Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 183

Chapter 183: Chapter 183 Legacy and Lace

Ivy’s POV

Friday disappeared in a whirlwind of pre-wedding chaos orchestrated by the Thorne family’s security protocols. Zoe kept teasing me about having an unfair advantage since I’d spent the night in Caleb’s heavily fortified penthouse, claiming I was glowing while she looked exhausted from coordinating with the family’s event planners. After our morning session with Father Basil, who specialized in conducting ceremonies for families like ours, Caleb and I separated according to tradition. The women escorted me to the main estate for final preparations while the men disappeared with Caleb for their own mysterious rituals involving the family’s inner circle. By evening, I collapsed into the master suite completely drained from the intensity of mafia wedding preparations.

My wedding day arrived with Zoe bursting through the reinforced bedroom door at dawn, carrying a silver tray laden with my favorite breakfast foods. Armed guards had already swept the perimeter multiple times before sunrise. The room quickly filled with excited chatter as my friends, my mother, Carmen, and Heidi gathered around the antique table. We were getting ready at the Thorne family compound, a sprawling estate that would soon become my fortress and sanctuary in this dangerous world.

The drive through the estate’s iron gates felt surreal. Everything looked the same yet completely different, knowing this fortress would protect my family now. Zoe had transformed the estate’s library into a professional salon overnight, complete with mirrors bordered by Hollywood-style lights and enough electrical outlets to power a small military operation. Soon the beauty team arrived, their equipment cases checked by security before being rolled inside like they were preparing for a high-profile assassination target’s transformation.

The preparation ritual began immediately. Hair dryers hummed while expert hands worked through my hair, creating an elegant updo that somehow managed to look effortlessly regal. Servers appeared periodically with champagne flutes and delicate finger foods, maintaining our energy through the hours of primping. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the stylists worked their magic, their infectious enthusiasm making even the longest procedures feel like a celebration worthy of a mafia queen.

When the final touches were complete, I stood before the full-length mirror hardly recognizing myself. The only thing left was the dress. My mother and friends formed a careful circle around me, lifting the ivory silk creation over my head with reverent precision. Each button, each fold of fabric fell into place like armor designed specifically for my ascension to power.

Once I was fully dressed, everyone quietly filed out except my mother. She stood behind me in the mirror, her hands resting gently on my shoulders, tears already streaming down her cheeks despite her earlier promises not to cry.

"My darling girl, you look absolutely magnificent," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion and pride.

"Mom, please don’t start crying or I’ll lose it completely," I pleaded, though my own eyes were already welling up as I turned to embrace her.

"Ivy, I know you’re going to find incredible happiness, but remember that marriage in this world requires more than just wisdom. You need to learn when to stand beside him in battle and when to let him lead, which enemies deserve your personal attention and which ones you should let him eliminate. It’s no longer just about what you want, but what your family requires to survive. Do you understand what I’m telling you?"

"I understand completely, Mom. I love you more than words can express. Thank you for standing by me, especially when things became deadly."

"Sweetheart, I will always be in your corner because my love for you is unwavering and infinite, a bond that nothing in this violent world could ever break." Her words broke down my last defenses and I sobbed openly, grateful for waterproof mascara.

A gentle knock interrupted our moment. We called out permission to enter, and my father stepped through the doorway. His face lit up with pure joy, though his eyes immediately filled with tears he tried unsuccessfully to blink away.

"Ivy, my beautiful daughter, you look absolutely stunning," he managed, dabbing at his eyes with his handkerchief. "Seeing you this happy, watching you build a life with such a powerful man and join a family that commands respect throughout the underworld, fills me with overwhelming pride and gratitude for the privilege of being your father."

"Dad, you’re going to make me cry all over again," I laughed through my tears as I fell into his arms. The embrace lasted only moments but felt like capturing eternity. This feeling would live in my heart always, even through the blood and violence ahead.

"Ivy," my father said as he released me, "your mother and I wanted to give you something special." I noticed he was holding two small velvet jewelry boxes. "We hope you’ll treasure them." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

The first box revealed exquisite pearl drop earrings. Each pearl hung gracefully from a gold hoop embedded with three perfectly cut diamonds. They were elegant and timeless, exactly befitting a mafia queen’s style.

"Dad, Mom, they’re absolutely gorgeous! Will you help me put them on?"

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify