"Wear a pretty smile for the camera, mi querida," Luca whispered into my ears, but my heart raced too fast to hear him. "We don't want people thinking that we aren't a happy couple in love with each other. ¿Entendido?"
We were standing at the entrance to the largest hall I had ever seen, and my anxiety had hit the roof. I managed to force a smile, hoping I didn't look constipated.
I stared at him, taking a moment to understand the meaning of the last word before nodding, "Got it."
The group of paparazzi who had swarmed us while we were walking inside had left me feeling nauseous, especially when they had all pointed their camera at me to find out more about my marriage with Luca.
Nine p.m. on the dot, we made our entrance into the venue of the mafia ball, arm in arm. From the sudden shift in the atmosphere of the room, I could tell it was a grand entrance.
My jaws slacked at the grandeur and luxury that reeked off the place.
My stomach did a double flip at the stares that suddenly landed on us as we stepped in. All eyes seemed to turn in our direction. I felt my anxiety cause my stomach to rumble.
Plastering the fake smile on my face, I kept my eyes focused on no one in particular.
Taking note of the attires of most of the guests, I was grateful for the black velvet dress Luca had gotten for me to wear. At first, I had thought it to be over the top, but now, I blended in just fine.
The eyes of the guests remained glued on us, and they parted for us to walk through until we got to a table set for Luca. He seemed to be a very powerful personality. I caught sight of glares from some ladies, making my brows scrunch in confusion. They looked at me like I had stolen something from them.
I ignored their glares, staring straight ahead.
We took our seats beside a guy who looked the around the same age with Luca. He was as smartly dressed as Luca and looked attractive. Compared to Luca, though, there wasn't much of a comparison. Luca was just a totally different specimen.
"Buenas noches," he greeted. Everyone I had come across since my entrance into Luca's world had a thick Spanish accent even in their fluent English. "You look ravishing, I must say." He stated and turned to Luca with a boyish smirk, talking to him in Spanish.
His compliment warmed my heart, probably because I had felt a tinge of disappointment when Luca had barely given me a second glance. He had probably seen better. I rolled my eyes. Why were my train of thoughts going in that direction?
'Don't forget he's a criminal, Rose,' I chided myself.
"Won't you introduce your bride to me, don?" He asked with a hint of playfulness in his voice.
Luca's eyes were cold as he shot a brief glare in the man's direction, not saying a word.
He turned to me, wearing a formal smile suddenly. "I'm Diego, senorita, Luca's best friend and underboss."
I offered him a warm smile. "It's nice to meet you, Diego," I responded. "I'm Ro-Marta!"
I mentally slapped myself, sneaking a glance at Luca. How did I almost blow my cover? He stared straight ahead, barely paying me any attention and I silently let out a sigh of relief.
Diego made me feel comfortable in the hall where I felt completely out of place, welcoming me to the family. As he spoke, I observed that he was reserved about some things about the marriage arrangements which he was aware of, making me wonder why.
"Don't leave here," Luca stated suddenly, rising to his feet along with Diego. "Don't speak to anyone."
My heart skipped a beat. Where were they going?
"But-"
"We have business, senorita," Diego butted in with a small smirk. "Don't worry. We'll be back soon. Make yourself comfortable. Besides, Hugo will watch over you."
I gulped, nodding slightly. My anxiety returned as I watched their backs disappear into the crowd. Turning to Hugo, I slowly turned away. He seemed to have a permanent frown on his face as he stared straight ahead.
My stomach suddenly rumbled at the aroma of the food that the waiters began to arrange on the table. I hadn't had anything to eat that day.
Once the meals were set, I dug in, relishing the rich, flavorful chicken. I had barely eaten much when a cold sensation running from my shoulders down my dress caused me to shriek and jump to my feet.
I turned around sharply to see a beautiful lady dressed in a very short dress staring at me with innocent eyes.
"Oh my. I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there."
I struggled to understand how she looked innocent yet had an edge of condescendence in her voice.
I nodded, wiping my wine covered dress. My cheeks flamed in embarrassment at the attention that had suddenly turned to me.
"It's fine," I mumbled, wanting to just escaped from the sight of everyone.
As I turned to leave, I caught sight of her foot stretched out and swiftly walked over it, stepping on it with my heels unintentionally to avoid tripping. I suddenly caught whiff of what was going on. She was intentionally trying to embarrass me.
I turned to her sharply. She was red in the face, glaring at me. "How dare you, you whore?!" She exclaimed, limping. "You will pay for trying to break my foot!"
With that, she lunched at me, but I swiftly moved out of her way, not understanding her motives.
"Look do you have a problem with me, miss?" I questioned, getting perplexed.
She walked over to me and circled me like a predator and whispered to my hearing alone, "Don't think yourself to be special just because Luca got married to you, Mrs. You just signed up to die."
My heart skipped a beat as I turned to her. What did she mean? Was this about Luca?
"Excuse me?" I gasped, getting riled up by the whole secrets that surrounded this marriage.
She cupped my cheeks, squeezing it but I shoved her away, heading to look for the bathroom but she continued following me.
She laughed sarcastically. "I should probably introduce myself. I'm Rosa, Luca's cousin and his true love."
I paused and raised in brow in astonishment. "What?" That sounded very funny and twisted.
I turned to Hugo, expecting him to do something but to my surprise, he just stared straight ahead, standing beside me. Was this lady really Luca's cousin?
"Yes, dear. He was supposed to get married to me but you he knew that getting married to me would mean that I could get killed so he just needed a pawn and you stepped into the game at the right time," she whispered into my ears, causing my eyes to widen slightly. "Besides, when he finally becomes the head of the clan and you're dead, I'll return and be his wife. So, I have only one request for you."
I turned to her, breathing hard.
"Just don't get too comfortably on MY seat. Okay?" She stated. "Adios!"
I felt my knees wobble slightly at this new piece of information. What?