Page 23 of Heartless Union

“I expect you to be in a wedding dress at our wedding,” I remind her. “Don’t embarrass me, Lara.”

She blinks rapidly, almost like she’s holding back tears. “I won’t. I promise.”

When I glance at my father, he’s giving me a proud look. I’m keeping Lara in her place, and he likes that. Instantly, I want to tell Lara to forget the wedding and do whatever she wants just to spite my father. But I also want a good wife. That isn’t for my father.

That’s for me.

Gabriella rolls her eyes as she sips from her water glass. “My brother is a hardass, Lara. That’s the first thing you need to know about him.” She nods at the water. “Can I get some wine? I think I’m going to need wine to survive this evening.”

“No,” Father says. “Drink your water, Gabriella, and stay quiet.”

She flushes, and my sister isn’t one to get embarrassed easily. Lara looks at her with soft eyes. Gabriella smiles back, shrugging. I don’t understand anything about their silent conversation. That’s what makes women so confusing—they can say so much with their eyes when I just need them to speak with their words.

“I’ll drink enough wine for you, Gabi,” Massimo says, winking as he takes a large gulp of his wine. Emilio only shakes his head.

Nico clears his throat and raises his glass. “To Rocco and Lara. I hope they have a prosperous marriage. I cannot wait to see it happen.” I give props to Nico at being able to change an awkward moment into a more cheerful one.

“Hear, hear,” Father says, lifting his own glass.

Everyone else cheers, too, wishing Lara and me a happy wedding and marriage. I glance over at her.

She looks anything but happy.

CHAPTER 6

Lara

It’s my wedding day, and I can’t even have my best friend with me.

When I told Ashley she wasn’t allowed to come, she looked at me with pure betrayal.

“Why can’t I come?” she asked.

“Rocco doesn’t want you there,” I admit.

Ashley scoffed. “He’s a controlling asshole, you know that, right? He’s only going to hurt you. But don’t come crying to me when he does because I already told you so.” With that, she walked away, and I didn’t get a chance to say anything more to her about it.

So, now, I’m alone on my wedding day. Yes, I have my dad with me, but other than that, I don’t have anyone else. The other people attending my wedding are people who know Rocco and his family. I’m going to be a pariah on my on wedding day.

I slip my wedding dress on by myself. My mom is long gone, so I don’t have anyone to help me with it.

The dress I chose is a little unconventional, but I was drawn to its beauty. It has short sleeves and a long flowing skirt. The bodice is decorated in green and pink flowers, giving it a fairytale feel. The decoration seamlessly eases into the white of the skirt.

I love it. I just hope Rocco loves it.

He’s made it clear he’s not afraid to give his opinion, and I’m sure this wedding dress is no exception.

“Knock, knock,” my dad says, entering my hotel room. The wedding reception and ceremony are taking place at the Plaza hotel. “Oh, you look beautiful, my Lara.”

“Thank you.” My eyes begin to water.

“Don’t cry.” Dad rushes over to me and pulls me into a hug. “You got this. Be brave and strong today. And remember you’re marrying Rocco for your safety.”

“I know. I’m just glad you’re here to walk me down the aisle.”

He pulls back and smiles down at me. “I’ll always be with you. Even when I’m gone.”

“If you don’t want me to cry, then don’t say things like that.”

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