Page 7 of His Bride

Dante’s lips curve into a smirk. “Only the best for my future wife,” he says, his tone possessive.

The word ‘wife’ echoes in my mind, a harsh reminder of the reality I now face. I’m to be married to this man, this dangerous criminal who exudes power and control from every pore.

“I… thank you,” I say, the words hollow and meaningless.

Dante reaches out, his fingers ghosting along my cheek. I stiffen at the contact, fighting the urge to pull away. “You’ll learn to appreciate it,” he says softly, a promise and a threat wrapped in one. “All of this.”

I meet his gaze, steeling myself. “And if I don’t?” I challenge, unable to completely mask the tremor in my voice.

His eyes darken, a storm brewing in their depths. “Then we’ll have a problem,” he says, his tone deceptively light. “But I don’t think it will come to that. You’re smarter than that, aren’t you, Adriana?”

The way he says my name sends shivers down my spine. I open my mouth to respond, but the words die in my throat.

I simply nod.

Chapter Three

Adriana

The bell chimes as we step into Bella’s Bridal, a cacophony of voices and rustling fabric assaulting my senses. My heart pounds against my ribs, each beat a reminder of the life I’m leaving behind.

“Adriana, darling!” A saleswoman swoops down on us, her saccharine smile barely concealing her hunger for commission. “Welcome to your special day!”

I force a weak smile, my stomach twisting. “Thank you.”

Mother squeezes my arm. “Isn’t this exciting?”

I nod, not trusting my voice. Brides-to-be flutter about like butterflies caught in a jar, their entourages cooing and fawning. I envy their genuine joy.

Valentina links her arm through mine. “You okay, Adri?”

“I—” The words catch in my throat as I take in the endless rows of white fabric. Each dress represents a future I never chose. My breath comes faster, panic clawing at my chest.

“Hey.” Valentina’s voice cuts through the fog. “Look at me.”

I meet her gaze, finding an anchor in her warm brown eyes.

“You’ve got this,” she says firmly. “Remember who you are. The girl who creates worlds with her pen, who brings characters to life. That strength is still in you.”

“But this is different,” I argue.

Valentina squeezes my hand. “You are brave. You can do this.”

Her words settle over me like a warm blanket. For a moment, I let myself believe them. Maybe I can do this. I may not have chosen this path, but I can choose how I walk it.

I straighten my shoulders and give Valentina a small smile. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

I turn toward the saleswoman and meet her expectant gaze. “Show me your best dresses,” I say, injecting steel into my voice. “Something unexpected.”

We follow the saleswoman deeper into the boutique. I run my fingers along the dresses, feeling the textures beneath my skin. Silk, satin, lace - each one a promise of a future I never imagined. The white fabric feels cold, unforgiving. Like Dante’s eyes when he looked at me that first time.

I pause at a pretty sheath dress.

“What about this one?” I mumble, more to myself than anyone else.

Valentina appears at my side, her eyes sparkling. “Ooh, that’s pretty.”

My mother’s voice cuts in, sharp with disapproval. “Too plain, Adriana. You need something grander for a Rossi bride.”

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