Page 9 of Reign Of Triumph
“We’ll learn.”
“My mother can’t live alone. Her health?—”
“I insist we live alone; however, I am willing to build a home for her on our property so that we’ll have the best of both worlds.”
“Your parents are really okay with this?”
“It was my mother who told me that good women should not suffer because of Giusto’s actions. As much as I dislike your brother, I agree with my mother and have decided to take Marco up on his offer. We can make this marriage work. But we have to work together.”
“There really is only one real choice. I warn you, I’m not sure I know how to be the wife of an underboss. I’m probably going to disappoint you,” Serafina says, biting her lower lip.
“I doubt that, gioia mia. You have your mother, who is an admirable woman, to go to for advice, and I think you’ll find yourself surrounded by good women. Felicia and Grazia will rally around you. Felicia has come tonight to make sure you understand you are not alone.”
Serafina lets out a heavy breath, still clearly uncertain about the situation. Yet, she finds the courage to respond in a slightly shaky voice, “Then yes, Eros, I will marry you.”
I should feel the noose tighten, but instead, I feel relief. Until I saw Serafina’s photo, getting married never crossed my mind.
Six
Giusto’s Rage
Serafina
As soon as I agree to marry Eros, he slips a ring on my finger. A bold square-cut emerald encased in a halo of diamonds. There’s nothing small about it. It feels odd on my hand. I’ve always wanted a family of my own, but when my father died, then my mother’s health began to waver, I knew I had to step up and look after Mom.
Giusto was rarely home when he lived with us. At first, I chalked it up to his being a new underboss and having to learn all that our father was responsible for in La Famiglia. Then he started seeing Bianca, and it made sense that he would want to spend time with his new girlfriend. I didn’t know how unhappy Bianca was being married to my brother until she broke down one day. That day was filled with tears and sadness. She even asked her father for permission to come home. Her father refused. It’s just not done to leave a marriage. “Till death do us part” are the words said at the altar, and there is no going back.
Over time, I noticed marks on Bianca. She never said a word, but I knew my brother had taken a hand to her. I could see the situation was getting worse, and I couldn’t help myself, I stepped in. I was at Giusto’s home to help out with Anita and Alia and decided to speak to my brother. I don’t know what I was expecting. Not that there’s any excuse to smack around your wife, but if Giusto was going through a stressful time, I hoped to help him through it and thought maybe the family situation would improve.
That’s the day I lost respect for Giusto. I barely got the words out before I felt the sting of his hand on my cheek. His ring cut my lip, and I was left bleeding and sitting on my ass on his study floor. I’ve never seen Giusto filled with as much rage as he was then. I left heartbroken and worried sick for Bianca and the girls.
For the last several years, I’ve done my best to avoid my brother completely. Aside from holidays, I’ve succeeded. There’s no sign of the young boy who pushed me on the swing and made me laugh.
My mother and Felicia swoop in as soon as Eros and I walk into the room. My mother’s eyes search my face, and I give her a reassuring smile. She comes to me and kisses my cheek. “This is good, bella. We need a strong man in our family,” she says. Yes, Mom’s been worried about Giusto’s behavior as well. However, I think things will get worse before they get better.
Felicia hugs me tightly. “Your ring is fabulous.” She turns to Eros. “No traditional diamond for you, huh?” she teases.
“Serafina is unique, so no. A fiery emerald reflects her beauty much better,” he responds. Nero is also on his feet, clapping a hand on Eros’s back.
“Congratulations, man. May you both be as happy as Felicia and I are,” Nero says with a grin.
That would be wonderful. Everyone knows that Nero is faithfully devoted to his wife and adores his son, Antonio. Nero is considered one of the handsomest men in La Famiglia, Luciano isn’t far behind in the polls. And I must admit, they are extremely good-looking men.
However, when I look at Eros, my knees get weak, and my heart beats faster. Eros has more than looks; he has a swagger. It’s the way he walks into a room, commanding respect. He’s direct and speaks his mind. I like that Eros told me what he wanted and didn’t hide his feelings toward my brother. His honesty is refreshing. Of course, his dark, wavy hair, incredible green eyes, and muscular frame complete the entire package.
“Thanks, Nero.” Eros shakes his friend’s hand.
“We need to toast the occasion!” my mother announces. Which reminds me of the coffee I left on the stove.
“Oh no! The coffee!” I cry, then bolt back into the kitchen, Felicia coming after me.
* * *
Several hours later…
Fresh coffee and copious amounts of food consumed, our guests are leaving for the evening. Eros promises to come back tomorrow night with his parents for dinner. This is nerve-racking for both me and my mother, but Eros insists that all will go well.
I help my mother up the stairs, then go back down to clean up before heading up to bed myself. This morning, I woke up a single woman, and tonight, I’m engaged to Eros Palloma. I sit up in bed, looking at the ring on my finger. Eros is not into tradition. It makes me wonder what our marriage will be like.
