Page 43 of Dark Mafia Bride

Paula has her arm around her shoulders, trying to comfort her. Clara is wrapped in a blanket, trembling, as she holds her head in her hands.

“Clara,” I say softly, trying to sound reassuring. “What happened?”

The moment she spots me, her eyes widen, and she begins to babble apologies, her voice high-pitched with fear.

“I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t know...I didn’t—she just touched my neck, and then everything went black. Please don’t fire me. I swear, I didn’t mean...”

“Enough.” My voice is firm, cutting through her rambling like a knife. I crouch in front of her, and I see her shrink backward in fear.

I keep my tone low and calm as I speak to her. “I’m not going to fire you, Clara. Just tell me exactly what happened.”

Her eyes widen in surprise as her bottom lip quivers, but then she takes a breath.

“Sh-she told me to clean up the vanity, and that was what I was doing when she came up behind me. She...she touched my neck, and then I...I don’t remember. When Paula woke me up, I was on the floor wrapped in a blanket. I don’t know what happened, I swear!” Tears pour down her cheeks as she speaks.

“I know what happened,” I explain, my jaw tightening. “She knocked you out by blocking your carotid artery.” I glance at Luca, who nods as the whole thing begins to click into place. Mirabella used the maid’s uniform as a disguise to escape. She’s clever, but not clever enough to think she stands a chance against me.

“Take her to rest,” I instruct Paula. “Make sure she’s okay.”

Once Paula helps Clara up and leaves the room, I storm toward the security room with Luca on my heels. My anger builds with every step, and the fire inside me threatens to burn out of control.

She tried to escape me? She really tried to back out of the contract she signed? She’s gone off God knows where, when she should be walking down the aisle to meet me right now!

I stand behind a chair as Luca works on the computers for a few minutes before pulling up the footage. The tension in the air thickens by the second, enough to suffocate anyone in the room. I watch her on the numerous display screens as she slips through different parts of the house and compound in a maid’s uniform, her head down as she moves through the estate unnoticed. I clench my teeth as I watch her walk right out the gate.

“She left minutes ago,” Luca says. “We’ve already got men on her trail, and they’ll catch her in no time.”

I run a hand through my hair, pulling it out of its ties. “Good. I want her found, Luca. And I want her brought straight to me.”

Luca nods before heading out to relay the information. I spend the next few minutes watching the footage over and over again, my anger rising each second.

When Luca returns to the security room, he’s with Manuel, one of my men.

“Boss.” He bends his head down in greeting.

“Any news?”

“We found her family packing their bags, but they’ve been moved to another location.”

“Where?” I demand.

“They’re still being held at their house.”

“Bring them to the chapel, and don’t hurt them,” I snap.

Even though I’m furious, the thought of hurting her or anyone she loves makes me feel like a monster.

You are a monster,a voice whispers in my head.

I shake the thought away as I head out of the security room. The wedding is in about thirty minutes, and I have two plans set in motion. No matter what happens, I know I’ll have Mirabella right where I want her before the ceremony starts.

Luca drives me to the chapel, and throughout the ride, my stomach twists in knots. When we arrive at the cathedral compound, the car pulls to a stop in front of a small prayer chapel. It’s located right beside the main cathedral where our wedding will take place.

I step out of the car, the gravel crunching beneath my feet as I make my way toward the building. I order Luca and Manuel to stay outside before walking in.

When I push open the door, the cool air and calm atmosphere of the chapel greet me. But there’s nothing cool and calm about how I feel inside, especially when my eyes meet the family of my soon-to-be bride.

“Get out,” I order the two men watching them. They nod and quickly leave the chapel, leaving me alone with my future in-laws.

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