Chapter 5 Meeting DeLuca's, My Soon-to-Be In-Laws

_DAISY <3

The woman leads me through the door, closing it softly behind me. I walked in, to see the woman from yesterday-my mother-in-law.

Maya told me things about the Mafia, about their family and lineage, but they had all been just concepts to me until yesterday.

"Oh! Welcome, darling. Come here." my mother-in-law said, motioning me to come closer, her tone laced with excitement and her aura radiating positivity that put me slightly at ease.

I bow in respect, making her quickly reach both her hands out. I flinched a little, closing my eyes, but she just pats my arm, making me stand upright again.

She either ignored or does not see my embarrassing behavior as I stare at her.

"No, darling. You are family now; you don't have to do that, do you understand?" I nod quickly.

"How are you, dear?" she asks me while I take a minute to take in how kind she's been.

Does she treat everyone this nicely?

"I...I'm okay." I told her, my voice scratchy from not speaking for a while.

She nods, looking at me curiously before shaking her head.

"Darling, I was aware you were busy, but I wanted you to be here before the guests arrived. I want you to be prepared for tonight." she exhales.

"I will not say the family is easy. Quite the contrary actually, but don't you worry; Lorenzo will be with you at all times. I will make sure of it." She gives me a reassuring smile.

She goes on talking about different people and how I should respond when someone asks me or tells me something.

She spoke for a long time, and I was grateful she was giving me this much-needed information.

"Am I boring you, darling? I am sorry; I wished someone had told me all this when I was betrothed to your father-in-law." she says with a dazzling smile.

I cannot help but smile back, making my face muscles twitch at the foreign gesture. How long has it been since I smiled this big?

"Oh! What a beautiful smile you have, darling. You should smile more often!" she beams, making me look down at my hands, embarrassed.

"I am so glad you picked this dress, darling. It was my personal favorite. I just wanted to give you all the options. You look beautiful, dear." she compliments, and again I smile at her.

Say something, Daisy. She probably thinks you are weird.

"I...uhm... I love this color, though I cannot wear it at home." I tell her, cleaning my sweaty hands on the sides of the gown.

"Oh, and why's that, darling?" she asks as I absentmindedly play with my fingers.

"Father has warned me before. He said only a slut would wear such a bold color, unless married."

I blurt it out, but my eyes widen, and I snap my head up to look at my mother-in-law.

"-I am so sorry! I did not mean to say these words to you or disrespect you in any way-" I rush out quickly, to which she reassures me, dismissing my worry.

"Oh, no, darling, that's okay. I am glad you can wear a color you enjoy now." she said, making me nod, and my breathing eases a little.

The door suddenly opens, and a girl enters wearing a dark red gown with black heels. I quickly avert my eyes, not wanting to make it seem like I am staring.

"Oh, darling, this is Isadora, my youngest." she introduces as the girl approaches us.

I look back up at her, standing to greet her as she grins at me with a short wave.

"Hello, sister-in-law. You are definitely too beautiful for the ape that is my brother." she says playfully, making me almost let out a giggle.

She's nice.

"Hello, it is nice to meet you, Isadora." I say, smiling. She puts a hand to her heart, acting like she's about to faint.

"She has a beautiful smile!" she giggles, making her mother laugh.

"Hey sis, stop making our sister-in-law flush." I hear a heavy voice behind her, making me look behind Isadora while my face heats up at the comment.

"And this is Matteo, Isadora's twin." my mother-in-law informs, while she types something on her phone, smiling.

"It is a pleasure to meet you." he pauses, perhaps waiting for my name.

"Daisy. Daisy Blackwood." I tell him as he grabs the back of my hand, kissing it and making me feel hot all over.

This is the most attention I have gotten all my life. These people are treating me like I am the most important person in the room.

"Where is Lorenzo? I have been waiting for him for a while now." their mother asks as they both settle on the couches, and I do the same.

"Who cares? So, Daisy, how old are you, and how set are you on marrying my brother? Because you know, I am open too." Matteo raises his eyebrows at me, making me shake my head, smiling.

This is nice.

"Careful, Matteo. You wouldn't want to lose your head now, would you?" a deep voice says, making me freeze up.

It is him. The man from father's house yesterday. I recognized his voice.

Does he remember what I said to him? I gulp, not finding the courage to look at him at all.

What should I do?