What else do you need to say?”

“Where are we going after this?”

“You’ll be going on your honeymoon.” He said as he adjusted his suit jacket.

“You mean us?” His answer confused me.

“No, it’s just you. I don’t have time to vacation, and if I did I wouldn’t want to spend it with someone I don’t know.”

“Where will I live?” I asked.

“In my house.”

“We’ll live together?” My questions seemed to annoy him.

“Yes, in separate rooms. You’re part of the family now, it’s my job to keep you safe.”

“Just one more question.”

His cold eyes bore into mine.

“We’re married but..are you going to see other people?”

“That’s none of your business.” He said before walking out of the room.

I should have seen this coming. Of course, he had someone. I guess in my mind because I’ve never been with anyone I expected the same from him.

Once I stepped foot outside the room I acted as if nothing happened, like we didn’t have that conversation, like Domenico Adriano didn’t just break my heart, and hurt my pride. Pretending turned out to be easier than I thought.