Chapter 5 A Christmas Wedding

Christmas Morning

8:00am

Alicia

It was Christmas morning and Alicia was finally up from her deep slumber. The Christmas light flickered in her eyes and the tiny jingling sound from the bells rang in her ears. She rubbed her eyes and embraced the brightness of the luxurious bedroom. Beside her was Liam who looked like he didn't have any sleep all throughout the night, his eyes darkened behind his lashes and Alicia furrowed her brows at him.

"You look like shit," she looked around with excitement in her eyes. "Christmas morning, huh?!"

"Happy birthday, Alicia," Liam caressed her hand passionately. "I know this isn't how you want to celebrate your birthday but I am glad you are alive."

"Thanks Liam," she replied. "Where are we?"

"Viktors humble abode. They are not that bad, thanks to them, the doctor was here to get you treated. We should show our gratitude when they come in."

"That's nice, but what about Violet? Did you call her?"

"Shit! I totally forgot. Maybe I should call her right away. I was so focused on your recovery."

"Alright," she replied and leaned on her bed.

The door suddenly flew open and they jolted in fear with their eyes widened.

"Seriously?! What the hell is happening?" Violet snapped with a thunderous tone. "When were you going to tell me? I fucking dropped you off last night and you couldn't call me to deal with that asshole? I guess Liam was right about him all these time."

"Violet, when did you get here? How is this possible?" Liam asked, looking stunned.

"Thank the big guy over there," she pointed at Butcher. "Is it just me or do they kinda look hot around here? There's this other guy named Roberto. You have to got to see him, Alicia. Damn!"

"Shut the hell up?!" Alicia chuckled. "You will never change, Violet."

"Whatever!" She rolled her eyes. "By the way, happy birthday baby girl. You don't look bad in that bed."

"Yeah! They helped me but I am yet to understand what the hell is going on. I overheard Dylan and mother talking about some company. I still don't understand what they meant."

"About that," Viktor suddenly barged in with a smile on his lips. "That is why you are here, miss Alicia."

"Damn!" Violet blinked her eyes around the cutie standing by the door. "Don't tell me I have to choose between all of you?"

"Shut it, Violet," Liam whispered with a frown and pulled her closer. "This is not the time and place for this. Behave yourself for once, it's Christmas."

"And my Christmas Miracle is right in front of me," she replied.

"Who are you people? What do you want from me? How did you know my mother? I want to know everything that's happening and I want to know now."

"Well, before your father died, he entrusted you to my family and now, my father is no more so I have to take care of his crew. Your father and mine were best friends and they kind of formed this little gang together. You see Alicia, you are the daughter of the most deadly Mafia in town and the heir to his billion dollar company."

"What?!" The trio snapped and stole glances at each other. "How is that possible?"

"My father was just a baker, I cannot believe this."

"Then believe your family lawyer," Viktor replied, he turned to Butcher and signaled at the door.

"What is happening?" Liam blinked a couple of times. "They are bluffin right?"

"Damn girl! You are fucking rich," Violet chuckled and stole a seductive look at Viktor. She has always loved them bad and manly.

"Get your eyes off him, you piece of shit," Alicia snapped.

"Give me a break, I was just checking him out."

A familiar appearance strode in and Alicia gasps, she couldn't believe her eyes. It was her family lawyer, Franklin.

"Miss Alicia, these are the papers. Your father wanted me to give you this tape too. All these are left under your care but there is one condition he has. Charlie wished to will his company to his daughters but since Alice is no longer with us, you get to inherit everything. I will get going now, just go through the recording and get back to me. You know exactly where to find me when you are ready to take up your responsibility."

The entire room was silent and Alicia watched Franklin leave without turning back.

"What the hell just happened?!" She asked but no one gave her any answer.

"I guess you have your answers now. We will give you some space to process things and go through the recording." Viktor left and the rest of them followed but Alicia stopped her best friend from exiting the room.

"I need you guys," she sighed and braced herself.

"Are you ready?" Violet asked and took the chip, she inserted it in the large TV and Charlie's face appeared on the screen.

Alicia wailed and streamed down tears as she saw her father's face, they all listened to the recording and soon, their eyes widened. After watching the clips, she read through the documents and flickered her eyes at her friends.

"I fucking have to get married to inherit all these? What the heck?! No wonder that monster proposed... but who the hell is going to marry me?"

The ladies smirked at Liam mischievously. He took a step back and growled at their audacity.

"C'mon Liam, you have to help me here. Just a year and you won't have to do this again. I know you want to see me happy and this is it."

"Don't give me that bullshit," Liam snapped, all these years he loved her and now, she wants him but not because she loves him. This is not the way he pictured his love story. He can't possibly be a contract husband to the woman he loves.

Does she even know his feelings for her?

Violet watched the two going back and forth and sighed deeply. "Please, just this once Liam," she pleaded. "This is the only way she can live freely."

Liam fell to the bed and leaned his head against it.

"I need some space," he sighed deeply and shut his eyes.

Why does he have to be a contract husband? What stops Alicia from accepting his love for her? He fucking loves everything about her.

*****

10: 00am

The snowflakes fell onto the surroundings, casting a magical spell on the elegant venue. It was a wedding full of gangsters. Liam finally gave in and Viktor called for a priest to join them in his estate. With his influence, he had a judge always come in for the signing. The atmosphere buzzed and the gang anticipated the wedding of the season.

"Gangster wedding, huh?!" Violet chuckled beside Viktor, she had a luxurious gown on, all thanks to Viktor.

He glanced at her and curled up his lips.

Liam's dashing tuxedo sparkled and his neatly palmed hair stole the show. Violet has never seen anything like that before. He looked different from his usual self.

Alicia descended the stairs and the hall was silent, mesmerized by her beauty.

Even though she looks bruised, she still looks beautiful.

Liam locked eyes with Alicia, his gaze lost in hers. This is all he ever wanted but not like this. Even though it was just a fake marriage, he felt his heart pounding and yawning for her. She floated towards him and flashed him a warm smile.

"Thank you Liam," she whispered to his ears.

The ceremony commenced and they exchanged vows.

As they exchanged rings, the snow fell in perfect harmony on the couple.

"Wow!" Violet blinked and smiled at them. "It has been Liam all along," she chuckled. "I hope Alicia sees it."

"You may now kiss the bride," the priest announced and that left everyone in shock.

Liam rubbed the back of his head and buried his face in shame. How can he kiss her?

Alicia tendered a quick kiss on his lips and he froze with his eyes widened.

"Merry Christmas Liam," her tender voice eased his heart and he flashed her a warm smile.

"Merry Christmas Mr and Mrs Smith!" The priest declared.

"Hail the boss," Butcher shouted and the rest of the gang joined.

Now that Charlie's wish has come true, it's time for the gang to function like before. The rightful heirs of the gang have returned. With Viktor beside Alicia they would dominate other territories who wanted to eradicate them. Alicia has the resources to fuel their morale while Viktor is the master planner.

The gang danced under the twinkling lights and Viktor scoffed. Choosing this path is attracting enemies to her den. There is no way Mary would give up the fight for power that easily. Charlie's board members are Vipers, hungry for power.

This is only the beginning.