Page 4 of Innocent Union
Austin is at least cuter than George, and so far, he doesn’t seem like a pedophile, which is progress. With ruffled dark hair and dimples, he’d almost be considered handsome.
“So, Austin,” I ask, “why did you agree to meet with me?”
“To become a part of the Moretti family would be the greatest honor. I really look up to your brother, Antonio.”
Ok. Not a bad start.
“That’s great. So?—”
“So, I was thinking,” Austin cays, cutting me off, “that we could hurry the wedding up because your reputation isn’t the greatest and all. I don’t want my mom to be embarrassed about who I’m marrying.”
“And I’d be embarrassing?” I ask.
“Well, yeah,” he says in a pretend sheepish tone. “I mean, you have to know no man really wants to marry you. You’re not as pretty as your sisters, and your reputation isn’t the best. But I’d be willing to marry you for a seat at the Moretti table.”
Another slap to the face.
“My reputation?” I say. Mom squeezes my hand, silently telling me to stop before I explode, but I can’t hold it back. “My reputation is spotless. I wasn’t the one who ran off with my bodyguard. You are an utter dickwad for saying those mean things to me.”
Austin has the audacity to look offended. “I was just speaking my truth.”
“Well, your truth can go suck it.”
Mom gasps. “Mia, that’s enough.”
“No,” I say, standing up. “This”—I wave a hand at Austin—“is enough. No more suitors. No one actually wants to be with me. So, let’s just stop pretending otherwise.” I storm out of the room and up to my bedroom.
I barely shut the door behind me before the tears come. I really am unwanted, even by the most bottom of the barrel men. How did my sisters turn out so lucky, and I’m left with nothing?
I’ll admit I was the most spoiled one growing up, being the baby and all before the twins came. I think I was taught I’d have the world at my fingertips.
Now, reality is setting in, and I’m realizing just how untrue that is. I won’t ever make a good marriage match with a man of quality. I won’t be able to bring power and prestige to my family. To Antonio, who’s working hard as boss.
I’ll forever watch my sisters be in love with their husbands, and I won’t have that. In this Mafia world, if you’re not married by the time you’re twenty-five, you’re a spinster. I guess my only options in life are wait until I’m older and no one cares about me anymore. Then, I’ll be able to live my life for myself and meet any man I want to.
But until then, I’ll have to be miserable knowing I’m a failure to my family.
It’s family dinner night,which means Cecilia will be there. We have family dinner nights almost every week that Mom insists on because most of her kids are out of the house. Emilia and Francesca won’t be joining us because they’re in LA, but Antonio and Nina, Gemma and Viktor, and Cecilia and Theo will be there.
I brace myself to see my sister when I go down for dinner. Everyone has arrived.
“There she is,” Gemma says, coming over to give me a hug. When I was a kid, she found me super annoying, but now that we’re both adults, she treats me like a friend. I hope that will be Lucia and me one day. “How are you doing? Mom mentioned the suitors to me,” she says into my ear.
“It sucked.”
Gemma chuckles as she pulls back. “Tell me about it. I remember the time Mom threw an entire ball to find me a suitor.” She pauses. “And then Viktor showed up and kidnapped me.” She looks over at Viktor, who’s talking to Antonio. “It all worked out in the end. Don’t give up. It will work out for you, too.”
“Yeah,” is all I can say without crying.
My seat is right beside Cecilia’s. I sit down without saying hi.
“Mia,” she says. “How have you been?” With her picture-perfect blonde hair and features, she could be a model. Next to her is Theo, who’s the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. They make a beautiful couple. Too bad their actions have screwed me over.
“Fine,” I reply.
“I wanted to make sure you’re doing ok.” She tries grabbing my hand, but I pull away.
“I’mfine.”
