Page 28 of Mafia Don's Twisted Union

Before either of us can say more, a sudden cheer erupts from behind us. I glance over my shoulder to see the crowd of guests standing at the terrace’s edge, their applause filling the night air.

Mia’s cheeks flush a deep crimson as she turns toward the crowd, her hand still clasped in mine. “They were watching?” she whispers, her voice a mix of embarrassment and disbelief.

“Of course,” I reply, my tone steady. “This isn’t just for us. It’s for them too.”

She looks up at me, her brows furrowing slightly. I can see the question in her eyes, but she doesn’t voice it. Not yet. Instead, she turns back to the crowd, offering a polite, if somewhat dazed, smile.

The applause grows louder, and a few voices rise above the rest. “Congratulations!” “Beautiful couple!” “About time!”

Bianca is the first to break from the crowd, her laughter ringing out as she rushes toward us. “Mia!” she exclaims, throwing her arms around her. “You said yes! Welcome to the family!”

Mia laughs nervously, her hand brushing against Bianca’s shoulder as she hugs her back. “This is… a lot,” she says, her voice still tinged with disbelief.

Bianca pulls back, her green eyes sparkling. “A lot? This is amazing! You two are perfect for each other. I’ve been telling you that from the start!”

She turns to me, her smile bright and knowing. “Good move, Dad. Very good move.”

I smirk, the weight of the moment balanced by Bianca’s unrelenting enthusiasm. “Thank you, Bianca.”

The rest of the crowd begins to approach, offering their congratulations. Handshakes, hugs, and glasses of champagne are thrust our way, the terrace buzzing with celebration.

Mia stays close to me, her fingers occasionally brushing mine as she accepts the well-wishes. I can feel the tension in her, the weight of what she’s just agreed to.

As the crowd begins to disperse, returning to the gala’s festivities, I lean closer to her, lowering my voice so only she can hear.

“You won’t regret this,” I say, the words carrying both promise and certainty.

Her hazel eyes meet mine, wide and searching. She doesn’t respond, but the way her fingers tighten slightly around my hand tells me everything I need to know.

Chapter 13

Mia

The terrace is quieter now. The guests have mostly drifted back toward the gala’s heart, their excited whispers fading into the background hum of music and conversation. Yet, I’m rooted to the spot, the weight of Carlito’s words and the glint of the engagement ring on my finger keeping me anchored in this surreal moment.

Carlito stands beside me, his hand warm and steady against mine. His gaze moves from the ring to my face, his dark eyes softer now than I’ve ever seen them. For the first time tonight, the control he wears like armor seems to slip, revealing something vulnerable, something real.

“We should return,” I say, my voice barely audible. But Carlito doesn’t move.

“Not yet,” he replies, his tone low but deliberate. His words make my heart pound all over again.

Before I can question him, Carlito turns and gestures to Leo, who steps forward with the quiet efficiency I’ve come to associate with him. Leo listens as Carlito murmurs something, nodding sharply before retreating into the crowd.

“What was that about?” I ask, my pulse quickening.

Carlito’s lips quirk into a faint, enigmatic smile. “You’ll see.”

Moments later, the lights on the terrace subtly shift, growing softer, warmer. The music transitions seamlessly into something slower, more intimate. Around us, the staff begins moving with quiet precision, rearranging tables and clearing a small open space near the terrace’s edge.

Realization dawns, and I whirl to face Carlito. “What are you doing?”

“We’re not waiting,” he says simply, his voice carrying the calm certainty of a man who always gets what he wants.

My heart lurches. “You mean—”

“The wedding,” he says, his tone firm but not unkind. “Here. Tonight.”

I blink at him, my breath catching in my throat. My mind races, trying to grasp the enormity of what he’s suggesting. “Carlito, this is... it’s too much. I—”

---