Page 13 of Beneath the Shadows

“Are you ready?” Antonio asks, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed. His expression is carefully neutral, but I sense a hint of something lurking just below the surface.

“This is the moment I’ve been waiting for,” I respond, my voice thick with triumph.

He raises an eyebrow, his tone edged with skepticism. “I never realized you were so interested in marriage.”

“Marriage?” I scoff, turning to face him. “I don’t give a damn about the marriage. Today’s about proving to my father that I’m ready to become Capo.”

Antonio straightens. “Maybe you can put your career goals aside for today. For Alessia’s sake.”

“Put it aside?” I step toward him with deliberate slowness. “This is the start of a new era, Anton. I’ll be in control, and you’ll be by my side. Think of the things we’re going to accomplish.”

He watches me cautiously. “My father will be by your side for the foreseeable future.”

“For now,” I reply, lowering my voice conspiratorially. “But once I’m in charge, I’ll have the power to shape this family into something far more powerful than it is now.”

The thrill of the future takes root inside me, knowing that soon enough, the old guard’s days will be over. I can practically taste the power and control I’ll have. I won’t be taking orders from my father or his lackeys much longer. No, I’ll surround myself with men of my choosing—loyal, ambitious, and willing to do whatever it takes to bring my vision to life.

Antonio continues to watch me, but as usual, he doesn’t let his emotions show. “If we don’t leave now, we’ll be late,” he says, breaking the silence.

I grin, adjusting my jacket one last time. “Let’s get this over with,” I say, my voice cool and steady. I step out of the room, Antonio falling in behind me as we make our way toward the chapel.

A new era is dawning, and I’ll be the one holding all the cards.

Alessia

Outside the window of my bridal suite, the sun beams brightly. There’s not a cloud in the sky. By all accounts, it’s the perfect day for a wedding.

This morning, I was greeted by hair and makeup artists. My long black hair has been pinned in a simple yet elegant low bun. I opted for a more natural look with a hint of shimmer on my eyes and soft nude lipstick.

The bridal party, assembled more for appearances than for any real connection, was already waiting. Laura, a girl from high school, one I was never particularly close to but who my father insisted be here, stands among them. Alongside her are a cousin I rarely speak to and the daughters of my father’s associates, girls I barely know. None of them really matter to me, but today, they’re part of the spectacle.

“Alessia,” Mom says, coming up to stand beside me. There’s an unmistakable distance between us, a reminder that we’ve never been close. I wish it were different, that she could offer comfort instead of this cold formality. “It’s time to get dressed.”

“Of course.” Untying the knot of my silk robe, I let it glide down my arms, and set it on the nearby chaise. Standing in nothing but a strapless ivory balconette bra and panties, with a matching garter holding up my silk stockings, I feel exposed in more ways than one.

“Wait until Val undresses you tonight,” my cousin says. “He’s going to have quite the treat.”

“I can’t wait,” I say, injecting false enthusiasm into my voice, hoping it sounds convincing enough.

“I wish he was going to be undressing me.” One of the other bridesmaids says, her voice dripping with envy. A few of the others giggle, and I have to fight the urge to roll my eyes. Instead, I wonder how many of them Val has already slept with, how many have had their turn in his bed while pretending to envy me now.

My mother, wine in hand, awkwardly tries to remove the gown from the hanger, her focus more on her drink than the task. Laura steps in to help, steadying the dress as I step into it. I keep my gaze fixed on the mirror as she pulls it up and fastens it in place.

The gown is lovely. Off the shoulder with an A-line cut and a court train that drapes elegantly behind me. The lace-up corset hugs my waist, highlighting every curve. It’s the kind of dress girls dream about wearing on their wedding day.

Once I’m dressed, I lower myself carefully onto a chair, and my mother positions the antique Belgian lace veil over my head. The cathedral-length veil, sparkling with Swarovski crystals, adds the perfect amount of brilliance to the traditional gown. The photographer clicks away, capturing every moment as if this is truly the happiest day of my life.

A tear slips down my cheek, and to my surprise, Mom gently wipes it away. Her touch is unexpectedly soft, almost tender—something I’m not used to. “You make the most stunning bride,” she says, her voice filled with emotion. “Valentino’s a lucky man. He’ll realize that. You’ll see.”

For a moment, it almost feels like she’s the mother I’ve always needed her to be.

“I’m sure he will,” I reply softly.

“Are you ready, Alessia?” My father’s voice cuts through the room, his presence commanding as always.

Taking a deep breath, I gather every ounce of strength I have left, then rise to my feet. I walk toward him with slow, measured steps. “I’m ready,” I say, praying my voice sounds confident, even if I feel anything but.

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