Page 4 of Forced Innocent Bride By the Bratva

Alessia turned to the barista. “Hey, Layla, hazelnut latte with extra foam, please.”

“Coming right up!” the blonde barista replied.

I reached for my purse, my fingers attempting to withdraw my credit card.

“Whoa, what’re you doing?” she asked, her voice stern, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Before I could respond, she added, “We’ll put that onmycard, sweetheart.”

I hesitated for a moment, and then a soft chuckle broke from my lips. “No, I can’t let you do that.”

She curved her lips into a knowing grin. “Aww. It’s cute how you think you actually have a say here,” she said, her tone laced with mild sarcasm. Alessia patted me on the shoulder. “Don’t worry. When we bump into each other next, you’re buying.” She paused, beaming. “I can only hope it’ll be in a Gucci store.”

I laughed.

We moved to a small corner, settling into cushioned chairs, and soon after, my order arrived.

“Thank you, Layla,” Alessia and I chanted with one voice, low and even.

The barista wore a charming smile, her gaze shifting across the two of us. “You’re welcome. Enjoy.” She dematerialized.

“So, how’s life?” we chorused—again.

And then it happened again. “Jinx.”

I lowered my head, laughing, and she did the same, memories of our old days flooding back into our minds.

“Okay, I’ll go first,” Alessia said, her laughter gradually fading away. “Well, as you already know, I’m studying law. But here’s the interesting part.” She leaned in, enthusiasm coloring her eyes. “You’re looking at the next in line to become part of the Romano legal team.”

My brows rose in astonishment. “Wow, that’s amazing, Alessia!”

“I know, right?” She chuckled, reclining in her chair, her cup at her lips.

“You must be incredibly proud of yourself,” I said, my eyes crinkling at the corners. “Carrying on the family legacy is such a big deal.”

She heaved a sigh, her grin broadening. “It is, actually. Sometimes, it’s scary, too, if I’m being honest,” she added, her voice trailing off.

I squinted, tilting my head slightly at the momentary concern that flashed in her gaze. I extended my hand across the table between us, my palm resting on hers. “I get it. I understand. But hey, you’re smart, intelligent, driven, and passionate.” My lips curved into an encouraging smile. “You’ve got this.”

She reciprocated my gesture with a soft exhale. “Thank you. But enough about me.” She edged closer. “What about you?”

I didn’t realize how broad my smile was until I caught her grin, brows raised.

“Wow! This should be juicy,” she said, her tone laced with enthusiasm.

I sipped my latte, reclining in my chair with thoughts of Liam occupying my mind.

“Well, don’t keep me in suspense,” she blurted out, impatient. “Go ahead, spit it out already.”

I raised my hand just a tad and wiggled my ring finger, the diamond jewel glinting in the soft light.

Her eyes widened in a pleasant surprise, brows arching in the process. Her gasp was rather theatrical when she said, “Shut the front door. You’re getting married?”

I laughed, my cheeks flushing. “Yes, I am.”

“Oh, my God, Scarlett, that’s wonderful news!” She reached out across the table, her fingers intertwined with mine. “Who’s the lucky guy?”

A wider grin spread across my face. “Liam Callahan.”

“Wait, like, Liam Callahan oftheCallahan family?” she asked, eyes shining so bright.

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