Chapter 4 Wedding Day

Elena's Pov

After the brief announcement of my acceptance of the marriage, my future husband wasted no time, he wanted the wedding to happen three days later. Now, here I am, three days later, wearing a white dress-ready to walk down the aisle. I tried to give my biggest smile when those doors opened and the "Here Comes The Bride" song began to play. But, who was I kidding? I hated every bit of it.

The invitations spread everywhere, and surprisingly, a lot of people were present at the church. Running away wasn't an option, but it was definitely a thought. I looked over at the guests and noticed Santoro's family watching me. They weren't large compared to my family or other guests. I guess he really isn't into this either.

As I walked closer to the aisle, I tried envisioning what my new marriage would be like. What would it hold for me? I've been scared to marry again after my former marriage. Would Mr Santoro be like ex-husband? Should I prepare myself for a second divorce? To this day, I am haunted by those memories. No one knows what really happened, and no one will.

Mr Santoro extended his hands to help me up the altar-I reluctantly agreed. His hands were cold but soft-really soft, like a baby's skin. I'm guessing he gets a lot of manicures. I looked up at the man I was about to marry. I didn't know much about Russo Santoro other than how gorgeous he is. His looks were frigid, but his eyes-I didn't want to admit, caused a tingling in my stomach.

"Do you Miss Bianchi, take Mr Santoro as your lawfully wedded husband?" The priest asked, looking at me while avoiding glancing at Russo, as if he were scared of him.

All Mr Santoro did was stare back at me as I did at him.

"I do," I whispered slowly.

"And do you, Mr Santoro, take Miss Elena Bianchi as your lawfully wedded wife?"

"Yes," his voice was croaky and deep-a combination I find quite odd but hearing him speak was pleasant.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest said.

It was short and stabbing. Marrying again feels like re-piercing my old unhealed wounds-like self harm, which my therapist begged me to stop. I've had problems, you see. And then I got married at an early age to a molester. I looked back at the congregation with my new husband-I'm now officially Mrs Elena Bianchi Santoro.

What a laugh, Cosa Nostra and Ndrangheta getting married? You might be wondering why I'm denying the fact that I'm born into this life. That's because I hate it.

All this aristocracy does is eat you up until you become one of them. Hungry and then, you crave power. Then you go into things like drugs, trafficking, murder, illegal shipments and soon enough, it becomes part of your life and you no longer find it disgusting. All I want is to have a job like a normal human being. I had my education at an early age, and I was so happy. I've always wanted to be a veterinary doctor; I love animals. But one word from my father telling me how unfit it is for a Cosa Nostra princess to treat animals changed everything. My brother, Angelo, was making him proud and I was doing something entirely different. Don't get me wrong; I loved my father, and he was a good man. But, he acted more like a Don than a father. I won't forget that day, Cadillac Montroy walked into my father's office, wanting to take me as a bride. Mr Cadillac was a business partner of my dad. He'd always touch me funny, grab my ass when no one was looking, tell me how beautiful I looked and how bigger my breasts had grown. I hated it so much, or the way he smelt like dried beans and cocaine. And so, when I found out my dad wanted to marry me off to Cadillac, I did everything I could to stop it.

I argued with my dad that night and left home, which is when I met my ex-husband, Paul. Paul found me on the road and offered a ride. I begged him not to call my family, and he didn't. He fed me and didn't touch me. Paul was nice, so nice that I fell for him. It was 'love at first sight' I thought. I was so stupid and so young. I married Paul even after my Family's disapproval, I thought they didn't want what was best for me so, I left Wyoming. I didn't even get to say goodbye to my dad before he died.

"Are you okay?" Russo asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Yes."

He took a long glance at me before straightening himself and walking down the altar while holding my hand.

"I don't think I've properly introduced myself," he said when no one was paying attention.

"I'm Russo Santoro, you are aware of me being the leader of my family-the 'Ndrangheta mafia family. I usually don't do wives; but this marriage is for good measure. I hope you don't overstep your boundaries," he said while looking at me.

He didn't wait for me to respond as he directed me to where his family sat. Jesus...this is a church wedding and we're supposed to be on our way to our reception.

"This is my family," he said-not bothering to introduce us. I looked at the faces and smiled as I introduced myself.

"Hi, I'm Elena."

"Welcome to the family...I'm Rocco Santoro. In case you haven't guessed, yes, he's my big brother. Don't let him intimidate you." Rocco resembled Russo; both had the same eyes, except Rocco had a scar and different hair-his facial hair was longer.

I didn't notice Rosa walking up to me as I watched the family, rooted in place. A light tap on my shoulder got my attention; it was Rosa. I turned, expecting her wide smile and an invitation to leave the church, but her face was red from crying.

"What's wrong?"

"Can you come with me, please?"

"Have you been crying Rosa? Tell me?"

"It's Nera-"

Huh?

"What's wrong with her? Is she hurt?" I asked, alarmed.

"No...i don't know," Rosa sobbed as she stuttered the words to me. What's going on? My eyes darted through the crowd in search of Nera but found no sign of her.

"Rosa...where is Nera?"

"She...I don't know. The man took her and I couldn't save her. Elena, Nera is gone. She's been kidnapped."