Forced To Be The Mafia King's Bride (by Oma Green) novel Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Running Away

Gianna’s POV

I glanced at Alfonso, sitting quietly in the corner, nursing his drink. He hadn’t said a word.

“You’ve been awfully quiet, Alfonso,” I said. “No stories to share? No girlfriend either?”

Mira’s grin turned mischievous. “Oh, Al here’s in love with the daughter of one of the Deluca family’s enemies, a real forbidden romance.”

My brows lifted. “Wow. That must be tough.”

Alfonso’s jaw clenched slightly. “It’s fucked up,” he muttered, voice low. “But what can I say? You don’t choose who you love.”

Franco snorted. “I don’t agree. Attraction’s a thing that happens to you, sure, but love, that’s a choice. It’s something you decide to do.”

Alfonso bristled, heat rising in his face. “What do you know about true love?” he snapped. “I didn’t choose this. It just happened.” He took a long, hard swallow of his drink and stared into the glass.

I couldn’t help myself. “So tell me, how did it start?” I asked, curious. “Sounds like a proper story.”

He exhaled, his voice rougher as he began. “I went undercover. A few years back, I was posted as a guard at a rival family’s estate to get intel. Her name was Lucinda, the boss’s daughter. I was supposed to walk away when the job ended. Instead, I…” He broke off, raw and honest. “I fell for her.”

Something in him looked younger, fragile. I reached out and squeezed his hand. “Don’t give up,” I said softly. He flinched, then let a small, stunned smile cross his face.

“I honestly believe there might be hope,” I added, and gave his fingers a gentle squeeze. He blinked, nodded. “ Thanks, Gianna.”

I let go and a younger guard, Leo, maybe twenty, bounced up, slapping the table. “No more sad stories!” he cheered.

He laughed. “Oh, I can do both,” he grinned. “They say alcohol sharpens the senses.”

Franco thumped him on the head. “Don’t get too wasted, idiot, you’re the only one on duty tonight.”

An hour later the room was softer: some of the men dozed in chairs, plates pushed aside; others staggered off humming crude songs.

A few of them clapped me on the shoulder and told me to enjoy the company. When they started filing out, they all said the same thing, “Goodnight, Lady Gianna,” as if I were the guest of honor.

“I’ll stay with Mira and clean up,” I offered, gathering a few empty glasses,

“Lady Gianna, leave it,” one of them said quickly. “We’ll handle it. Don mustn’t hear you cleaned up after us.”

“Oh, please,” I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “He’ll hear nothing from me. Besides, Mira and I have plenty of girl talk to catch

up on.”

That seemed to ease them. One of them chuckled, nodding understanding. “Ah, girl talk,” he said knowingly.” Say no more.”

They thanked me and stumbled toward their quarters, humming half–remembered tunes as they disappeared down the hall with the women who had lingered behind.

After a while, Mira slipped back in, her expression suddenly excited. “It’s time,” she whispered.

(6

1/3

Punning Avt

+25 Bonus

“Like… now?” I asked, keeping my voice low.

“Yes, now.” Her eyes darted toward the hallway.

I rose quickly, straightening my dress. We moved together through the dim corridor until we reached the end of the hall.

Mira turned to me, a playful smile spreading across her face. “Goodnight, Gianna. Get some rest.”

I pulled her into a quick hug before letting go, keeping her hand in mine for a moment. “Thank you for everything, really,” I said softly, meaning every word.

Mira’s smile warmed. “I should be thanking you. You’re the lady of the house, yet you’re so humble.” She gave my hand a squeeze and stepped back. “I’ve got to go.

“}

“Have fun,” I murmured, watching as she disappeared around the corner.

I pretended to head up the stairs, waited a few seconds until I was sure Mira had gone a few metres, then turned and slipped back down the hall.

My heart raced faster with every step. I moved carefully, my bare feet barely making a sound as I tiptoed through the dim corridor, following the path Mira had taken.

At one point I glanced over my shoulder, half expecting a guard to jump out and demand where I was going, but the hallway stayed empty. Most of them had drunk themselves senseless, a few were already snoring in the lounge.

“You’ve got nothing to worry about, Gianna,” I muttered to myself. “Just keep moving.”

It didn’t stop the fear crawling up my spine, but it gave me enough strength to push on.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify