Page 5 of Forced Innocent Bride By the Bratva

“Yes. Him.” I pursed my lips, suppressing my smile.

She threw herself back in her chair. “Oh, this just keeps getting better and better.”

“Relax, it’s not that big a deal,” I said amidst chuckles, trying to sound as modest as I could.

Her brows flew up, a playful glare dancing in her eyes. “It’s not that big a deal? You’re kidding me, right?” She laughed, leaning forward, with both hands on the table, her eyes boring into mine. “It’s gonna be the wedding of the century!”

I found her enthusiasm and support rather fascinating, and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling to my ears.

“We’re talking about a rare union between two power families, and you say it’s not that big a deal—girl, itisthe deal,” Alessia added, her words tumbling out in a rush. “Look, it’s gonna be a big wedding, fancy venue, classic dress….”

My laughter interrupted her, my heart filled with pure bliss.

“I’m serious here,” she said, chuckling.

“I appreciate the enthusiasm, Alessia,” I said, looking right at her. “I really do. But trust me, it’s not gonna be as elaborate as you think.”

“Well, that’s disappointing,” she muttered, sipping from her cup.

“It’s gonna be a regular wedding, Alessia—just two ordinary people coming together in holy matrimony,” I explained, my tone casual.

“Okay, first, there’s absolutely nothing ordinary about you and Liam,” she began, her hands demonstrating her words. “And second, such a union isn’t supposed to be ‘regular’,” she added, air-quoting the word.

I relaxed in my chair, watching her rant. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed our time together.

Alessia heaved a sigh. “Anyway, you know best, and it just so happens that I trust your judgment,” she concluded, fingers tapping against her cup.

“Thank you,” I said.

“That doesn’t mean I agree with it, though,” she added almost immediately, a playful scowl settling on her face. “I’m just trying to be supportive.”

“And I appreciate that.” I laughed, loving how her free spirit elevated mine.

“So, when’s the wedding anyway?” she asked.

“Um….” I scratched the back of my head, unsure of her reaction.

“Um, what?” She cocked her head to the side, eyes laced with suspicion. “Scarlett…when’s the wedding happening?” Her voice dropped to a low whisper, a little bit menacing.

“Okay, don’t freak out,” I said, my voice laced with a hint of caution.

A dry chuckle left her lips. “Why would I freak out?” She cast a serious look at me.

I avoided her gaze, my eyes darting across the space. “It’s in, um…three….”

“Three months?” she asked, and before I could respond, she added, “I can work with that.”

I pursed my lips, managing to meet her gaze with an expression that clearly told her she was mistaken.

“Wait, three weeks from now?” Her voice rose a little higher than normal.

My expression remained, and my heart gradually started to race in my chest.

Her eyes widened as the realization set in, stealing her breath.

Alright, here we go—in three, two, one,I thought to myself, anticipating an exaggerated reaction.

I got one.

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