The officiant began the ceremony.
Callum held my hands as he stared into my eyes. It felt like we were the only people in the chapel.
Halfway through, the officiant posed the quintessential question, "Does anyone object to this union? Speak now, or forever hold your peace."
Suddenly, I felt a strong urge to scan the faces of our guests, particularly my father's. I half-expected him to stand up and shout "hell no!"
But then, I caught sight of a woman sitting behind Laurena in a tight gold dress with a black veil covering her face. My mind was racing - what was going on?
Callum squeezed my hands. Why I didn’t know. Maybe for reassurance or comfort.
The woman rose from her seat and spoke up. "I object."
My blood began to simmer with anger. This couldn't be real.
She pulled back her veil, revealing her face in all its radiant beauty. Her porcelain skin glowed, mesmerizing me.
“Callum is mine," she said with a sweet smile directed at me.
I was at a loss for words; how could this have happened?
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
MY WEDDING DAY CATCH EDITION
CATCH
This woman had balls the size of cantaloupes to interrupt my wedding.
Breathe Catch.
Trying to calm my anger, I had to remind myself of who she was and why she believed she had the right to cause a scene on such an important day for me. Melina Massa, daughter of Roberto Massa, the notorious mafia boss in Baltimore. We were never in a committed relationship; we simply slept together occasionally. But in her mind, because we had been intimate multiple times, I somehow belonged to her. I met her at a club while out with Ritchie and other bodyguards one night, unaware of her true identity. Despite everything, we had a good time.
In hindsight, I can understand why she didn't reveal her status as mafia royalty to me. She acted like we were just enjoying each other's company. But then she showed up at my parents' house - a place that required serious connections to gain entry. She was smart enough not to come to my workplace and draw attention to herself. Instead, she tried to get close to my mother and sister, constantly pushing the idea of marriage and my potential role as a high-ranking member of her father'sorganization. I had always made it clear that I wasn't interested in settling down. But looking back, I can see how it must have seemed when I ended up standing at the altar with my future wife - like I had lied about wanting commitment. Love is unpredictable; it hits you when it does, and you have no control over it. Having a good time with Melina was one thing but marrying her was something else entirely.
I had no intention of working for anyone other than the Espositos or the Pituccos.
Before I met Bianca, I fucked lots of women. Not just Melina. She just wanted me for herself.
She created this fairytale of what she desired for us.
Sauntering down the stairs, gripping Bianca’s hand, I approached Melina.
“Melina, it’s clear you used my family to attend the wedding. You probably told my mother you’d behave. And you lied to her.”
Her face twisted. “I had every intention of behaving. But when I saw who you were marrying, I lost it.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Bianca snapped.
Melina ignored Bianca.
“I don’t take kindly to being used,” Mom huffed.
“Don’t worry, Laurena, I’m not into using people. Especially not a person of your stature,” Bianca said.
“Thank you, sweetheart. We’re going to get along great.” Mom smiled.
“Freaking suck up,” Melina bit out.