Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 281

Chapter 281: Chapter 65 Wedding Day Reckoning

Gemma’s POV

After Dominic left, I remained in bed, contemplating my next move. Perhaps forgiving him at Ivy and Caleb’s wedding would be the perfect symbolic gesture to restart our relationship with the Thorne family’s blessing.

The sudden beep of my phone interrupted my thoughts. I reached for it on the nightstand, unprepared for what awaited me. An unknown number had sent a photo that felt like a dagger to my heart—Dominic with his arms wrapped around Elza, wearing the exact same clothes he’d had on when leaving my house earlier. The background revealed they were at the Social Union parking lot, one of the family’s underground gambling establishments. Today. Right after seeing me.

Rage bubbled up inside me. That lying, cheating Capo! After everything we’d been through, after all his blood oaths and declarations of protection, he’d gone straight to that mafia princess. I was done shedding tears over him. Instead of crying, I made myself some tea, returned to bed, and somehow managed to fall asleep despite the storm of emotions inside me.

The next morning, I woke with determination. I got ready quickly, packed my things, called a taxi, and headed straight to Ivy’s house under the protection of Thorne family security. My first act of independence was turning off my phone completely.

It didn’t take long before Zoe’s phone started ringing.

"What do you want, man-whore?" she answered bluntly. Dominic was calling, predictably. "Yeah, she’s here. What did you do this time?" She paused, listening. "Oh, you don’t know? Well, then keep not knowing. But listen carefully, today is Ivy and Caleb’s wedding, so behave yourself. When Gemma wants to talk to you, she will." She hung up and turned to me. "Spill it, Gemma."

"There’s nothing to spill, Zo. Let’s focus on Ivy’s wedding," I forced a smile that felt like it might crack my face.

Ivy stepped in, her authority as the Don’s wife evident in her tone. "Is this how you consider us your family? I already feel terrible that you’ve gone through so much alone in this dangerous world. Are you going to keep shutting us out?"

"Oh, Ivy..." Her words broke through my defenses.

I ended up telling them everything—how I’d been ready to forgive Dominic until that damning photo arrived in my messages. I showed them the evidence on my phone.

Nora studied it carefully. "Don’t you think you might be jumping to conclusions just like Dominic did with that setup his father orchestrated?"

"But the photo is right here, Nora," I argued. "There’s nothing to doubt."

"But he also had a photo of you with his father that wasn’t what it seemed," Lila pointed out gently. "These family betrayals run deep."

Ivy leaned forward, her experience with mafia politics evident. "Gemma, in my experience dealing with rival families and traitors, that trio of snakes lies, deceives, invents, and does anything to grab what’s ours. I recommend you investigate before making any decisions."

"I just think the girls are right," Ruby added, "but you need to stay alert with that snake Elza hovering around your Capo."

Zoe, always practical with her intelligence network, offered a solution. "Gemma, here’s what we’ll do. I’ll ask the Social Union manager for the security footage right now. After the wedding, we’ll sort this out. But think about it and don’t rush. Dominic’s a ruthless killer, but the way he’s been about you, I don’t believe he’d fall into temptation."

I nodded reluctantly. "Alright, you’re right. But now, let’s focus on what’s important today..."

The rest of breakfast passed peacefully under the watchful eyes of Thorne family guards. We headed to the wedding venue, a fortified estate that could host a proper mafia celebration. Watching Ivy’s excitement was beautiful. We helped each other with makeup and hair, laughing and enjoying the special day.

My dress was stunning—bright orange with lightweight fabric and a flowing skirt that featured a daring V-neckline, delicate straps, and a thigh-high slit. I paired it with elegant black strappy sandals that completed the look perfectly. The hidden security detail blended seamlessly into the background.

When we finally emerged into the garden, the men were already lined up waiting for us, looking imposing in their tailored suits that concealed their weapons. Zoe immediately slipped into her organizational mode, directing everyone into position with military precision.

"Little June, come here," Zoe called to Lila.

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