Forced To Be The Mafia King's Bride (by Oma Green) novel Chapter 178

Gianna's POV

We stepped into the house and I understood immediately why Dante had warned me. Everything was gold. The fixtures, the damn doorframes, even the frames on the wall all had a gold undertone. This was what happened when someone watched too many movies about kings and decided to make it their entire personality.

Guards stood at every corner holding rifles like they were guarding a president.

Cesare spread his arms wide. "Welcome to my kingdom."

Dante muttered something under his breath that sounded like a curse.

Cesare turned to me then, his entire face lighting up like I was the most fascinating thing he had seen all week. "And you, bella, what do you think? Impressive, no?"

He swept his hand around like he was presenting a prize on a game show. "This is just the entrance. Wait until you see the rest."

I opened my mouth to respond, but he was already turning back to Dante.

"Of course, for you, nephew, none of this is new. But it's been years since you've visited. I've made changes. The east wing, completely renovated. The courtyard, new marble imported from Carrara. It cost me half a million, but you can't put a price on beauty, can you?"

"You just did," Dante replied flatly.

Cesare laughed like that was the funniest thing he had heard. "Always so serious, this one. Gianna, tell me, does he smile at home? Or is he like this all the time?"

I forced a smile, trying to keep up with the energy he was throwing around. "He smiles, sometimes."

"Sometimes!" Cesare clapped his hands together. "Well, that's something. We'll work on that while you're here. A honeymoon should be full of smiles, no?"

I smiled. "You're absolutely right, Mr. Deluca."

Cesare was about to respond when Dante placed a hand on his uncle's shoulder, cutting him off mid gesture. "Uncle. Where's your lovely wife?"

I knew exactly what he was doing. Shutting him up.

Cesare paused, then his face shifted into something almost theatrical. "Ah. That's true. Vera. She's been preparing for you since this morning. Fussing over every little detail. You know how she is. Everything has to be perfect."

Dante's brows drew together. "How long have you known we were coming to Nice?"

Cesare grinned, wide and shameless. "Since your first phone call with Elio."

Dante shook his head, more disappointed at himself. "Should've known better."

Cesare chuckled. "Yes, but that's why I remain unbeatable in this family."

"Don't go overly hyping yourself, Uncle. It's just this one time."

"Ah, we'll see," Cesare teased before he turned around and started walking deeper into the house. "Come, come. She'll want to see you."

It was clear he wasn't asking.

I followed, taking in the space around us. Dante's estate was all dark wood and gray stone. This was the opposite, loud and shiny all through, like someone had taken wealth and decided to scream it at the top of their lungs.

Dante pulled me closer, his hand firm at my waist. He leaned down, his mouth near my ear. "Say no."

I glanced up at him. "To what?"

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