Page 24 of Dark Mafia Bride

I hope the strange man from earlier is still there.

By the time I reach the familiar shop, my heart is hammering so hard it hurts. I push the door open, ignore the woman behind the counter and sprint down the corridor. I flash the bouncers my pass and see a flicker of confusion in their eyes as they let me through.

The music is even louder now as I rush inside. My head is a mess as I push my way through the crowd. I know I look like a madwoman, but I don’t care. My eyes dart across the dimly lit space, but I see no sign of the guy.

“Hey,” I exhale, approaching the bar.

The bartender from earlier flashes a smile at me. “It’s you again...”

“Did you see the guy who approached me earlier?” I interrupt him. “He’s tall, wore dark shades, and is a bit scary looking?”

“I’m sorry,” he says, looking at me as if I’ve grown two heads. “I don’t think I know whom you’re describing.”

A frustrated groan bubbles up my throat, but I swallow it and plaster a fake smile on my lips.

“Thanks.”

I step out of the club again with only one option left. My hands shake as I pull the business card sitting in my purse. Earlier, when I grabbed it from the counter, I didn’t think I’d actually use it, especially not on the same night I received that ridiculous proposition.

The black metal glimmers in my hand as I dial the number.

It rings once before the call is answered.

“I’ll do it.” I rush out before the other person can say anything. “I’ll marry your boss.”

There’s a beat of silence before I hear the strange man’s sharp voice.

“Meet me at The Silver Key Hotel tomorrow at noon.”

I tighten my grip on my phone. “What for?”

“To sign the agreement,” he says like it’s obvious. “Do not be late.”

And without waiting for a response, he hangs up.

8

ETTORE

Red wine slides down my throat as I take a sip from my glass. A soft clink echoes in the air when I set the cup beside my plate on the dining table and gaze ahead. My family members flank the sides of the long dining table, everyone busy with the feast before us.

The chandelier overhead casts a warm glow over the dining room in the Greco mansion. The sounds of forks and knives clinking against fine china bounce off the marble floors and high ceilings. The air is filled with delicious aromas. The table is laden with lavish dishes, from truffle-infused pasta to roasted lamb, all prepared by the estate’s personal chef.

I can hardly recall the last time I participated in the tradition my father started—our family dinners every night.

I’m a busy man, and most evenings I come home to find everyone else already tucked into bed. But tonight I made an effort to be here for dinner. I returned early from the poker club just in time for the meal because of the announcement I have to make.

“I’m getting married.”

My voice slices through the low clinking and chatter, and the room instantly falls silent. Forks freeze mid-air. My younger brother Vittorio looks up from his plate. My two cousins Antonio and Leonardo stop whispering and fix me with stunned expressions. Even Bianca, my eighteen-year-old cousin who is obsessed with her phone looks up with wide eyes. The seconds stretch like hours as I absorb their reactions.

Zia Camilla, my oldest aunt, sits across the table, narrowing her eyes at me. I notice her lips twitch as if she’s trying to suppress a smirk. It’s just family dinner, yet she’s dressed in a silk blouse, pearls delicately hanging around her neck. The rings on her fingers tinkle as they tap against her wine glass.

Finally, it’s my other two aunts Francesca and Marta who break the silence.

“Ettore! That’s great news,” Aunt Francesca exclaims, while Aunt Marta chimes in, “Finally!”

I knew they’d be pleased with my announcement. They’ve been pushing me to get married ever since I took over the family company right after graduating college. I’m sure this is just another chance for them to plan a party that will leave everyone talking.

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