REBORN INTO THE WORLD OF A RUTHLESS MAFIA LORD

Gabriella's POV

Today is the happiest day of my life. I woke up with a smile and a light heart that fluttered like a baby spring. I could barely sleep last night. How could I? I would finally marry Roland–my first love, best friend and everything.

I sat up in bed and looked around. My wedding dress hung on the wardrobe door. It was white with soft lace sleeves, just as I always dreamed. I touched the fabric and imagined myself walking down the aisle while Roland waited for me at the altar with his loving smile. My heart skipped just thinking about it.

"Gabriela!" a voice called out from the hallway.

It was Rosa, my stepsister. I had to force a smile.

"In here," I answered, rolling my eyes.

She stepped in, already dressed in a pale pink gown. Her makeup was too perfect for a bridesmaid. She looked like she was going to get married instead of me, and that thought alone made me want to puke. One can never underestimate Rosa and her mother. They both have the same evil mind. She gave me a once-over and raised an eyebrow.

"You're still in your pyjamas? Aren't you supposed to be getting ready by now?" she poured.

"I was just about to. Can't a bride enjoy a moment of peace before all the wedding activities begin?" I replied sarcastically.

She rolled her eyes. "Don't take forever. The driver's waiting downstairs." Rosa was supposed to be the one to dress me up for my big day as my only sister, but I don't trust her one bit. That's why I arranged for a friend of mine, a make-up artist, to come down instead. I can't risk Rosa and her mother ruining my wedding dress.

As she turned to leave, I caught her smirking awkwardly. Something in her tone wasn't how it was supposed to be, but I brushed it off. It was my wedding day, and nothing could ruin it. I was finally leaving this house to be with my love; they can shove it down their throats for all I care.

Downstairs, my stepmother, Clarissa, sat on the couch with a cup of tea, flipping through a magazine like today was any other day. She gazed at me and gave a tight smile.

"Well, you don't look excited," she spat. I guess she caught the horrible look I gave her while descending the stairs, and watching her sit like I wasn't getting married today.

"I am. I'm marrying Roland today," I replied politely. Though I don't feel well suddenly, just being in her presence. This always happens because she doesn't quite like me; she made it obvious.

"Don't forget where you came from, Gabriela. Beauty fades, a marriage is more than just a pretty dress and a handsome man."

What was that? Marriage advice from a mother, or what? It didn't feel very good coming from her. "You're not happy I'm getting married. You have never been happy about anything, so drop the act and at least get dressed and pretend like always." Of course, I didn't say that out loud. It's only a thought that flashed through my mind.

I didn't reply to that, what's the point. Clarissa never accepted me. Ever since my father passed away, she has treated me like an outsider in my own home. Rosa was always her favourite, the golden child. But I never let it get to me. I had something they could never take away, "love". Real love.

She called me back as I was about to exit the living room, holding her phone in one hand and almost frowning. "Gabriela, your driver has been changed," she stated.

"They didn't give a reason, just said there was a last-minute switch."

I turned, my eyes narrowing. "What do you mean 'no reason'? That doesn't make any sense. This is my wedding, and everything was planned weeks ago. Why the last-minute change?" I personally picked Dale from the agency to drive me. He was the only one I could trust with my life on a day like this, knowing the kind of elvish people I live with.

Clarissa sighed. "I know, but these things happen. Maybe it was a mix-up or something. Don't overthink it." She explained crossing her arms.

"I don't like last-minute changes, especially not today." I blurted.

I headed back upstairs, where my best friend, Lila, was waiting to help me prepare. She stared with my hair and kept talking about how perfect everything would be.

"You're glowing," she commented as she curled my hair.

"I feel like I'm dreaming," I beamed.

"Roland is going to cry when he sees you."

"We had been through so much together. Long-distance, family pressure, jealous exes, but we made it. Today is the start of our forever."

Soon, it was time to go. I stepped into my dress with shaky hands. Lila helped me zip it up, and when I turned to face the mirror, I barely recognized myself.

"I look like a princess," I whispered.

"You are a princess," Lila teased. "Now let's get you to your prince."

We stepped outside where the vintage car was waiting. I climbed into the back seat. "Oh! I forgot my bags," Lila announced. "I'll ride with your Mom, Gabriella. Go ahead, so you don't keep Roland waiting," she suggested, and I nodded, although I felt strange.

The driver nodded at me. "Ready, miss?"

I nodded affirmatively and rested my hands on my lap.

The car pulled away from the house, and I leaned back and smiled as we drove down the long road to the church. But halfway to the church, something felt wrong. The car started speeding way too fast.

"Excuse me?" I called the driver. "Is everything okay?"

But he didn't answer.

"Can you slow down, please?" I asked again, but still, he didn't respond.

Panic bubbled up in my chest. The trees flew past us, and the world blurred. I reached for my phone, but there was no signal. I looked up after picking up my phone, which had fallen earlier, and then I saw a truck come out of nowhere.

BANG!!!

Then there was a deafening crash, metal crunched, glass shattered, and pain exploded in my chest before everything went black.

I opened my eyes immediately and noticed I was floating in nowhere. My body felt heavy, but my mind was awake. I could hear faint voices, sirens and screams. But it was like they were far away.

I thought of Roland and his smile, the soft kisses, our dreams and the life we were supposed to have.

I wasn't ready to go. I can't die now, I have so much to live for.

As the light faded, I whispered a wish into the emptiness.

"Please... give me another chance. Let me live again. Somewhere... somehow..."