FORCED TO MARRY A MAFIA

The air weighed heavy with what seemed oncoming storm even though the sky seemed to be clear. Isabella lived at the remote heart of the Sicilian country side with her parents where the sky was too high above for anyone to ever see where it ended behind mountains or hills except through climbing on one of them or taking an airplane flying over them. Her father was sitting at one edge of a long wooden table, his big body slightly leaning on the table and his hair seemed to be gradually losing color. The room was gloomy on account of heavy curtain drapes preventing sunlight from getting in.

The room was shadowy, the deep curtains cutting out most of the daylight. It was just how her father preferred it; he liked things in his life to be secret -that was just his character. Isabella sat at the other end of the table, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of her wine glass. Her older brother, Giovanni, stood by the door, his expression hard as granite, arms crossed over his broad chest. The air was thick with tension, and even though her father had called for a "family meeting," she had not yet been told why.

"Isabella," spoke her father, his voice rough like gravel, breaking the silence. His eyes in deep sockets shot in her direction, and she could read a mixture of anger, frustration, and something else-desperation. "You know I wouldn't ask this of you if there were any other way."

Her heart skipped a beat since she had been waiting for this moment ever since the antagonism between her family and their rivalling family – the Rossi's – in the underworld became overtly threatening by the latter's move when it invaded their territory. What was once a De Luca balance of power with Rossi had over recent times shifted further than her father had desired.

She straightened up and looked him in the eye, even though her pulse rate increased. "Ask me what, father?"

Emilio groaned audibly, while Giovanni's jaws tightened, as if he already knew what was coming.

Emilio sighed heavily. Finally, her father spoke, his voice low but firm. "You're going to marry Alessandro Rossi."

The words landed like a hammer blow.

For a very brief moment, Isabella felt quite overwhelmed, leaving her in the state of hearing her breath alone. When it comes to Sicily, just saying the name Alessandro Rossi was a dangerous thing. A man known for the harshness and iron hand he used in ruling over his empire, the head of the Rossi family was a terrible person. For years, he'd been causing problems to her family yet now...he was to become her husband!

She tried to talk but her mouth couldn't say anything meaningful given the fact that her father's command totally confused her.

"Is this meant to be funny?" she asked in a low voice, disbelievingly.

"He's not kidding," Giovanni grumbled by the door in a disappointed tone. His eyes were menacingly black. "It's a treaty-a union. Father and Rossi really shook hands, last night. You're to marry him in two weeks."

To grasp the idea, Isabella first blinked...hard. Her father had always been a good schemer but this-this was not just another move. It was a sacrifice. Her sacrifice.

"I can't," she whispered, though her voice trembled like an old man's. "I won't marry him, he's the devil."

"Fuck no," she said in a pleadingly softer voice than before; still shaky though.

She was angry and tears were welling in her eyes. "You want me to get married to the man who has caused so much loss of blood and so much pain. He is a murderer, papa!"

Emilio's face became stern as his jaws tightened, staring at her. "We are all killers Isabella, there is no innocent person in this world. This is how to stop the massacre and make peace between our families. Do you think I would choose this for you? to hand my daughter to that man?" He faltered a little bit, suppressing emotions. "But we have no other way out."

That portended nothing good for her. The previous year had seen sustained assaults on the De Luca strongholds by Rossi family-and they were also in significant danger of falling out of favor with De Luca business interests as well as the individuals who anchored and invested in them. They managed to keep their rivals at bay for a while, but recently there has been some backslide. Her father must have been at his wits' end to have tried something so desperate.

Giovanni entered, his facial expression somewhat more tender. "Isabella," spoke he in a low tone, "I am not into this myself but we must make this agreement. Otherwise, they will defeat us and demolish whatever remains from our father's life work. Only you can help us settle this".

She stared at her brother, examining his countenance for some hint of reassurance, but found only cold pragmatism. The whole family counted on her for deliverance. They expected her to save them from their travails.

"Do not compel me," she responded, hesitantly but challengingly. "Not in such a manner."

Her father's eyes burned with both anger and hurt, "I am your father Isabella and you will do as I command."

For Isabella, the finality in his words was chilling. Trapped couldn't even begin to describe how she felt. No other fate or option was open to her except to marry Allesandro Rossi if they wanted to survive as a family.

She was thinking very fast on how she could escape. There was just simply no way she would manage it without destroying her family.

Mixed emotions of fear and anger were causing a lot of pain in her chest. "When am I meeting him?"

"Tomorrow,¨ Giovanni answered in a monotone voice. "At noon," he added.

Under the table, her hands balled into fists. Less than twenty-four hours from now. She did not have much time before meeting the man who would determine what becomes of her life. Less than a day before seeing Alessandro Rossi, her nightmare of many years.

In addition, she would marry him.

---

The night was hazy, restive thoughts and feelings colliding and co-mingling like whirlwinds in Isabella's mind. There was no sleep for her tonight as she lay on her bed, looking at the ceiling, replaying her father's words. Tomorrow she would face the man who was about to plunder everything from her. Tomorrow she would become a pawn in the deadly game of mafia politics.

She permitted herself one instant of fragility within her poorly lit room. Her tears made their way down her face and she wiped them off in fury. She could not be weak at present. Not when everything in her life was at stake.

The first light of dawn crept through the windows, and at this moment Isabella realized that she could not escape this. She was going to confront her destiny no matter what, even though it was frightening.

As the sun positioned itself high in the sky, she found herself inside the lavish entrance hall at De Luca Estate with her heart thudding violently against her chest wall while she stood there motionless. She was wearing an uncomplicatedly elegant black gown; her hair was a straight black cascade of dark rigolets with a soft touch upon her back. Her face was all blank, hiding agitation on the inside with a neutral expression.

The sound of crunching tires could be heard on the gravel outside, and Isabella's breath caught in her throat as the front doors creaked open to reveal Alessandro Rossi, flanked by two of his men. Far taller than she would have thought, Alessandro held the space before him with an air of peril. His suit fitted impeccably; nonetheless, this stood in sharp contrast to the frosty solemnity behind his dark eyes. Her world stopped when his gaze met hers. Alessandro Rossi turned out to be every bit as frightening as people had claimed he was in the rumours. Finally, it was Isabella's time to face him.

With a slow, deliberate stride, he approached, his lips curling into a dangerous smile. "Isabella De Luca," he said, his voice low and smooth, like velvet over steel. "It's a pleasure to finally meet my future wife."

Her stomach turned over as she gazed into his eyes. It suddenly hit her that things wouldn't be the same for her anymore.

Alessandro Rossi was so imposing that he appeared to carry the entire De Luca estate's weight as Isabella faced him, her heart pounding. With her eyes on the enigmatic dark hue of his orbs, she could swear her heart skipped a beat as she watched him, feeling his intensity. This was the man that her father chose for her. This was the groom-to-be.

Alessandro again smiled as he proceeded cautiously with more menace than benevolence. The room felt quiet.

"Should we chat in private?" His words sounded like silky fragrance but with no doubt they contained authority and seriousness. He didn't want to know whether or not she wanted it; he just ordered her.

Isabella felt her throat getting tight. She didn't feel ready, what other option did she have? She gave a quick look in passing at her father who was standing just beside Giovanni. Emilio would nod in agreement but it wasn't reassuring in any way. He had made his choice and now it was up to her to make hers.

"Of course," she said; her voice was steady even though she was nervous. She motioned to the door leading into her father's private study. "This way"-she said.

An eerie quiet fell between them while Alessandro's presence overwhelmed Isabella with a few suspicions in her mind. She tried to pre-conceive the nature of his address. Would he request her immediate surrender or were these formalities? With Alessandro Rossi, there was no telling what he could do, so she didn't bother trying to guess.

They reached his office and once inside, Alessandro closed the door with a soft *click*. Trying to calm down, she took a deep breath, but she was too uneasy not to be noticed.

With his arms crossed before the massive oak desk, Alessandro leaned back onto its edge as if in no hurry whatsoever. He looked at her sternly as if indeed judging her. "I am sure the purpose of this meeting, and by extension this deal is not a secret to you."

He got up, and his tall figure was looming over her as he moved to close the gap between them quickly. She looked into his eyes, which were unkind and icy. "For me to win, you have to be by my side whether you like it or not. It means that I will never attack your family and it also means that your family will never cross me."

Isabella's heart raced but she remained firm. "You cannot just claim me as your trophy."

The look in Alessandro's eye narrowed into a scowl before he spoke again- "No, you're more than that." He stepped nearer until she could perceive his warmth even more strongly "You're my guarantee that your father would never betray me."

Every second that passed made her situation appear more serious. Alessandro had no concern for her, she was just a resource to him-used as a pawn in his grand scheme of subduing her family. This was not a love marriage or power sharing but total subjugation.

However, Isabella was not going to lay down her arms and be taken advantage of that easily.

"But what do I gain from this marriage?" asked Isabella, her voice remaining firm but rebellious.

"Isabella, what would you like?" Alessandro replied while appearing intrigued at the question.

For a moment she was not certain. What did she want? She wondered if it was freedom, safety or independence. Yet all these were far-fetched desires at least in her particular society; she required something realistic which would give her some power over her life fate.

Eventually she spoke up: "All I want is a say in my future." "I refuse to be an unquestioning spouse who obeys you." "If we are to marry then let me be heard during our clan's deliberations"

Alessandro kept watching her for a long time like he was considering her words before he made a nod, much to her amazement. "I agree. I will allow you to speak," he said, "on one condition Isabella – you must remain loyal to me always because if you ever betray me, there will be consequences."

The threat stayed up in the air, however, Isabella wasn't scared much now because she felt so small. Being able to say something was not easy especially in such times when women were suppressed by society simply due to their gender.

She responded "Got it" to him, choosing not to waver in their eye contact.

There was something fleeting in Alessandro's eyes for a moment- a thing she couldn't quite identify. Could it be that he respected her all along? Or was he just mocking her, whatever it was that she saw in his eyes, within no time it disappeared.

He said, "Good," shifting back to a business-like tone. "So, let's talk about the wedding. It's going to happen in two weeks exactly as planned. You will be taken to my estate immediately after the ceremony and from then on you are to be under my care."

The word *care* was loaded. In real sense it meant control to Isabella. As for Alessandro Rossi, he would possess her in substance. Nevertheless, there was still an opportunity for her to maintain a modicum of liberty within the boundaries of these terms if she did what was necessary.

"And what about afterwards?" she enquired while keeping a controlled tone. Alessandro's eyes shaded with desire for her once more, but this time around there was something else too in there – possession. "You'll be mine," he said, "in every way after our wedding day. I don't share what is mine."

She felt possessive tension in his voice which made her heart miss a beat then fear followed closely behind, mixed with other emotions – something like curiosity coupled with guilt although she didn't expect that at all...She immediately beat off the idea knowing it was not love or lust; those were things she could handle elsewhere.

"Okay," she responded trying hard not to let him know how disturbed she was inside herself even at that moment. "Understand this though, Alessandro: marrying you doesn't make me your possession."

He smiled again with a slow, malicious grin that was enough to send cold shivers down her spine, "We'll see about that, cara mia."

---

In the days leading up to the wedding, preparations and negotiations were tense and relentless. During these days, Isabella hardly saw Alessandro even though she felt his presence in everything she decided to do. Her father on the other hand was happy with the agreement seeing an opportunity for peace in his life.

However, Isabella was determined to be strong. She was not willing to give in to fear and uncertainty that kept her awake. Instead, she would focus on some part of her future that she still had influence over by looking after certain aspects of the upcoming wedding such as selecting bouquet colours or making sure that everything was done perfectly; from the church where they would say their vows down to the reception place- but however small, it was her victory.

---

The evening that came before their great day Isabella looked from the room's balcony right into the huge vineyard lands of De Luca's family. The atmosphere was chilly; stars up above shone brightly on a sky devoid of any cloud cover but all this did not offer her any solace.

There would be some changes the following day, she would be getting married to Alessandro Rossi and she certainly wasn't looking forward to it.

While she had managed to handle some aspects of her life, it appeared like she was heading into trouble.

She would be alright; Alessandro was clear about that much; but what 'alright' entailed was still unclear.

She was afraid she was going to know soon.

Awoken by a low noise around her bedroom door, Isabella stirred. The d-day had finally come for her. In a few hours she will get married with Alessandro Rossi.

It was a strange idea. A person who was only a few days ago an enemy to her family was about to become her husband. Every part of her being felt like it was in a dream; as if this life belonged to someone else. Nothing was as surreal as now- this was the real thing and anything she chose afterwards would either make her or break her.

The door opened with a loud creak, and Teresa De Luca, Isabella's mother walked in. She was dressed in a neat manner and sad eyes replaced her usual warm and affectionate ones. Teresa slowly walked to Isabella's bed, sat down on its edge and brushed off a strand of hair from her daughter's face.

"You did not have a good night's sleep," she said softly, but as a statement.

Isabella took a deep sigh as she slowly sat up, "How could I? I am about to experience a change that will affect my entire life and I have to pretend like everything is okay."

Teresa's lips tightened as she showed signs of her own misery "I wish I could help you out figlia mia, but we all have to sacrifice for the sake of family. You know that figlia mia."

Isabella looked down, intertwining her fingers. "Yes Mama, I know but it doesn't change anything. "

For a moment, the two women observed complete silence. Teresa touched Isabella's shoulders tenderly. "You are a strong woman Isabella and you have more strength in you than you think. Besides, Alessandro... he is a difficult person to deal with but then you are clever and you can always find your way out of anything"

Isabella nodded briefly as she pushed down an emotion which made its way up her now dry throat even as she appreciated her mother's efforts to console her but in herself, she doubted if she could last a lifetime with Alessandro. Once they got married, he would eat her whole with no chance of escape.

Teresa announced that they should get prepared, standing and extending her hand. "The ceremony will start soon," she added.

Isabella accepted her mother's hand, and was led towards the dressing table where her wedding gown was hanging. An exquisite garment sewn from silk mixed with lace, it glowed under the light. This was the type of attire that young girls fantasized about wearing on an important day such as their weddings; however, Isabella saw it as nothing more than a prison uniform-a pretty prison uniform.

As her mother dressed her in the evening gown, she saw her reflection in the looking glass. The woman in the mirror looked stately, composed and nearly peaceful. Nonetheless, beneath that facade, she was struggling to contain her emotions. When Isabella took a deep breath, she had to make herself keep still with her hands. "It is necessary for you to keep your composure. "She thought to herself.

After she had completed dressing up, her mum stood aside and pored over the young girl regretfully but elegantly. "You look good figlia mia"

"Thank you, Mom" she replied softly but not convincingly

There was a knock at the door, and in came Giovanni, his face not revealing anything. Already, he had on a well-fitting black suit, and as he stood between the two women, his muscular shoulders blocked the light.

"Are you set?" he asked in a hoarse voice that was mild.

Isabella responded through her nod; however, she was not sure when she would really be prepared for what was coming next.

---

At the grand chapel in the De Luca Estate, the ceremony was held in a stunning building towering over the marble floors with high-coloured windows of stained glass, casting colourful patterns through them. The chairs were filled by family members and allies who had their faces looking unhappy about the two powerful families that were about to be joined.

With her arm through her father's, Isabella was standing by a door leading into the chapel. Emilio De Luca had an expressionless face as he stood ready to walk his daughter down the aisle.

"You're doing the right thing," he muttered with his eyes focused straight in front.

As the doors swung open, all eyes fell on her. She felt their eyes on her, heard their whispers form a ripple as she stepped out. Still, she kept going slowly and steadily, approaching the altar where Alessandro Rossi waited.

Wearing a smooth, slim black tuxedo he looked calm but under control with calm features. However, his look was not the same; it was impersonal. Her first meeting with him had been characterized by icy blue eyes that sent shockwaves down her body now as she walked up to him, he gazed into her eyes and she imagined that she saw perhaps a hint of... something inexplicable beneath his refined facade. Whatever that thing might have been remained unclear because on closer examination nothing as such existed there, forever disappearing as abruptly as it had shown up.

When they got to the altar and got married, Emilio planted a kiss on the cheek of Isabella before stepping back. Alessandro went ahead to put out his hand while watching Isabella take it with a pause. His grip, though firm, had skin that felt warm against hers, although there was not tenderness or softness. She wasn't married but Isabella could feel how much controlling weight would be applied upon her soon enough.

The priest started off with a murmur; a low tone used to say some traditional vow or prayers during weddings. Isabella never heard a word that was said during this session because she already was in deep thought, filled with thousands of reasons why they shouldn't have married at all. She was sure it was a mistake but thought it too late. She never had an opportunity to go back.

"Will you, Alessandro, take Isabella to be your wife; to hold from now henceforth in good times and bad, in health and in sickness, until death do you part?"

Alessandro's gaze remained fixed as he replied in a calm but firm tone "I do."

Taking a step towards them, the priest now addressed Isabella herself: "Do you accept Alessandro as your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer in sickness or health until death do you apart?"

Time seemed to halt for a short moment. The decision weighed heavily upon Isabella and her heart thumped inside her chest. Looking at Alessandro whose face was inscrutable and then at her father who stared at her with an unfriendly look seemed unbearable. Everyone expected her answer in the room.

With a voice that sounded like it was hardly audible she said, "I do."

The priest blessed smilingly while raising both hands saying, "I now confirm you husband and wife through my legal powers. You can now kiss your bride."

Alessandro kissed Isabella on the lips, his hand gently pushing her chin up as he moved forward; Isabella could see his eyes go dark before he even got any closer. This kiss wasn't really about love but rather a possessive act that established dominance over her; it felt almost like a commandment when their lips met.

Once this kiss was complete, Alessandro gazed at her directly; there was such fervour in his eyes that she felt her heart start beating faster. "You're mine now", he murmured so quietly that only she could hear him.

As Isabella's realization hit her, she sank into despair. She was no longer Isabella De Luca, but Isabella Rossi – and she had become the property of a man whose mercy was now her only hope.

---

The party was grand, full of laughter, toasts, and the clinking of champagne glasses. But to Isabella, it seemed hazy, like a weird dream she couldn't get out of. She simply went along with everything, receiving congratulations from the guests as they smiled at her, however, deep down, there was no feeling in her.

He was always close to her, leading her through the throng like a well-groomed doll, his hand resting possessively on her waist. His lips curled into a smile while he engaged in small talks with the remaining families, but she perceived an elemental force behind each of these. He was a man who would always obtain anything he desired, and now he had what he wanted.

As the night advanced, Isabella excused herself from the main hall in search of some time alone away from the endless crowd of people. She found herself in the back gardens of the house where she took refuge; this place was cool.

Standing near the fountain pool's rim, she gazed intently into its depths while thinking. Was this what her life was going to look like forever now that she was someone else's property? Was there any possibility whatsoever for her to create any room within this world that was totally dominated by Alessandro?

There was a light sound of steps which were walking across the gravel path. She noticed his presence as she turned around and saw Alessandro standing several meters away with his hands in the pockets looking at her with the same non-decipherable eyes.

"You should not be here all by yourself," he whispered in a very low tone under the cover of darkness.

"I just needed some fresh air," she replied as she went back towards the fountain.

As he approached closer, his aura was just too much to bear. "Isabella, you are now my wife and that means you are not alone," said the man.

She felt every bit of his words as they carried along the understanding that she had lost freedom once and for all. "I understand".

Alessandro barely touched her arm before she turned around to face him. In his eyes were a softer look that lasted just briefly. "It might not have been your desire to get married but it's over now, and you are supposed to perform your responsibilities," he said.

For a while, Isabella held his gaze without wavering. "What exactly do you mean?" she asked.

He smiled slightly without any humour involved. "Be with me as my wife," he said. "Pledge loyalty to me alone."

It was difficult to swallow; his words weighed heavily on her chest as she processed them. This was all Isabella had now - being attached to a stranger she didn't know apart from him expecting her to be loyal, obedient, and submissive.

Still, Isabella knew within her that she could never fully submit. At least temporarily, she would take on the facade. At the same time, she would look for an exit route. She would look for an opportunity to exit the life of Alessandro Rossi.