Page 38 of Married to the Mafia Monster

Father Dominic continues. "Love is a journey, a path we walk together. Sometimes it's smooth, sometimes rocky, but it's always worth the effort. Now, Alex and Bella, please face each other."

We turn to face each other, and Alex’s intense gaze holds mine. “This is to keep you safe,” he whispers, his voice firm and unyielding.

Father Dominic looks at us with a kind smile. "Alex, please say your vows."

Alex squeezes my hand and begins, his voice strong and commanding.

"Bella, from the moment I met you, I knew my life would never be the same. I promise to protect you, to stand by your side through every challenge. This marriage will keep you safe, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure your safety."

His words are both comforting and heartbreaking. I feel a tear slip down my cheek as I repeat the vows Father Dominic guides me through. My voice trembles, but I force myself to stay strong. "Alex, I vow to stand by you, to trust in you, and to face whatever comes our way together."

Father Dominic hands Alex the ring, and my new husband slips it onto my finger with a possessive but tender touch, his eyes never leaving mine.

My hands shake as I place the ring on Alex’s finger, my heart breaking with the bittersweet reality of our situation.

Father Dominic raises his hands in blessing. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Alex pulls me close, his lips capturing mine in a deep, possessive kiss. I melt into him, feeling both immense happiness and a sharp pang of sadness.

This kiss, this moment, is all I’ve ever wanted, but it’s wrapped in the harsh reality of our circumstances. I’m safe but at what cost to my heart?

We leave the chapel hand in hand, stepping out into the sticky heat of the early evening. The world outside feels strangely unchanged, despite the monumental shift in my life. Alex leads me to the car, his grip on my hand never wavering.

As we drive away from the chapel, the city lights blur past us, and I glance at Alex, wishing desperately that this marriage could be real and lasting. I want to believe that we can find a way to make it work, that we can defy the odds and be together.

But reality is harsh. This marriage is a means to an end, a way to protect me from the dangers that lurk in the shadows. I know that once Alex has fulfilled his mission, our paths will diverge, leaving me alone once more.

I look out the window, the wedding ring glinting on my finger. It’s a symbol of both my love for Alex and the fragile, uncertain future we face together.

TWENTY-FOUR

Bella

The drive to our next destination is silent, the tension between us palpable. My mind is a whirlwind of emotions: confusion, anger, longing. I glance at Alex from the corner of my eye, his face a mask of calm determination.

His grip on the steering wheel is tight, the muscles in his jaw clenching and unclenching. He’s deep in thought, and I can only guess what he’s thinking.

The city lights blur past us, their brightness contrasting with the dark clouds of our unspoken words.

When we finally arrive, he parks in front of a luxurious building, its towering glass facade reflecting the vibrant glow of the metropolis.

The sleek lines and modern architecture are impressive, but they do little to ease the knot of tension in my chest.

“Where are we?” I ask, my voice barely hiding my irritation.

“A place I rented for us,” he replies, stepping out of the car and coming around to open my door. His movements are smooth, controlled, but there’s a tightness to them, a sign of the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior. “Come on.”

We step into a sleek, modern lobby, the marble floors gleaming under the soft lights. The decor is minimalist yet opulent, every detail meticulously crafted.

It’s the kind of place that screams wealth and power. I follow him to a private elevator that whisks us up to the top floor. The silence between us is heavy, laden with the words we’ve yet to say.

The doors open to reveal a stunning penthouse apartment, its floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city. The decor is chic and elegant, the furniture arranged with an eye for both comfort and style.

I can’t help but feel a pang of resentment. “So this is where you bring all your temporary wives?” I snap, unable to contain my frustration. The words hang in the air, sharp and accusatory.

Alex takes a deep breath, his eyes narrowing slightly. “You think this is easy for me? You think I don’t want more?”

“Then why don’t you let it be more?” I challenge, my voice rising with each word. “Why do you keep me at arm’s length? Why do you treat this like a business arrangement instead of a marriage?”

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