Page 14 of Beneath the Shadows

Thankfully, the ceremony is short and to the point. There are no heartfelt vows, no declarations of undying love—just the mechanical repetition of standard lines spoken without emotion. It feels more like a business transaction than a marriage. When we’re pronounced husband and wife, I force myself not to stiffen in Val’s hold.

I glance toward Antonio, catching his eyes as he watches us, his expression unreadable. He doesn’t blink, doesn’t look away, and the intensity of his gaze makes something twist painfully inside me. I always wanted this to be him. Instead, it’s Valentino’s lips pressing against mine and everything about it feels wrong.

As soon as the ceremony ends, we make our way through the glass doors that lead to an expansive terrace. White roses and twinkling fairy lights frame the space, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the polished tables adorned with pristine linen and crystal glassware. The guests mingle, champagne flutes in hand, while servers glide between them, offering canapés on silver trays. To anyone else, it looks like the perfect wedding—theevent of the year.

“You barely touched your food,” Valentino observes.

“I’m not hungry,” I reply quietly, pushing my food around on my plate.

His voice drops low and commanding. “You look ungrateful. Put some food in your mouth and eat.”

I pause, the fork clattering lightly when I set it down. Leaning in, I whisper fiercely, “I may have been forced to marry you, but that doesn’t mean you get to dictate my every move.”

His expression hardens as he leans in close, his lips brushing against my ear. “How wrong you are,” he hisses. “Now that we’re married, you’ll obey my every command.”

Before I can respond, our guests begin tapping their silverware against their glasses, chanting, “Bacio, bacio.”

Valentino flashes them a charming smile, turning to the crowd like an actor to his audience. His hand grips the back of my neck, firm and possessive, as he pulls me toward him. His tongue forces its way between my lips, a dominating kiss that I endure only because I know better than to resist while everyone’s watching. But what I really want to do is sink my teeth into his tongue so he thinks twice before kissing me again.

After the meal, Valentino and I are called to the dance floor for our first dance as husband and wife. The soft strains ofCon Te Partiroplay as he pulls me against him. his grip on my waist bruising and possessive. He twirls me around, his movements polished for the camera.

Val leans in, his breath warm against my ear. "I can’t wait until we get to the honeymoon suite," he murmurs, his voice thick with desire. "Can you feel what you do to me?"

I stiffen as his erection presses insistently against my stomach, a reminder of what Valentino expects tonight. My mind races, desperate for a way to stall the inevitable. “That’s going to have to wait,” I say, forcing calm into my voice.

"Wait?" His tone is laced with confusion and irritation.

"I have my period," I say quietly, my gaze averting his, hoping it will make him uncomfortable.

Valentino’s jaw clenches for a split second before he schools his features into indifference. "I see."

We continue our dance in strained silence. My lie has only bought me a few precious days of reprieve. Eventually, I’ll have to face him. The thought sends a shiver of dread through me, the future feeling more like a noose tightening around my neck.

The applause from the guests snaps me back to the present as the music fades. Val releases me and walks off the dance floor, his departure seamlessly replaced by my father asLaurettaby Enrico Musiani begins to play. It’s a sentimental song, a father’s tribute to his daughter on her wedding day.

I wish today was the kind of day the song celebrates—a day shared with someone I truly loved.

As we dance, my father’s hand grips mine with no warmth, his voice low and calculating. “Alessia, my beautiful girl,” he says, though the words sound hollow. “You’ve done well. This marriage secures our future. The Comiso family is a powerful ally.”

I nod, my throat tightening. "Yes, Papa."

His grip on my hand tightens, and I wince inwardly. "Remember, this is about more than just you. The Comisos are powerful allies. This marriage solidifies our position and will expand our influence."

"I won’t, Papa," I reply, forcing myself to meet his gaze, though resentment burns just below the surface.

This dance, meant to be a tender moment between father and daughter, feels hollow, stripped of any warmth or affection. My father speaks of alliances, power, and doors opening, as if love has no place here.

I nod along, even as my heart sinks deeper. Every instinct screams at me to shout, to tell him how much I hate this, how much I despise the man I’ve been forced to marry. But I can’t. I know all too well what happens when I anger him. I’ve been raised to sacrifice, to endure, all for the sake of the family.

As the song ends, my father releases me, his grip lingering just a moment too long. "You’ve done your duty today. Val owns you now—don’t forget it,” he says, his voice cold and final, as if sealing my fate with those words.

With the formalities over, Valentino disappears, leaving me alone in the sea of guests. Seizing the opportunity, I slip away from the music and laughter, finding a quiet bench at the edge of the estate. The night sky is breathtaking, stars glittering like diamonds—a stark contrast to the chaos that fills my life. I wish I had my camera to capture the serenity of this moment.

“What are you doing out here?” Antonio's voice startles me, pulling me from my thoughts.

“I needed a few minutes to myself.”

“You shouldn’t be out here alone,” he says, his tone gentle but firm.

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