Page 42 of Dark Mafia Bride

I slip out and head in the opposite direction, keeping to the edge of the sidewalk and disappearing into the moving crowd. When I glance back, I see the confused and frustrated looks on their faces as they talk to a shop owner, showing the elderly woman what I would assume is my picture.

I turn and pick up my pace, feeling the weight of each step lighten as I move further and further away from them, melting into the busy city.

When I look back one more time, they’re still searching, their heads swiveling as they scan faces.

I disappear into the city, one step at a time, until their figures fade into the distance.

For now, I’m free.

Now to get to my family.

14

ETTORE

Ettore Greco is getting married.

If someone had told me this just a few months ago, I would have laughed in their face, thinking how ridiculous it sounded. But here I am, adjusting the cuff links on my sleeve, making sure the silver glints just right against the dark fabric of my suit. I look at my reflection in the mirror, and I look...clean.

My long hair is pulled back into a neat, low bun. My freshly shaved face shows off the sharp cut of my jaw. Damn, the last time I was clean-shaven was probably back in college. I usually like to leave my hair out, but Aldo insisted that I shave my beard and look as professional as possible—not my words—for my wedding ceremony.

So here I am, ready to be married. My tailored designer suit fits my lean muscles perfectly. My shoes are polished so well that they shine, reflecting the soft morning light coming through the windows.

I look like a perfect businessman. I don’t look like the ruthless mafia boss who runs the underworld. I don’t look like The Reaper.

Yet, that perfect appearance clashes with the storm brewing in my stomach. No matter how fake this marriage might feel, the truth is, I will be married to Mirabella by the end of the day. That thought is very real.

A knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts.

“Come in,” I call out, adjusting my tie.

I expect it to be Luca telling me the car is ready, and when the door swings open, it’s him. But his eyes are wide with panic, and his breathless announcement catches me off guard.

“She’s gone,” he blurts out.

I freeze, my fingers pausing mid-adjustment. “What do you mean, she’s gone?”

“We waited for her to come out, but when she didn’t, I sent Paula to check on her. She found Clara unconscious in the room,” Luca says thickly.

I clench my fists as my anger simmers just beneath the surface. I want to lash out at Luca and anyone else whose negligence allowed this to happen, but I force myself to stay calm. I knew this could happen—part of me expected it. She was never going to make this easy.

The woman I know—the bold, courageous woman who fought off three men even when she knew she stood no chance, the woman who told me she wanted to sleep with me even though she was a virgin, the woman who challenges me at every turn—wouldn’t just marry a man she didn’t know without putting up a fight. She wouldn’t tie herself down to a stranger, even if her life depended on it.

“Find her,” I growl. “And send men to her family house immediately.”

“Yes, boss,” Luca replies, his voice steady.

I’m already storming out of the room as he makes calls and sends men to carry out my orders.

“Where’s Clara now?” I ask, my voice dangerously controlled. “Is she...?”

“She’s alive,” Luca answers quickly. “And there are no physical injuries.”

I exhale sharply. The thought of Mirabella hurting someone to escape...I don’t believe she’s that kind of person. She may be desperate, but she’s not cruel. She can’t be a murderer. She can’t be like me.

“She’s in the living room, still shaken,” Luca continues. “I revived her, but she’s terrified. She can’t stop crying, and I think she’s worried about losing her job.”

I stride down the stairs, my anger a controlled flame as I head to the living room. Luca’s steps are quick and steady as he follows me down the hall. When I step into the living room, I spot Clara in a corner, her face pale and streaked with tears.

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