Page 56 of Dark Mafia Vows

“It’s okay. It happened several years ago.” She chuckles, but for the first time, I notice the pain in her eyes. “He would have been around don’s age now.”

Leaning in, her voice softens as she tells me, “Your fiancé has had a hard life. He lost his parents young, and he doesn’t talk about it much. All I know is that they died when he was young, leaving him all alone. He can seem so closed off, but he’s had to fend for himself his whole life. That’s all he knows.”

A pang of sorrow strikes me at the thought of him being alone in the world. “What about his family? Does he have anyone?”

“As far as I know, no,” Rosa replies, shaking her head. “It’s just him. That’s why he carries himself the way he does. Imagine being all alone, Ginny. It’s a heavy burden.”

The revelation tugs at my heartstrings. I try to know if I can recall his parents from the hazy memory I have of him, but I don’t remember a thing. It was mostly just him and Lorenzo. I can’t help but feel an overwhelming desire to understand him better, to know what shaped him into the man he is today.

To know what exactly happened between him and my brother.

“Just be patient,” Rosa advises gently, as if she can read my thoughts. “He’ll open up when he’s ready.”

And just like that, I have a new assignment—to unravel the mystery that is Dario.

24

DARIO

Ginny’s arm is intertwined with mine as we step intoMaison Luxe, an exclusive designer boutique known for its one-of-a-kind pieces.

The air smells faintly of fresh flowers and new fabric, the sunlight streaming through the tall windows casting a warm glow over the elegant gowns and tailored suits on display.

We already have designers handling our wedding attire, but with upcoming public appearances, Ginny suggested we add a few fresh additions to our wardrobes.

The serene ambiance should be relaxing, but my focus is elsewhere—on Ginny. She’s been tightly clutching my arm and leaning into me ever since we got out of the car. It wouldn’t feel strange if we were a normal couple, but we aren’t. This is still new territory for us both.

“Welcome toMaison Luxe! I’m Camille, your style consultant for today,” a woman announces as she approaches, extending her hand to me first. Her gaze lingers a little too long, her eyes bold and assessing as if she’s calculating how much I’m worth before even getting to know me.

“Thank you.” My response is curt, not because I’m unfriendly but because I’m not interested in whatever game she’s playing.

Camille’s smile widens a fraction. “We’re thrilled to have you here. I’ve heard you have quite the discerning taste.” she chuckles softly, leaning in as if she’s about to share some inside joke meant only for me.

Ginny’s arm tightens around mine, her hand sliding up to grip my bicep. The engagement ring glints under the boutique’s bright lights, catching Camille’s attention. Only then does she finally glance at Ginny, her smile faltering ever so slightly before she asks, “And you must be the bride?”

“Yeah, that would be me,” Ginny replies, her smile wide, though I can sense the subtle edge beneath it.

Camille’s focus drifts back to me, her polite smile never reaching her eyes. “Right this way.” She gestures toward the fitting area. “We have some stunning pieces for you to try on.”

There’s a flicker of irritation in me at how dismissive Camille is toward Ginny, but I decide to overlook it—for now.

“Make yourselves comfortable,” Camille says as we reach a plush seating area. “I’ll bring you some refreshments.”

As she walks away, I barely notice her leaving because Ginny nestles into my side, resting her head against my arm. A rush of warmth spreads through me, a comforting sensation that momentarily eases the tension simmering beneath the surface. Despite everything, having her so close feels... right.

After we had sex three nights ago, I’ve been trying to keep a reasonable distance from Ginny. But it’s almost impossible. Whenever I’m near her, I lose all sense of why I’m doing this in the first place—to punish Lorenzo. This isn’t supposed to feel good. I can’t let it.

I don’t want to get too comfortable with this arrangement, and I don’t want Lorenzo to get too comfortable, either. Eitherhe gets his family business back on track and sacrifices his sister’s happiness in the process or the other way around.

He can’t have both.

But Ginny...fuck. She makes it so difficult to stay distant and maintain my nonchalance around her. And this is my default setting--I’ve always been cold and detached from people. It was deliberate at first. It’s how I’ve survived, especially after my parents died, and in the business I’m in, being emotionally unavailable isn’t just a tactic—it’s essential.

But now, Ginny’s warmth is slowly seeping into my veins, literally and figuratively...it’s getting to me, working its way through my defenses.

She’s changed. She’s been...kinder. Softer. She smiles more, her voice no longer sharp or argumentative, and there’s a look in her eyes—one I can’t afford to fall for.

I shouldn’t like it. I shouldn’t revel in the sparkle I see in her eyes or the way she feels more comfortable around me.

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