The Mafia's Chosen Bride

k and pearls tracing delicate patterns across her pale skin. The gown, an ethereal creation in white and ivory, was so meticulously crafted that it seemed to breathe with her every moveme

soft curls that framed her face. Her eyes, deep and captivating, were slightly wide and ne

more dangerous and complex than anything she could have imagined. Her pulse quickened as she adjusted the veil that cascaded down from the tiara, the soft lace brushing against her fingertips. Despite the team of skilled professionals - makeup artists, hairstylists, and seam

fed the gown one last time. The question was a mere formality, but Isabella didn't trust he

ing on her big day," Francesca cooed, smiling warmly at th

am," one of the stylists said, admiri

lied with a soft chuckle, her voice filled wit

hmm?" Her words hung in the air, light and sweet, but Isabella could feel the veiled sharpness in them. Her own eyes, empty

r her breath, her smile curving into

t he could feel the tension in the air, and the sadness in his sister's eyes. He reached out to take her hand, squeezing it gently. Isabella looked d

lowing under the brilliant crystal chandeliers. The walls gleamed with gold accents, and the floors were polished to a high sheen, reflecting the intricate designs of the carpets. The guests, all impeccably dressed, whispered amon

lf - the delicate grace she carried, the way her presence seemed to fill the space with an almost ethereal energy. The men stared openly, their eyes drawn to her in ways that made her skin crawl. Giovanni Moretti's gaze, dark and predatory, lingered on her as she approached him, his eyes darkening ever s

e offering a stark contrast to the lavish surroundings. He was proud, yes, but there was no joy, no pride in his daughter. This was a business deal to him, not a celebration of m

ed suit. But his face, so full of sadness, tore at her heart. He clutched her hand, squeezing it tight, as if trying to hold her back fro

est man alive. His voice, when he spoke his vows, was smooth and practiced, every word dripping with authority and control. But Isabella wasn't listening. She was lost in her own thoug

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heads turned toward the man who had spoken, Alessandro. He stepped forward, his tall frame imposing as his gaze fixed on his f

emed he might crack a tooth. "What are you doing, Alessandro?" he sp

can commit in one day, Father," he said with mocking disdain, glancing di

igh, her gaze cool and unflinching. She was dressed in resplendent attire, her poise exuding authority as she

Alessandro continued, turning his gaze to Giovan

hing in his eyes. "Enough, Alessand

r a brief moment before he turned back to his father with open disdain. "Especially when it involves a yo

d murmurs rippling through the hall. Isabella's pulse pounded in her ear

the noise. "I thought our family upheld traditions. An

augh, barely hiding her contempt. "Your father has never truly understood tradition, let alone moral

a shade darker. "Enough

th, steeling himself. "This

ng. "Giovanni, please. This marriage is our only hope. It's the o

? You're willing to sell your daughter to cover your debts?" His voice was a mixture of disgust a

ugh! I've given Luigi enough time, and he's failed. I'll take

mile stretching across his face. "She's here

when Alessandro shot him a look of pure con

. "Watch your mouth, Alessandro!" he

to the priest. "Perhaps a different solution is in order,"She stepped

sabella before landing on Sophia, Alessandro's fiancée, with a slight, mocking sm

ity. "Alessandro will marry Isabella

ound the room. Sophia, Alessandro's fiancé

, stunned. "Mother, what are yo

nable? If your father is so adamant, perhaps this arrangement could fi

a moment of interest. "Marrying Isabella to Alessandro... it wou

lex, please," she whispered, her voice shaking, trying to pull him back from this madne

wisting his expression. "No. I can't stand by an

her voice booming with authority. "Isabella w

breaking as she stared at Giovanni. "He's

gaze. "No one asked for your opinio

, furious. "You don't control m

lending into a hollow roar that pulsed against her skull, heavy and suffocating. Her pulse thundered as the weight of everything bore down on her, the injustice, the desperatio