Page 1 of Desire and Revenge

CHAPTER 1

The veil on my head feels heavy as I stand beside him with our hands intertwined. I feel like my heart should be racing with excitement, but instead it beats with a calm indifference.

Our friends, family, and distinguished guests are gathered in this grand chapel, adorned with Baroque interiors and intricate frescoes. It is filled with beautiful roses and the unmistakable scent of wealth, yet it feels like nothing more than a cage.

I catch a glimpse of myself in his eyes. I’m a beautiful bride draped in diamonds, yet I feel no sparkle within me.

He is everything I was told to want—wealthy, handsome, respected. But as he smiles at me, all I see is a stranger. The ring on my finger is cold and heavy, with the weight of all I had hoped for but would never get.

How did it come to this?

I imagined this day a thousand times. A day I begin my new life. A home of my own where my word held weight, where my children’s laughter echoed without fear. A home different from the one I grew up in.

I imagined myself standing beside a man who understood me in ways no one else could, a man whose love for me would be the envy of all.

But now, with everything I’m supposed to want, I find myself wishing to be anywhere but here. How could I have been so wrong?

Why don’t I feel the sparks and butterflies I’ve read about in books and seen in movies? Where’s the magic that’s supposed to happen when you look into the eyes of the one you’re going to spend the rest of your life with?

It’s not that I’m sad, but why am I nothappy?

My heart pounds against my ribs, but I keep my expression calm and serene—everything they expect from Sofia Mazza, the first and only daughter of Tarquino Mazza, the perfect bride.

“Sofia, do you take Sebastian Lucchese to be your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in the good times and bad, in sickness and in health, to love him and to honor him until death do you part?”

The priest’s voice rings out, solemn but commanding, drawing the attention of every soul in the room. A flicker of panic flares within me, sharp and cold, but I tamp it down, forcing myself to breathe steadily.

“I do.” The words slip from my lips, steady but hollow. I never would have imagined that the first time I’d say those words, I might not truly mean them.

The priest continues, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of tradition. “What God joins together, let no one put asunder. In the eyes of the Almighty, this bond is sacred and shall be unbreakable. May your union be blessed with love, faithfulness, and the strength to withstand all trials...”

I tune out the rest of his speech, his words a blur in the background as my thoughts spiral.

The mixture of anticipation and dread that has taken root inside me sprouts faster and faster, making my stomach feel tight and achy. Or maybe it’s just the corset that Carlotta cinched too tight, squeezing the air from my lungs.

“You may now kiss the bride.” The words snap me out of my daze, and I focus on my husband’s face.

The rumors don’t do him justice: he is far more attractive than they say he is. Even more striking up close, with his dark brown hair sleeked back, sharp jawline, and piercing blue eyes. His presence demands attention. I know that I’m the envy of every woman in the city.

Perfect Sofia marrying the Perfect Man.

Sebastian’s mouth curls up into a small smile that puts me at ease, and when his mouth closes over mine, I forget my panic of a few seconds ago and lose myself in the softness of his kiss.

That is until a drawn-out gasp shatters the spell. The soft murmurs ripple through the church, sharp and unmistakable.

“What is he doing here?”

“I thought he was missing.”

“I heard the Lucchese’ disowned him after his father’s death.”

“Did he finally run out of money and decide to return?”

Our kiss breaks abruptly as all eyes turn to the entrance of the church.

A tall, imposing figure stands there, his silhouette dark against the light streaming in from the open door. The stranger scans the room, his gaze lingering on us before he strides down the aisle and settles into the back pew with an air of quiet authority.

The priest clears his throat, regaining his composure. “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may go in peace.”

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