Chapter 3 Her Nightmare Wedding

Gabriella's Pov

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, the white gown hugged my body to my skin, showing off my perfect curves. The fabric of the dress was soft and smelled like flowers. I glanced briefly at my wrists which were sore and turning purple from the way the guards had held me at the auction house. I swallowed the lump forming in my throat as I remembered today was the day I was getting married to Alessio. However this wasn't a wedding to me. It was a nightmare.

I bit my lip lightly, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. Rosa, the makeup artist, exhaled heavily while looking at my reflection in the mirror.

"It's okay to cry, you know. I cried when I was getting married so I understand the feeling. Today is a special day for you so no more crying else you'll ruin my masterpiece,"she laughed, dabbing my cheeks once more.

I let out a forced chuckle, wiping my tears gently. Masterpiece, that was what she called the broken face staring back at me. Beneath all the foundation and lipstick, I was not beautiful. My eyes were dull, lifeless, lacking the spark it once had. I was literally a corpse in a wedding dress.

"You're lucky, you know," Rosa began, cutting through my thoughts. "I've known Alessio since his diaper days, he's one of the most powerful and influential men in Italy. And also very handsome," She wiggled her eyebrows and I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

"Any woman would trade places with you in a heartbeat."

I scoffed. Lucky. Was that what they called being forced into a marriage fueled by revenge?

Rosa stepped back, her eyes roaming my face as she nodded in approval. "Perfetto. You look beautiful. Now you have to promise me, no more crying," she whispered, her hands squeezing mine lighty. "You'll make a beautiful bride."

A beautiful bride for a man who hated my very existence, the voice in my head rang.

Before I could thank her, the door burst open and a guard entered, his expression blank."I'll be escorting you to the church Mrs De Luca."

Mrs De Luca? That was my new name. Gabriella De Luca. I turned back to Rosa, my eyes glittering with tears, hoping she could get a hint. She grinned, waving her hand slightly as she left the room.

I rose from the chair, gripping the bouquet firmly in my hand.

We made our way downstairs and I spotted a white limousine parked by the porch. I have never been inside one of these and the sight was breathtaking. I couldn't help but wonder how wealthy Alessio must be to afford this.

The guard opened the door, gestiring for me to sit. I enteted, exhaling as my back relaxed into the cushy seat.

The ride to the church was filled with silence. I gazed out the window, my hands trembling as I watched the city go by. My thoughts drifted back to memories I had of Alessio. He was the boy who I could always count on, who would save me from bullies during my highschool days. Why did he change so much? How could he believe my father murdered his parents? My father was a good man.....wasn't he?

I shook my head slightly. He was wrong, my father was no murderer. He could barely hurt a fly, talk more of murdering someone.

The sudden screeching of tires jolted me back to reality. I stared at the massive church in front of me, which sparkled against the evening sky. The door opened and I stepped out, the cold wind grazing my skin immediately. I tightened my fingers around the bouquet, taking slow steps towards the entrance.

The doors swung open, the congregation standing in unison as their eyes instantly fell on me. The room was filled with unfamiliar faces, but I was certain they were powerful mafia families. After all, their Don was getting married. They stared at me with curiosity, or perhaps amusement at my predicament.

My breath hitched when my gaze landed on Alessio. He stood at the altar, dressed completely in black. His blond hair wa sgeles back to perfection, showing off his perfect jawline. How could someone be so cruel and breathtaking at the same time?

He still had an effect on me and I hated it. I needed to clear him off my head, I needed to stop loving him.

His gray eyes darkened the moment they met mine. I cleared my throat, for img myself to look anywhere but him.

The guard nudged me forward and I fought the urge to give him the middle finger. Alessio took my hand from his grip, his touch cold against my skin.

The priest began the ceremony. I barely paid attention, my mind was elsewhere, on Alessio. The time came for him to say his vows. He did so smoothly as if he meant those words. Deep down I really wish he did.

And then it was my turn.

Tears filled my eyes as I turned, my eyes flickering to the door, to the congregation and then back to Alessio. No one could save me from this.

With a shaky breath, I whispered, "I do."

"You may now kiss the bride," the priest concluded.

For a moment I thought Alessio wouldn't do it but then he leaned in, his lips mere inches from mine. I closed my eyes briefly, wanting to know what my first kiss would be like, but then his lips landed on the corner of my mouth. My eyes fluttered open, staring at Alessio who in return smirked.

My cheeks flushed as I straightened myself. I foolishly thought Alessio would kiss me but he just reminded me of what this marriage truly was. A loveless marriage.

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I forced a smile on my face during the reception, and before I knew it Alessio announced it was time to head home. But that wasn't a home to me, it was a prison.

The ride home was filled with silence. I occasionally stole glances at Alessio, who was busy typing Into his phone.

"If you don't have anything to say, I suggest you stop staring at me," Alessio warned, without sparing me a look

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat, turning away, and resting my forehead against the glass.

I closed my eyes, enjoying the cool air and dozed off.

I woke up to strong arms carrying me. Blinking softly, I stared at the face who had these certain pairs of arms. Alessio. I couldn't help but admire him a little longer before his eyes met mine.

Alessio's smirked, dropping me down harshly. He cleared his throat, pointing to a room. "You'll be staying with me from now on."

A gasp escaped my lips at the thought of sharing a room with Alessio. Relax Gabriella, Alessio is nice he wouldn't hurt you, I reminded myself but deep down a voice told me otherwise.

I turned, observing the lavish bedroom. It was massive, decorated in black with a diamond chandelier which hung above us. It was more beautiful than the other room I'd been in, but still......

I turned back to Alessio. "I thought I'd have my own room, I mean......."

"You thought wrong, Bella." His gray eyes bore into mine."You're my wife, so I expect you to perform your duties as one."

I gulped at the statement. Was he expecting us to sleep together? I would have been happy knowing Alessio was the first man to take my virginity but now he seemed different, different from the boy I knew.

"Your clothes are in the closet. Everything you need is here in this room. Go take a bath, your reek of fear." He concluded, stepping out of the room.

I bit on my trembling lip. This was how my life was going to be henceforth, controlled by a man who despised me. Sighing, I walked to the closet, searching for pyjamas. There was none, except see-through lingerie. Did he purposely buy these? I searched further till my eyes landed on a red gown, it was short but not too revealing.

Grabbing the dress, I hurried into the bathroom and I was amazed at how huge it was. It was definitely way bigger than the one I had back at home. I stripped my gown off and stepped into the bathtub, letting the warm water relax me. I used every product I could find and when I was done I smelled good.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I froze, my eyes instantly locking on Alessio. He stood by the window, shirtless, the dim light casting warm light over his sculptured form. I felt my breath hitch as my gaze landed on the butterfly tattoo at the back of his neck, the same one he had gotten for me when we were teenagers. It was a symbol of love between us.

He turned around slowly, as if he'd knew I was gawking at him. His eyes roamed my figure, stopping at my chest area. I pushed my arms up, hoping some parts will remain covered from his stare. His eyes darkened for a moment before he cleared his throat.

"Let me just make this clear, Bella. I don't intend to have a wedding night. Nothing about your body turns me on," he began. "Don't expect love in this marriage, I don't want you and I never will."

The words stung, more than I thought it'll will, but I forced

His voice darkened. "Now, the rules. You will not leave this house. You are only allowed in the kitchen, library, sitting room, and pool. Every other room is off-limits. If you need anything, a new maid will be here tomorrow to attend to your needs. Do I make myself clear?"

Did Alessio think I was a puppet he could command? "And if I break the rules?" I couldn't help but ask.

Alessio smirked, his eyes darkening with desire. "If you break my rules, Bella," he said, taking slow steps towards me, his eyes boring into mine. "you'll be begging for me in ways you never imagined."