Page 46 of Dark Mafia Bride

But before she can say more, Nonna hangs up the phone, the sharp click of the disconnect ringing in the air. Her eyes blaze with anger as she glares at me. “Are you happy now?” she spits, her words heavy with reproach.

I lean back, maintaining my composure as I watch her. “Not yet. My wife isn’t here yet,” I reply calmly, my voice smooth like glass. “You might want to take a seat. I don’t want you getting tired.”

“I’m not a weak old woman,” she snaps, but despite her words, she walks over to a nearby pew and lowers herself onto it.

The silence in the room stretches, thick and uncomfortable. The clock ticks on, the time slipping away as we wait.

The wait doesn’t last long because a moment later, her phone rings again. The woman looks at me, as if asking for permission. I nod, and she quickly answers the call.

“Nonna, where exactly in the chapel are you?” I hear Mirabella whisper through the speaker. “Can you find a way out? I think I can still save you guys...”

“Mira, don’t do anything stupid,” her grandmother chokes out. I see panic and sadness in Giulia’s and Isabella’s eyes.

“Are there any men with you? They can’t keep you hostage in a damned chapel,” Mirabella snaps, frustration pouring from her voice. “I’m coming for you. I promise?—”

She’s cut off suddenly, and we hear a thump before the call ends.

“H-hello? Mirabella?” Her grandmother calls, just as Isabella and Giulia sit up, panic in their eyes.

Just then, the door bursts open, and Luca strides in.

“Mirabella has been found, sir,” he announces.

“Well, what a pleasant turn of events.”

“You are not a good man,” the old woman says, her voice steady yet filled with disdain.

I hate that they are seeing this side of me and already think I’m a monster. What will they think when they truly know who I am?

I knew our marriage wasn’t real, so I never craved the love and acceptance of her family. Yet now, having them here—every single one, down to the youngest—staring at me like I’m the devil makes my stomach churn.

“I assure you, neither you nor your daughter will be harmed. I just want her back, and I want the wedding to go as planned. Afterward, you will be moved into a nice apartment and well taken care of,” I say, knowing it won’t change how they see me.

They all stay silent, and I feel my heart thump in my chest as seconds tick by. After what feels like forever, Luca bursts into the room again, his usual blank expression on his face.

That means good news.

“She’s here,” he announces.

I hear murmurs and sighs of relief from her family.

“Bring her in.”

Luca steps out, and a few seconds later, he comes back with Mirabella in his grip. I release a breath I didn’t know I was holding as my eyes scan her body. Her hair is a mess, and her face is flushed from the chase. She’s changed from the maid’s uniform into a T-shirt and jeans.

“Let me fucking go,” she yells, trying to pull her arm from Luca’s tight hold.

He won’t let her go—not if it means risking her slipping away again. Not unless I tell him to let her go.

“Leave her alone,” I command, my voice booming across the room.

Time seems to slow as I watch her body freeze. She recognizes my voice. Her head turns slowly, scanning her family members until her gaze lands on me.

I see her expression shift from shock to confusion to disbelief, and I can’t help the rush of excitement that flows through me.

“You,” she whispers, her voice hoarse. She takes a step back, her body trembling as reality sinks in.

I smile, slow and dangerous, as I take a step toward her. “Surprised?”

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