Page 84 of Useless Love

“Hey, princess,” Father answers.

I glance at Carmine, who is grinning at the ocean. He seems distracted, but I move farther away so he can’t hear what I’m saying. Lowering my voice, I ask Father, “Can I marry Carmine today?”

“What? What about your ceremony? My princess must have a grand wedding!”

I spend some time talking with Father—actually, begging. He doesn’t seem to want to give me permission until I explain that I’m worried Carmine will call everything off when he learns the truth.

“Your fucking sister,” he mumbles. “If only she hadn’t gotten you into this mess.”

“Then I wouldn’t have met Carmine,” I tell him. I know my sister had an agenda and has lied to me so much, but I would’ve never met the love of my life without her schemes. In a twisted way, this all worked out.

“Fine. I will allow you to marry him ASAP if you agree to have a big wedding later on. My only concern is the license.”

“License?”

“For your marriage. To be legal and legit, you must sign some papers with your real name.”

My stomach drops. “Oh…”

“I will arrange everything, but if you’re going to keep lying to the man, make sure he doesn’t see your real name.”

If he does, would he leave me at the altar? I glance back at my fiancee; he’s now smiling at me and I blush. I turn away. I feel a small pang of guilt, starting our marriage on such a huge lie. However, I just can’t lose Carmine. I can’t.

“Thank you, Father. I’ll be careful.”

When I end the call and start walking toward Carmine, he sweeps me into his arms. “Did he agree?” he asks.

I can’t stop grinning. "Yes. My father is setting everything up. We just need to drive to the provided address.”

As Carmine kisses me, looking like he’s in heaven, I try not to worry too much. I can do this! I can do anything to keep him.

I only hope that doesn’t mean ending up married forever to a man who will resent me for my manipulations.

CHAPTER 24 —LOVE, HONOR & DECEIVE

Arianna

What a fucking boring day it has been in my newfound prison. I woke up hoping father was just blowing off steam a few days ago, but no fucking luck. My security is completely different, credit cards have been snatched from my purse, and two pistol-carrying guards are positioned at the elevator door to make sure I don’t leave. If I want freedom, I have to jump—I’m definitely tempted because this situation is driving me insane.

At breakfast, I’m bitching and moaning to Victoria about being stuck here, and Mother just looks at me with shame.

I leave the kitchen because I’m tired of everyone looking at me like that. All I’ve ever done is try to help this family, and this is how I get treated?

After breakfast, my irritating family leaves. I flick through some TVchannels, guards all around giving me the side-eye. I’m completely bored until Uncle Agostini pays a surprise visit.

Surveying the situation, he laughs and joins me on the couch. “What have you done now?”

I'm a little wary of his presence, considering our last interaction. It really looked like he was sneaking around behind Father’s back. I don't tolerate traders. But I play it casually. “Nothing much; Father is just a bit upset to find I’ve been screwing all of New York and some of New Jersey. And that my twin is so gullible she’ll believe anything. Is it my fault she’s so easy to manipulate?”

He shakes his head and laughs. “Is your father here? I wanted to talk to him about a potential sit down on Friday.”

“He’s gone and Friday won’t work; you know he gets his hair trimmed every two weeks. He didn’t go last week, so he’s definitely going this Friday.”

“Oh, right. I just wasn’t sure if this week was the one.”

I still have my guard up around him, but at least he’s good company today. We chat a bit about my grand plan for Jr. Gaudino and how it came crashing down on me. Then Uncle leaves. It was weird he made a visit just to find out Father’s schedule. Why not text?

Mother returns a few hours later. I'm on the balcony bored out of my mind when she appears. I brace myself, ready for a scolding.

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