The Mafia’s Forbidden Desire

ROSALINDA Who said dreams were unattainable? Whoever said that bluffed because Sofia defied that claim. The dream she thought was out of reach was coming to pass. It’s been two months since she had the emergency surgery; she and the twins-Isabella and Alessia-were healthy and out of the hospital. Today was her wedding day. She was getting married to the love of her life, and I couldn’t be more happy about her finally getting her happy ending. She deserved it, they both deserved it. I had asked Antonio to wait a bit more before we got married, and he agreed without protest, even though I knew he wasn’t so happy about it. He just wanted to do right by me. He had been the perfect man ever, and I couldn’t even imagine my life with any other man. I didn’t even know why I had delayed the marriage, but anyway, that was the least of my problems at the moment. The dress I had on was. I turned around to look at my reflection in the mirror, and Goddamn it, I captivated myself. The thigh-high, slitted satin dusty rose dress delicately embraced every curve of my body, revealing a lot of cleavage with its spaghetti straps. Antonio would definitely not love this. The door creaked open, and he walked through it. Talk about the devil. He stopped in his tracks, his eyes raking over my body, and with the look in his eyes, I could tell how mesmerised he was by me. My cheeks heated up in delight. “You look ravishing, but…” His eyes swept from my head to toe again as he slowly approached me. A small scowl suddenly masked his features. “You are not wearing that out. Change the dress. It’s too revealing.” “Or what? What are you going to do if I don’t?” I raised a brow, a small smile touching my lip, as the thought of what happened the last time he disapproved of my dress coursed through my mind. “Ruin my dress? Or-” “Why don’t you let me ruin you instead?” He cut me in, and before I could comprehend his words, he had already seized my neck in his large palm, pushing me against the wall and pressing his sweet, soft lips against mine.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

That was scorching hot! I was literally ruined! ***

No matter how much I tried to persuade him to allow me to wear the beautiful dusty rose dress out, Antonio wouldn’t budge; he insisted on me wearing this baby blue one out. Although it was also lovely, I preferred the one I pulled off. “My dress would have been the prettiest here if you had allowed me to wear it.” I complained as we walked into the wedding venue, my gaze roaming around. “That’s the thing, sugar pie.” He turned to look at me, a devilish smile spreading across his lips. “I don’t want anyone’s eyes on you.” “Ouuu, are you insecure?” I teased. “Never!” He denied without hesitation, his lips curling into a smile as he spoke proudly. “I trust you with my life.” My blush reached my ears. When the event started, Antonio and Carlo took seats in the front row. And as the maid of honour, I stood by the alter with the officiant and the groom, Oliver, holding a bouquet, while we waited for the bride’s arrival. She would be here anytime now. I was with her a while ago, giving her emotional support while her stylist dressed her up and the make-up artist dolled her up. She looked beautiful and happy. Truly happy. It was nothing like how she felt on the day she was to marry Antonio. It was different. Then, she was being forced to marry a ruthless mafia boss whom she hated so much. But now, she was getting married to the love of her life. Her happiness was extreme, and my joy was also overflowing. I was truly, truly happy for her. Finally, she arrived, and everyone rose to their feet to honor the bride as Papa walked her down the aisle. “Oh my God.” Oliver murmured, unable to contain his tears-tears of joy-as he watched her approach in her beautiful wedding dress-a delicate lace overlaying a soft satin bodice, a sweetheart neckline, and a flowing A-line skirt that cascades gracefully to the floor. She was breathtaking! Oliver himself looked majestic in his classic navy blue suit paired with a crisp white dress shirt, a coordinating tie in a complementary colour, and polished brown leather shoes. The smile on my face never faded as I watched them say their vows and tie the knot. Her dreams, their dreams, finally came true! ***

The reception after the nuptials was a blast! It was a feast, with food, music, and whatnot. The decorations were amazingly beautiful and majestic. I was standing in the middle of the hall with Carlo in my arms when I heard Ruby’s voice suddenly yell my name. I turned to see her trotting towards me, waving at me with a big smile on her face. She knew about my family now, and I had nothing to hide from her anymore, which was why I invited her to the wedding. I was glad that things were cool between us now. To be honest, I had thought she’d hate me for keeping such secrets from her, but I was surprised to see that she wasn’t too offended. Her anger disappeared like a dew-a day after she learned of those secrets at the pub, she called to tell me that she understood. Our friendship had stood strong ever since, and I stopped hiding things from her. I told her about everything, including the baby girl that was on the way. “How are you?” She beamed when she came to a stop in front of me and kissed me on both cheeks. “I’m fine.” I said, chuckling. “Oh, my boy!” She plastered multiple kisses on Carlo’s face while he giggled. Looking back at me, she asked. “Where’s the bride?” “Oh, over there.” She quickly answered herself before trotting to where Sofia and Oliver were taking pictures with the guests, half of whom they had never seen before. I myself had already taken tons of pictures with the couple and the family. Someone suddenly towered behind me, and what followed was the annoying sound of Liam’s voice. “You look beautiful, as always.” Turning to look at him, I sighed. “Thank you.” “Thank you? That sounded weak. Uhm…” He raised his brow. “Are you still mad about what happened that night at the golden auction?” Mad? That was an understatement. His presence was suffocating, and I needed to leave there as soon as possible. “Enjoy the party.” I said as I attempted to walk away, but he gently pulled me back. “You want to cause a scene here too?” I groaned as I stared at his hand on mine. “In front of my son?” He quickly released his grip on my arm, then sighed. “I’m sorry, okay? Let’s start all over again. It’s no news that I adore you and want you to be mine.” Still delusional! “And it’s no news that I am taken. Soon to be married.” I countered contemptuously. “Don’t you get it? I want-” “You heard her right.” Antonio suddenly interrupted him. “She’s taken; leave her alone.” I turned to see him standing beside me. Worries masked my features, afraid that they would beat each other to death with the hatred they harboured for each other. Liam raised a brow. “Is that so?” Surprisingly, Antonio ignored him and extended his hand at me, a smile curling on his lips. “My beautiful woman, may I have this dance?” “Of course.” I smiled cheekily. Liam snorted and angrily marched away from us. Darting my gaze at our son, I muttered. “Uhm, Carlo?” Just in time, Camilla came walking by us. “Uhm… Cami, could you help us for a minute, please?” He took Carlo from my arms and handed him to her without giving her the chance to protest. She didn’t even attempt to protest, as she happily took him. She loved Carlo, and her love for him increased even more since she found out that he was her nephew a few weeks ago. “You have learned to control your rage well.” I commented as Antonio led me to the dance floor. “I was scared you would have caused a scene by breaking his nose or something.” Holding me by my waist as we started dancing, he muttered. “Why? Because he was trying to hit on you? I told you earlier, Rosalinda, that I am secure in this relationship. I’m convinced that I am the only one you want-the only one you would ever want.” “You couldn’t be more right, my love.” I said, my heart swelling up with love. “I love.” I breathed. “I love you more, amore mio.” He planted a kiss on my forehead, looking directly into my eyes. “So, talking about ‘soon to be married.’ Are you still not ready?” “I am ready.” I breathed. I couldn’t wait any longer. I wanted to be his. Completely. Legally. In all ways,. He raised a brow, his lips quirking up. “When?” “Anytime. Any day.” The decision was his, as I had delayed it for too long. “I’d think of a perfect place and make it memorable.” He lifted my hand in the air and spun me around, drawing me closer again. “Because you are perfect.” My smile was wide, almost tearing my lips apart. I loved this man! “And baby, your smile’s forever in my mind and memory.” He sang along to Edsheeran’s song that was playing in the background. Spinning me around again and drawing me in, he continued. “I’m thinking about how people fall in love in mysterious ways. And maybe it’s all part of a plan.” I giggled uncontrollably, like a carefree child, as he spun me around a few more times. Indeed, we found love in a mysterious way. From brother-in-law to husband-to-be, what could be more mysterious? We danced happily, like nothing else mattered, enchanted in each other’s arms. He was my happy place, and I wanted this happiness to last forever.