Page 37 of Married to the Mafia Monster

I dry off and dress quickly, my mind already racing ahead to the next steps. I have to tell Bella the truth, to prepare her for what’s coming. But more than that, I need to make her understand that she’s not alone. That no matter what happens, I’m with her.

As I step out of the bathroom, I find her sitting by the window, looking out at the world. My heart aches with the need to protect her, to make her mine in every way that matters.

“Bella,” I say softly, and she turns to look at me, her eyes filled with questions. I’m going to tell her the truth. She deserves to know.

I cross the room in a few strides, pulling her into my arms. She fits perfectly against me, like she was made to be here. “I almost forgot,” I say instead of the truth. “Got you a gift.”

TWENTY-TWO

Bella

He reaches into his bag and pulls out a small box, opening it to reveal a beautiful engagement ring. The diamond catches the light, sparkling brilliantly.

My breath catches in my throat as he takes my hand and slips the ring onto my finger. "I'm doing this the right way," he says, his voice steady.

Shock floods through me, and I pull my hand back, staring at the ring in disbelief. "Alex, if you know this can't work, we shouldn't get married."

His expression hardens, and a darker, commanding side of him emerges. "You don't have a choice, Bella. This is life or death."

I feel a surge of anger and desperation. "How come it's all about consent in the bedroom, but not in this? Doesn’t that make you a hypocrite?"

He steps closer, his eyes intense. "In my world, people marry for a lot of reasons. Love isn't one of them."

"But I will only marry for love," I insist, my voice rising. "This isn't right. I can't do it."

His gaze softens for a moment, but then he straightens, his demeanor becoming even more commanding. "Put on the wedding dress, Bella. Or you'll be walking down the aisle naked."

His words send a chill down my spine, and I realize just how little control I have over this situation. My heart pounds in my chest as I look at him, the man I thought I could trust, now a stranger forcing me into a life I never asked for.

I take a deep breath, my hands trembling as I reach for the wedding dress hanging in the closet. "I can't believe you're doing this," I whisper, tears streaming down my face.

He doesn't respond, just watches me with an unreadable expression.

As I slip into the dress, the fabric cold and foreign against my skin, I feel a part of me breaking. This isn't the life I imagined, and the man I thought I loved is the one taking it from me.

When I'm finally dressed, I turn to face him, my heart heavy with a mix of fear and resignation. "There. Happy now?"

He steps closer, his hand cupping my cheek. "I know this isn't what you wanted, Bella. But it's the only way to keep you safe."

His touch is gentle, but his words feel like a prison. I nod, unable to speak, and let him lead me towards a future I never asked for.

TWENTY-THREE

Bella

The small, secluded chapel is bathed in soft candlelight, creating an intimate and somewhat somber atmosphere. I walk down the aisle, my heart pounding with every step.

Mia has made me look beautiful but it feels wrong, like wearing a mask. Alex doesn’t love me. Isn’t this a sin?

Alex stands at the front, looking every bit the imposing figure I’ve come to know, his gaze locked on me.

The priest introduces himself as Father Dominic. He’s got a long beard and twinkling eyes.

He wears a mix of traditional robes and colorful scarves, humming an old tune as he prepares the altar. His presence is unusual but comforting in a way I didn’t expect.

"Welcome," Father Dominic begins, his voice rich and melodic. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Bella and Alex, two souls brought together by fate and bound by love."

I glance at Alex, who nods subtly, his expression serious. He takes my hand as I reach him, holding it tightly. The warmth of his grip steadies me, even as my heart aches with the knowledge that this marriage is only temporary.

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