Page 22 of The Bonventi Rise
"Has he now?" Enzo asks, his voice deep. "I'm sure it's only partially true."
I smile and turn to Livia. "That's a beautiful necklace," I say, nodding to the delicate skull pendant resting against her collarbone.
Livia's fingers fly to the pendant, and she grabs it. "Thank you," she says. "It's my good luck charm."
Enzo's eyes narrow in on me, and I can practically see the gears turning in his head. "So, Alina," he says, his tone casual, "tell me about your plans for my brother's campaign. I'm curious to hear your strategy."
I straighten, slipping fully into the familiar role of campaign manager. "Well, we're focusing on Marco's strong community ties and his vision for economic growth in the region. We'll be emphasizing his commitment to?—"
"Anyone who can get my little brother to actually show up on time to meetings has my vote," Gio interrupts with a grin, giving me an approving nod. "You must be working some real magic there. Think you can keep that up all the way to the Senate?"
I meet his gaze confidently. "Oh, absolutely."
"I'm not always late. And for the record," Marco nods to me. "With her, we're going to win in a landslide."
Before I can add anything or they can respond, a staffer approaches, looking flustered. "Mr. Bonventi, sir, they're ready for you. The press is getting antsy, and I don't think they'll wait much longer."
"It's okay, let's do it," Marco says and turns to his brothers. "Showtime."
I give them all a smile.
"Ready?" Marco asks me.
I lock arms with him. "Let's go."
As we walk away, I feel their eyes boring into my back. Marco leans in close, his breath hot against my ear. "Don't worry about them. They're here to help when needed."
We turn a corner, and I force a smile as camera flashes light up the room. "Alright, baby, here we go. Remember, I've got you, Firefly. I'll do all the talking."
Marco moves to grab my hand and squeezes it tightly as we walk toward the podium. The flash of the cameras is nearly blinding. The room feels electric. As we stand there, everything feels surreal, like I'm watching myself from somewhere else.
As he releases my hand, I straighten up, plastering on my most convincing smile as Marco takes his position behind the podium. His presence commands attention, and the room falls silent. I stand slightly behind him, angled just so—perfect for the cameras, exactly as we practiced.
"Good morning," Marco's voice fills the room, strong and confident. "Thank you all for being here today."
My heart pounds so hard I worry the microphones might pick it up. I focus on keeping my expression warm, engaged, supportive—everything a loving fiancée should be. I notice a few reporters pointing at the ring on my finger; they're watching my every move.
"I stand before you today not just as a proud Chicagoan, but as a man with a vision for our great state of Illinois."
The crowd hushes, hanging on his every word. I watch him, marveling at how effortlessly he commands the room.
"For too long, our state has been plagued by corruption and mismanagement. It's time for a change. That's why I, Marco Bonventi, am announcing my candidacy for the Illinois state Senate."
The room erupts in controlled chaos—cameras clicking, reporters shifting, pens scratching against notepads. I catch sight of Enzo in my peripheral vision, his piercing blue eyes fixed on us. On me.
Marco raises his hand, silencing the crowd. "But I'm not just here to announce my candidacy. I'm here to share some personal news as well, especially now that we've all read that piece in the Tribune." He turns to me, his eyes locking with mine. "I'd like to introduce you all to my fiancée, Alina Carter."
He extends his hand, and I step forward, my legs feeling like jelly. The spotlight shifts, and suddenly all eyes are on me. I force a smile, hoping it looks natural. Marco must sense my nerves and strokes my knuckles with his thumb.
"Alina isn't just the love of my life," Marco continues, his arm wrapping around my waist. "She's also the brilliant mind who will be managing my campaign. With her by my side, I know we can't lose."
I watch several reporters' eyebrows shoot up.
Questions explode from the crowd:
"Ms. Carter, what about the concerns about conflict of interest?"
"Mr. Bonventi, when's the wedding?"
