Page 66 of Dark Mafia Bride

“All right, spill,” she demands, pulling back just enough to lock eyes with me, her face a mixture of confusion and excitement. “I get this unexpected invite tothe wedding of the year—and the bride is my best friend, who I didn’t even know was dating anyone! Mira, what’s going on?”

I laugh, pulling away to catch my breath. “Nice to see you too, Alessia. Hey, Gio.”

Giovanni gives me a small smile and an awkward wave as he steps inside. “Hey, Mira. You look...uh, stressed.”

“That’s because she’s hiding something,” Alessia accuses, hands on her hips. “You owe me an explanation. Who is Ettore Greco, and how the hell did you end up engaged to him? Don’t tell me this was one of your whirlwind decisions!”

I wince. “It’s...complicated.”

“Complicated?” Alessia throws her hands up in exasperation. “Mira, the last time we talked, we were just making plans to hang out because we barely see each other anymore. Then, a few days later I’m RSVPing to your wedding? I mean, I’m happy foryou, but I didn’t even know youlikedsomeone enough to marry them!”

“Ettore was thoughtful enough to send out invitations to you guys,” I mutter, trying to deflect. “God knows how he even knows who my friends are.”

Alessia narrows her eyes. “Uh-huh. That doesn’t answer the question, Mira. Are you in trouble? Did he pressure you into this?”

“No! No, it’s not like that.” My voice is too quick, and Alessia’s brows shoot up in suspicion.

Giovanni clears his throat, stepping in. “Okay, maybe we should give Mira a chance to breathe. She doesn’t need an interrogation five seconds after we walk in.”

“Thank you,” I say with a sigh, shooting him a grateful look.

“Fine,” Alessia huffs, flopping onto my couch. “But you’re not getting away that easily. I want details, Mira. How did you meet him? What made you say yes? And why do I feel like there’s more going on here than you’re telling me?”

I glance between them, my mind racing for something to say that won’t dig me into a deeper hole. Alessia crosses her arms, her skepticism written all over her face. Giovanni gives me a small nod, though his worry is just as apparent.

They step into the foyer, and I lead them down the hall toward the conservatory. The glass walls of the room bathe everything in sunlight, casting a warm, golden glow over the lush plants and cozy lounge chairs. They both look around, wide-eyed, and I motion for them to sit.

“This place is...wow,” Alessia says, blinking in amazement. “Mira, this feels like a scene from a movie. Tell us everything.”

Alessia and Gio missed my wedding because they were out of town visiting her sick grandmother. They only found out about the wedding when they got the invitation.

“Well,” I say lightly, trying to keep things casual. “Obviously, I’m married now. That’s what happened.”

Alessia stares at me, unconvinced. “Just like that? Mira, I’m your best friend, and I didn’t even know this guy existed. Then I get a wedding invite while I’m a hundred miles away, and I’m supposed to believe it all just happened out of nowhere?”

I can feel their suspicions rising, and it kills me not to tell them the truth. But the damned NDA I signed keeps me quiet.

“Yeah, I know it seems fast,” I admit, shrugging. “But we met one night, he kind of saved my life, and we started seeing each other after that. One thing led to another...and he proposed.”

“And you just...said yes?” Alessia scoffs, crossing her arms. She knows me too well. She knows there’s more to this story.

I nod. “Yup. Just like that.”

Gio finally speaks up, his tone laced with doubt. “See, here’s the part where I start losing you, Mira. I was there that night when one of your husband’s men approached you with some so-calledproposition.”

I raise my hands in mock surrender. “Okay, fine. I knew who Ettore was before that happened.”

Alessia rolls her eyes. “So you’re telling us you fell for this mysterious guy, got swept off your feet, and suddenly you’re Mrs. Greco? Do we look like we were born yesterday?”

I sigh, trying to keep things light. “Look, I know it sounds insane. But it’s real, all right? I’m here, I’m married, and...well, this is my life now.”

“Are you happy?” Gio asks quietly, his gaze steady.

I pause, caught off-guard by his question. I open my mouth, but words don’t come right away. “It’s…complicated,” I finally manage.

Alessia gives me a sympathetic look. “You know you don’t have to pretend with us, Mira. If things ever get too overwhelming, we’re here.”

Giovanni crosses his arms, giving me a once-over like he’s trying to see past me. “If you were forced or coerced into this marriage, you can tell us.”

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