Page 45 of Dark Mafia Bride

“Nothing about this is willing,” she bites back, and despite my anger, I resist the urge to smile. I see where Mirabella gets her sass and courage.

Her bloodline runs fiery and strong.

But fire alone won’t save her now.

“You can have any woman you want without lifting a finger. I knew your father. He owned one of the biggest hotels in New York. Why not marry a rich socialite from your circle? Spare my granddaughter,” she continues, her tone desperate.

“You’re right. I could have anyone, but I want your daughter,” I reply firmly.

“Do you even care that she doesn’t love you? How can you live with someone who will no doubt despise you after all of this?” she asks, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

I lean in slightly, my eyes locking with hers. “Love is just a fickle emotion forced on us. It’s not a requirement for life,” I reply coolly. “What Icangive her is stability, security, and the freedom to live without worry. I’ll provide for her, her family…all of you. No more debts. No more struggles. She won’t have to bear the weight of supporting you all alone.”

“You don’t have to force her into this arrangement. You could date her the right way. Fall for her, like I know you will when you truly get to know her,” Isabella counters.

“I didn’t force her. I merely proposed this arrangement, and she came to me on her own.”

I can see Nonna’s not too happy about the situation, but I also notice I’ve slowly begun to chip away at her resolve. I have one more trick up my sleeve, and this will seal the deal. It may not be a conventional family blessing, but it’ll have to do.

“You said you didn’t know who Abruzzi was. Well, he’s a notorious loan shark. Your precious Mirabella owes him a large amount of money. He sent his men to hunt her down like animals when she defaulted on her payments. They were going to…” I pause, recalling how cornered and defenseless she looked that night. “Anyway, I saved her, and now we’re here.”

“I need a wife. She’s perfect for my social standing. That’s all you need to know. I’m a man ofbusiness, not emotions,” I say, keeping my voice steady.

“I will not?—”

I raise a hand, cutting her off. “I think I’ve been more than patient. I owe you no further explanations. This isn’t your concern. It’s between Mirabella and me. Now,” I say, my voice colder still, “call her.”

Nonna stares at me for a few moments before reluctantly nodding. She pulls out a small phone from her pocket, her hands shaking as she scrolls through her recent calls.

“Put the call on speaker,” I instruct.

She complies, the phone crackling to life, and I watch her closely, noting every twitch of her fingers, every breath she takes.

“You’ll tell her exactly what I say,” I continue, leaning in, my words deliberate. “Tell her I’ve taken you and your family. That she has no choice. Then, tell her to come to the chapel before the wedding, which is…” I glance at my watch, letting the moment drag. “In less than two hours. After that, you hang up. No questions. Don’t say anything else.”

She nods, and a flicker of guilt pinches my chest as I see the pain in her eyes. But I’m not here to hurt them. I just need Mirabella to come back.

Nonna swallows, her face drawn, before she presses the phone to her ear, her voice shaking as she begins to speak. “Mirabella...I…I have to tell you something.”

The woman says softly into the phone when the call connects. “We couldn’t make it to your Auntie’s place. We are at the chapel for your wedding. Your...husband is here. He wants you to come back, or else...you could go to jail...”

“What?” I hear Mirabella’s panicked voice through the speaker. “Where’s momma and Guilia?”

I stay quiet, watching her press her eyes shut, then open them again, filled with worry.

“Mirabella please just listen. Apparently, there was a clause in the contract your husband had you sign. Did you know about that when you agreed?”

There’s a long pause before Mirabella’s confused and panicked voice crackles through the speaker. “What clause? No, I didn’t...what are you talking about?”

Nonna’s eyes flick to me before she sighs heavily. “He tricked you, Mira. He knew you didn’t understand what you were signing. He’s got you cornered.”

I stay silent, my gaze fixed on Nonna. This isn’t how I intended it to go down, but sometimes you need to use the cards you’re dealt, even if they’re less than noble.

The phone is quiet for a moment, and I hear Mirabella’s frantic breathing before she speaks again. “Where are you? Are you safe? Did he hurt you?”

My eyes flicker briefly to Nonna as she listens, but I say nothing. Her panic is clear, and in that moment, I almost feel a flicker of guilt. Almost. But it’s too late for that.

“Nonna—” Mirabella’s voice cracks.

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