THE MAFIA KING'S BRIDE

CHAPTER FOUR

ARYA

I wake up to the sound of birds singing by my bedside, the sunlight kissing my face with its warm glow.

“Good morning ma’am” I hear a greeting, startling me.

Standing beside me are two ladies dressed in what I believe is the workers’ uniform.

“Your bath is ready, Ma’am.”

Uhhh Okayyy

I come from a mafia family too but we don’t normally do these fanciful preparations

Oh well, I’m married and I guess this is how rules apply here.

“Oh okay. Thank you”

“You can leave now, I’ll take care of myself” I order, my face giving no room for objections.

Once they leave, I get prepared, taking a quick bathe

“According to what I heard, breakfast starts by 8am”

“This is 7:30am and I’m almost done”

“Good job Arya” I congratulate myself, giving finishing touches to my hair.

Nothing fancy, just a messy bun and a nice yellow sundress that complements my hair.

While applying my lip gloss, I hear a knock on my door

Who could be knocking at my door by this time?

“Come in”

Lucas walks in, looking straight at me. My movements pause and the room freezes.

“Err Good morning..uhh..husband” I stutter

I don’t know which one is harder. Greeting him after yesterday’s humiliation or calling him husband

“I expected you to be ready” Viktor’s cold voice rings in my ears

He walks closer to me and continues speaking

God... he is so handsome.

My insides feel like melted iced cream as the tension in the air increases.

“Well, it’s unsurprising that you aren’t. I do not expect much from a family who is willing to sell their own daughter for the stability” He continues.

His words claw at my heart, and I feel my emotions rising in an ugly way.

Yeah, I forgot so easily that this man standing in front me, made my childhood miserable with his cruelty.

I want to curse him, hit him where it hurts, retort for mocking my family.

But I stay still, speechless unable to say anything as I remain locked in his aura, his presence, in his eyes

“Young Master” A voice speaks, breaking my enchantment

Urrggh. I let myself fall into it again!

“Arya geta hold on yourself” I chide

“The Masterand Madam are already seated at the dining, and waiting for you and the Young Madam” The maid speaks to Viktor, who by now has his back turned to me.

I quickly apply lip balm and slip on my sandals before he turns to me

“I’m ready now” I quickly speak

“Good” He replies walking forward, leaving me to run after him and match his stride

As we walk to the dining, I get a glimpse of the inner parts of the house

The Soclov Mansion is magnificent—honestly twice as magnificent than my home

Yet I feel so choked. So small

We get to the table to see every one seated

Viktor greets the man I assume is his father, Luca Soclov

“Good morning sir, Good morning ma” I greet the people at the table.

“Good morning Arya” Master replies, his face stoic and expressionless

Now I can see where Viktor got his evilness from

“Good morning, my daughter” Viktor’s mother’s cheerful voice comes in almost immediately after.

I turn to look at her.

Oh my she’s so gorgeous!!!

Deep grey eyes and jet-black curly hair.

Viktor definitely took most of his mum’s features.

“Come sit here my darling” She beckons, patting on a chair beside her for me to sit.

Her voice is so cheerful and comforting.

For once I forget all my fears and troubles of being treated badly by a rival family and sink into Mrs Soclov’s warmth and care

Breakfast ends nicely, and I go back to my room having nothing to do for the day.

It’s supposed to be my honeymoon, but thankfully Viktor does not show up

My mind wanders back to Viktor’s behaviour at the altar yesterday, as I prep my canvas for painting

His behaviour was...raw and filled with..desire for...me

His eyes undressed me in that gown yesterday.

I don’t blame him though, not when my mother set me up with the sexiest wedding gown alive—bare back, sewn in push up bras, and thigh high slit.

I looked like a hot stripper getting married yesterday.

When he looked at me, I felt hot with desire. The scanty piece of wedding dress suddenly felt too heavy.

But today? He just flipped the switch and became so cold

What’s wrong with him?

I sigh, pushing those thoughts out of my head, going back to my painting.

My phone rings while I’m adding finishing touches to the Kaleidoscope painting I started.

“Hello Dad” I pick the call, raising my pitch to sound cheerful.

“Hey little Munchkin” I hear papa’s soft voice

“Hope you are not too tired from yesterday?”

“No, I’m not Papa”

“You?” I ask

“I’m alright” he replies

Silence ensues for a few seconds.

When papa is silent I know he wants to say something but he doesn’t know how.

I just hope it’s not another bad news

“I want to see you Munchkin”

“I need to see you today,”

“I have something important to tell you”

“You need to see me?”

“I hope there isn’t any problem Papa” I ask stopping everything I’m doing to listen

“No, No, No problem”

“I just want you to know about something”

“I’ll be at home today”

“Please try and come today”

“It will also be an opportunity for the family to see you again”

“Okay Papa”

“I’ll be there soon” I reply, cutting the call

I furrow my eyebrows while preparing, wondering what is so important that Papa cannot say on the phone, a sinking feeling lying in my stomach.

I just hope it’s not something too terrible.

I arrive at my home looking at the tall, magnificent building, I feel small pang in my chest.

This was once my home. Yet, within a few hours, this mansion has become foreign.

I’m a stranger now

I steady myself before entering, placing the perfect mask of happiness on my face.

“Mama” My voice cracks as I rush into her arms hugging her

It’s been only a day, but I miss her like I haven’t seen her in years.

“It’s okay, my child”

“I’m sorry you had to do this” Mama comforts me, patting my back until I’m calm

“How are you doing?” Mama asks, her eyes filled with worry

“I’m doing fine. Just a bit tired, that’s all” I reply, withholding my fears from her

She has enough on her plate already

“Your father is waiting for you in his office. God and see him, we’ll talk more later.”

“Okay mama”

I walk up the flight of stairs, counting each step till I get to papa’s door.

My heart beating fast from apprehension and uncertainty

Papa is my favourite person in the world, but right now, I don’t know what news he has for me.

“Papa” I greet once I’m inside

“My munchkin”

“Come hug your Papi bear”

I walk to Papa and give him a hug, inhaling his scent, feeling at home once more.

“I missed you papa”

“I know”

“So papa what do you want to tell me?” I ask, taking my seat opposite him, entering serious mode

“We do not have much time on our side since you would need to get back to your house soon”

“It’s concerning the Soclovs” Papa speaks

I just knew it had something to do with the Soclovs

“Munchkin. I had been investigating your brother’s death for a while.”

“I spent a lot of money, but now it’s worth it because I know the killer”

“It is Viktor Soclov”