Page 12 of Forsaken Promises

I think of my sisters, of the burdens they’ll have to bear in the name of duty and honor. I think of my father, his final wish to see his daughters safe and cared for.

I can do this. I must do this. For them, if not for myself.

With a final glance in the mirror, I square my shoulders and lift my chin. I may be marrying a man I loathe, a man who shattered the innocent girl I used to be… but I will not let him break me.

I am Sofia Marino, daughter of the most powerful man in the city. I will face this marriage with the same strength and determination that flows through my blood.

Even if it means surrendering my own happiness for the sake of my sisters.

Even if it means living a life of silent misery.

I will persevere. I will endure.

* * *

As I stepinto the church on my father’s arm, I’m momentarily taken aback by the sheer number of people filling the pews. It seems like the entire city has turned out to witness the marriage of Don Marino’s daughter to Don Sicura’s son. The air is thick with anticipation and the heady scent of flowers.

I glance up at my father, and my heart clenches at the sight of unshed tears glistening in his eyes. He looks so handsome and proud in his tailored tuxedo, his shoulders straight despite his cancer diagnosis.

“You look beautiful,mi figlia,” he whispers, his voice rough with emotion.

His words bring a lump to my throat, and I blink back my own tears. “Thank you, Papa,” I murmur, squeezing his arm. “I wouldn’t be here without you.”

He smiles tenderly, patting my hand. “You will always have me, Sofia. Even when I’m gone, I will always be with you.”

I nod, not trusting myself to speak.

As we begin our slow march down the aisle, I force myself to look ahead, to the man waiting for me at the altar. Dominico Sicura looks devastatingly handsome in his black tuxedo, his dark hair slicked back and his chiseled features set in a solemn expression.

But all I can feel is a burning hatred, a seething resentment that threatens to consume me. I glare daggers at him, silently hurling every vile curse and bitter recrimination I can think of.

How dare he stand there, looking so calm and collected? How dare he act like this is just another business deal, another strategic move in the endless game of power and control?

I want to scream, to tear off this suffocating gown and run as far away as I can. But I force myself to keep walking, to maintain the illusion of the perfect, dutiful bride.

When we reach the altar, my father turns to face me, taking both of my hands in his. His eyes are shining with love and pride, and I feel my own tears threaten to spill over.

“Sofia,miamore,” he begins, his voice carrying through the hushed church. “From the moment you were born, I knew you were destined for greatness. You have always been the light of our family, the one who brings joy and laughter to even the darkest of days.”

He pauses, taking a shaky breath. “I know that you will face this marriage with the same grace and strength that you bring to everything you do. You are a Marino, Sofia, and Marinos never back down from a challenge.”

His words wash over me, filling me with a bittersweet mix of love and sorrow. I know he’s right. I know that I have no choice but to see this through. But it doesn’t make the reality any easier to bear.

“I love you, Papa,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “I will make you proud. I promise.”

He smiles, a single tear sliding down his cheek. “You already have,mi figlia. More than you could ever know.”

With a final squeeze of my hands, he steps back, placing my hand in Dominico’s waiting palm. I barely suppress a shudder at the contact, my skin crawling with revulsion.

But I force myself to meet his gaze, to stare into his hazel eyes that once held such warmth and affection. Now, all I see is a cold, calculating stranger, a man I no longer recognize.

As the priest begins the ceremony, I let my mind drift, retreating into the safety of my own thoughts. I think of my sisters, of the protections they’ll gain through this marriage. No one will want to cross Don Sicura’s daughter-in-law. I think of my mother, how fragile she’ll be after my father passes. How will she protect herself?

And I think of my father, the man who has always been my rock. The man who is slowly slipping away from me.

I may be marrying a monster, a man who shattered my heart and destroyed my faith in love. But at least I have this moment, this precious memory of my father’s love and pride.

It’s the only thing that makes this day bearable. The only thing that gives me the strength to face the uncertain future that stretches before me.

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