Page 2 of Possession of the Bratva

Looking at Mila, I wished I knew what she thought. She had not yet stated her opinion, and I wanted to know. “I know you think I’m crazy,” I said as I rose. “But I truly think this is the best option.”

Dahlia looked like she was about to climb out of her skin. Her complexion appeared lighter than normal. Yet, Mila simply looked at me. She was scrutinizing me. I was sure of it as her eyes narrowed and a frown formed on her brow.

“Mila,” I said. “Do you have anything to say?”

“I will do it,” she replied.

The three men all turned and spoke almost in unison. “What?” I could see waves of confusion and shock filling them.

Mila glanced at the family around the table. She gave them a tender smile and then looked back at me as she clarified. “I will marry him.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. But neither could the others. “Are you insane?” Piotr asked, walking to her side.

“You don’t have to do this,” Konstantin chimed in.

Mila got up and walked towards me. Holding out her hand, she continued. “I will marry you, Alex or Aleksandr. What do you prefer to be called?”

Taking her hand, I kissed it before speaking. “Aleksandr is fine, dear. The deal is done, then. I will be in contact.”

I turned and left before she could change her mind.

Chapter 2 - Mila

Where had the week gone? Glancing at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. The white dress felt like it was part of me, a second skin. The bodice hugged my chest. But I was sure the squeezing clamp around it wasn’t caused by the dress but by the angst building up inside.

It pushed my breasts up, exposing quite a bit of cleavage. Smoothing my hands over my breasts down my stomach, my hands moved sideways as they reached the skirt. The skirt flared out widely and stopped halfway down my calf.

The mother of pearl white and purple sparkled as the sun’s rays kissed the material. I bought a new pair of pure white booths. I had to wear something unique to me. I refused the make-up artist as I could paint my own face. I had never been one for plastering on makeup Mine was naturally beautiful.

My hair was tied in half a bun with strands framing my face. I liked the woman looking back at me. Yet, I had never dreamed of getting married. Let alone to a stranger. But it looked like that was the case today.

I knew for the sake of the family, for my sister-in-law. We have gotten very close and the way she reacted during our meeting. I knew her heart was bleeding; I wanted everyone to be happy and safe. “I’m doing this for my family!” I pronounced to the girl looking back at me in the mirror. “Everything will work out fine.”

The doors opened behind me. Turning, I was relieved to see Dahlia, Alyssa, and Cindy entering. They were all smiling. But Dahlia, oh, the smile on her face lit up the room.

“I’m so happy,” Dahlia mumbled as she hugged me. “I’m sure once you get to know Aleksandr, you will see he is a good man.”

I nodded, swallowing the growing hurricane pushing up inside. It’s a marriage of convenience, I told myself. Aleksandr surely wants nothing to do with me. He only wants the title.

Cindy stepped closer and also hugged me. “You look amazing,” she said, stepping back.

Holding my stomach, I turned in a circle as I spoke. “Thank you, I feel a bit tight, though.”

“It’s nerves and quite normal,” she replied.

“Are you ready?” Alyssa asked after hugging me.

“I guess so,” I said. I stood a moment longer, watching the three of them walk to the door. Exiting the dressing room, we walked down the short passage to the chapel door. The chapel wasn’t as large as some I’ve seen before, but it wasn’t small either.

The three sisters walked ahead of me in their sparkling light purple dresses. As we got to the door, Piotr stood waiting for me. My heart was pounding in my chest. Taking his hand, my legs suddenly felt like jello.

The chapel door opened, and the three started down the aisle. I heard the music playing, but it seemed distant. Everything appeared to be unreal. Walking down the aisle, I saw Aleksandr standing proudly in front. It all felt like a dream.

On my left sat my family and a handful of friends. To the right was the Dubow family and their friends. Their family looked a lot happier than mine. Glancing at Leon and Konstantin, I felt my throat closing.

It all happened so quickly; I couldn’t believe even the chapel was decorated. I didn’t know how his family pulled it off. I wouldn’t have been able to get it all done in less than a week. Maybe I could, if it was something I wanted, but it wasn’t.

Flowers and bows were lining the sides of the aisle. In front where he stood was a simple white arch with purple ribbons as décor and a couple of roses.

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