The Mafia Dons Pet (Masha and Luciano) novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28: The Wedding.

*Masha*

I’d stared at the mirror long enough, and I’d had enough.

I didn’t want to see that sad image that was waiting for me.

That girl wasn’t me. She was a doll, dressed up in white satin and pearls, forced to be a part of someone else’s world.

My mother sighed, her hands trembling slightly as she fussed with my veil. “This isn’t just about you,” she said, a hint of frustration in her tone.

“Think of the guests. Think of Jimson. Think of me.”

But how could I? The guests didn’t know what was going on? They were just here to eat, drink and suck up to Luciano.

Jimson only cared about what he wanted. And my mom… I had no bloody idea.

It stung, but I stayed quiet. What was there to say? She didn’t want answers, no one did. They all just wanted my obedience.

Do as you’re told, Masha. Don’t complain, Masha. You should be grateful, Masha.

It was all too much for me, and I could feel the beginnings of

panic clawing at my throat.

The veil came down over my face, blurring the room. My mother placed the pale roses of the bouquet in my hands, her fingers cold against mine.

“There,” she said, as if that single act made everything perfect.

I took a deep breath. This wasn’t over, I won’t stop fighting them. If they wanted a mafia princess, I’d give them one.

My palms were clammy, but I tightened my grip on the bouquet, the stems pressing into my fingers.

I had to find a way to gather strength, because no one else was coming to save me. I was all I had.

Two men pulled the door open, signaling that it was time. Time for my death sentence.

I stepped out of the room, my mom trailing behind me, but it felt like I was alone.

The moment I stepped into the hall, everyone stood up, turning to face me.

I kept my head low, my eyes fixed on the bouquet in my hands, as I walked down the red carpet. There were whispers all

around me, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying.

Don’t look at them, I told myself. I knew looking at the people gathered would only make things worse. Their smiling faces,

Chapter 28. The Wedding.

staring back at me, expecting to see a smile on my lips.

I didn’t dare glance up, didn’t dare meet the eyes that burned into me from all sides. I especially didn’t want to see him. Luciano.

I didn’t want to see the victorious look in his eyes that he’d finally gotten me to do as he said. To watch him rub it in that there was nothing I could do.

The thought of his smirk was enough to make my jaw clench.

He could strip away everything I had, every ounce of freedom, but not my pride. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

But even as I thought that, even as I tried to lift up my chin, I could feel the tears starting to fall. And before I knew it, I was crying as I walked down the aisle.

The music swelled, drowning out the voices of the crowd, but my sobs were even louder.

My chest heaved as I tried to steady my breath, but I couldn’t hold it back. I clenched the bouquet tighter, willing myself to stop shaking, but my hands trembled like leaves in the wind.

I didn’t want to do this. I didn’t want to be here.

My mom leaned in slightly. “Take this.” A small pill appeared in her palm, her fingers pressing it into mine. “You can do this, Masha,” she said, her tone almost pleading.

I can’t Mama. Don’t make me do this!

I recognized the pill immediately. She knew how much this distressed me, yet she was only going to stand aside while the Vincenzoni men carted me off.

My fingers curled around the pill, gripping it like a lifeline, but then a thought struck me.

What if I didn’t take it? What if I let this panic take over? An anxiety attack could be my escape, my last desperate chance to stop this nightmare.

I opened my palm, allowing the pill to roll freely, landing softly on the plush, red carpet beneath me.

And then a pair of black leather shoes appeared, Glade wrapped his hand around mine, pulling me forward gently. He didn’t say a word, just turned us both to face the priest.

My vision was blurry. It was only then that I wished I’d taken the pill. I was spiraling, barely seeing anyone, barely focusing on what the priest was saying.

“Dearly beloved, we’re gathered here today to celebrate the holy union between Luciano Vincenzoni and Masha Gambino.”

I twisted my fingers tightly, waiting for the panic attack that would rescue me from this horrid affair. The words didn’t reach me. They floated somewhere above my head.

I could feel my hands begin to shake. Good. I needed to act

fast.

I felt a gentle hand on my chin, lifting my head up, bringing me out of my thoughts. I blinked, the world snapping into focus.

And then I saw him.

My heart caught in my throat, wondering if the Xanax pills had pushed me into some sort of trance and I was seeing things.

OH MY GOD.

It wasn’t Glade standing beside me. It never had been.

My breath hitched, and I took an involuntary step back. Luciano‘ s dark eyes locked onto mine, his expression unreadable.

Luciano opened his mouth, and said, “”I, Luciano Vincenzoni, take thee, Masha Gambino, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward…”

Holy shit.

Nothing about this made sense. I didn’t understand what game he was playing or why he looked at me as if this was normal.

What exactly was going on?

Breathe, Masha.

I blinked, trying to understand everything around me.

I thought… no. I have no idea what I thought was going to

happen and what was actually happening. I wasn’t sure what was worse. Being forced to marry Glade, or marrying Luciano.

“…for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

“Masha, repeat after me,” the priest instructs.

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