Forced To Be The Mafia King's Bride (by Oma Green) novel Chapter 196

Gianna's POV

We stepped out into the sunlight, bikinis clinging to our skin. Vera handed us fresh glasses of champagne.

"Come," she said, leading us toward the pool area.

Maria appeared beside us, gesturing toward a private cabana draped in white fabric. "Mrs. DeLuca, your area is ready."

We followed her to the lounge beds beneath the canopy. The cushions were plush, the shade cool against the heat.

I sank into one, adjusting the strings of my bikini.

I could feel eyes on us. Men by the pool, their gazes lingering. I was not used to this. From my father's house to Dante's, I had always been hidden away.

This was my first time in a bikini with so many people around.

I crossed my arms over my stomach, feeling slightly self-conscious as I forced myself to relax. This was what freedom looked like, wasn't it? Even if Vera and Estelle had just told me my life would always be a gilded cage.

At least after the honeymoon, Dante agreed I could go back to college and get my degree. That was something. A start.

Mira stretched out on the bed beside me, grinning. "This is insane. Look at this place. At those guys."

She gestured toward the pool where a group of men swam, their bodies bronzed and sculpted. "I've never been anywhere like this."

Vera laughed, adjusting her sunglasses. "I'm glad you both love it. Now have fun. The men are doing their thing. Let's make memories."

I nodded, sipping my champagne. "You're right."

Estelle appeared across the pool, waving at Vera.

Vera stood, setting down her glass. "Apologies, ladies. I need to go chat with Estelle for a bit. If you need anything, just send Maria for me."

"We'll be fine," I said, waving.

Vera walked off, leaving Mira and me alone.

Mira turned to me, her eyes sparkling. "Okay, but seriously. There are so many hot guys here. Like, ridiculously hot."

I laughed. "I noticed."

She sat up, pulling her hair into a messy bun. "I'm going for a swim. You coming?"

I hesitated. "I can't swim."

Mira's eyes widened. "Wait, what? You can't swim?"

I shook my head. "Never learned."

"How is that even possible?"

I shrugged. "Between my father's cage and now being Dante's wife, I never really got the chance."

Mira's expression softened. "Oh. I'm sorry, Gianna. I didn't mean..."

"It's fine," I said, waving her off. "Go ahead. I'll just watch."

She tilted her head. "You sure?"

"Yeah. Go have fun."

Mira grinned, standing. But before she could walk away, I stopped her.

"Wait. What about Bruno?"

Her smile faltered. She looked away, fiddling with the edge of her bikini. "What about him?"

"Have you two talked? Resolved things?"

She shook her head. "No. We haven't spoken. And honestly, I don't care anymore. I'm ready to move on."

I frowned. "Mira..."

"Look at all these guys, Gianna." She gestured toward the pool. "Why should I waste my time on someone who doesn't appreciate me?"

"Because you love him."

She scowled at me. "Love isn't enough if he doesn't fight for me."

I sighed. "I really think you guys should talk. Work it out."

"Maybe." She shrugged. "But not today. Today, I'm having fun."

Before I could respond, a man approached. Tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair slicked back.

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