Forced to Marry the Mafia Don

Everyone was tense about the upcoming wedding. The bride was inside her car, while the groom was already inside the church.

The bride sighed heavily due to her current situation. She's about to marry someone she barely knows, a complete stranger. She hasn't even met the groom in person yet. Her father arranged this marriage, and she had no say in the matter.

A knock on her car window startled her. She opened it and saw her younger sister, who was wearing a sad smile.

"Millie," her younger sister, Sienna, greeted her. She sat down beside Millie and held her hand. She noticed that Millie's hand was cold. "The wedding is about to start. Are you ready?" She asked.

Millie forced a weary smile and took a deep breath. "No, Sienna, I'm not ready, but I know I have no choice, right? This is what Papa wants, and if I refuse... he'll hurt me."

Sienna hugged her sister. "I wish it were me instead, sis. I would gladly sacrifice myself. You deserve to be happy after everything you've been through with our father, not like this."

"It's fine, Sienna. If we defy Papa, you might get caught in his anger towards me. I'll be okay. I just need to be a good wife to my future husband."

Sienna pulled away from her sister, concern etched on her face.

"But, sis, we've heard so many rumors about your soon-to-be-husband. He's ruthless and heartless. There's nothing good said about him. They say he's the cruelest among all the generations of Locatelli. I'm afraid that if Papa doesn't hurt you anymore, your husband might." Sienna held her older sister's hand tightly.

"I hope not..." Millie's voice trailed off, sounding less sure as time went on, as if she was starting to realize what her sister was saying.

Their conversation was cut short when their stepmother appeared "Sienna get out of the car because the wedding was about to begin." She said to the younger one before facing the bride. "Don't forget to smile and pretend to be happy. We both knew that any mistake would incur the wrath of your cruel father." She reminded them as if living with their father would deprive them of that fact.

In this wedding, Millie will see her future husband's face in person for the first time. She's usually only seen him in photographs because she knows he's very busy with work. There are times when he's even in another country. The only people she's interacted with regarding the wedding are the groom's parents.

She felt a mixture of nervousness as she walked down the church aisle. Her father and stepmother accompanied her, both guiding her towards the altar where she would hand her hand to her future husband.

"Be a good wife, Millie. If your husband divorces you-you already know what will happen. Obey everything he tells you. Don't displease him, and don't bring shame to our family name. Your marriage will have a significant impact on our business ventures, so be a proper wife," her father told her, his smile directed at the wedding guests, but his words filled her with fear.

Millie glanced at her father as he spoke, and despite his smiling demeanor toward the guests, she couldn't help but feel apprehensive about his words.

Then, Millie saw her future husband. It seemed as if she wanted to retreat as their gazes met. Even though she was veiled, the man's intense stare penetrated through.

Fear and a chilling sensation coursed through her body. The man's presence exuded a sense of ruthlessness and danger. Moreover, his cold, seemingly emotionless eyes fixed on her were enough to make her knees tremble.

"Gio, take care of my daughter, alright?" Millie's father said with a smile as he extended his daughter's hand to the man.

Millie's hand turned cold as Gio held it. She glanced at the hand of her soon-to-be-husband before meeting Gio's gaze, which seemed to pierce through her veil.

"I will, sir," Gio replied formally to Millie's father. They then walked together to the altar to begin the wedding ceremony.

Millie was anxious throughout the wedding ceremony, only realizing the gravity of her situation when Gio responded with the words, "I do."

The priest looked at her, and she swallowed hard, knowing that there was no other option but to proceed with the marriage, even though tying herself to a man who seemed to bring danger into her life was far from what she desired.

Gio glanced at Millie, seemingly impatient for her response. Millie took a deep breath, remembering the consequences if she didn't answer in accordance with her father's wishes.

"I-I do, Father," she managed to say, even though tears threatened to flow. The weight of her emotions was kept inside, bottled up within her chest.

When the priest announced that the groom could now kiss the bride, they turned to face each other.

Gio removed the veil that covered Millie's face. With the veil gone, Millie could now see the cold expression on her new husband's face more clearly.

Gio approached Millie slowly as she closed her eyes tightly.

Gio quickly kissed Millie on the lips. The audience applauded, seemingly delighted with the wedding. Perhaps, only one person regretted everything that had transpired-Millie.

Now, Millie stood before a large mirror in a grand room, brushing her hair. She was preparing herself for what would happen on the first night of her marriage.

As Millie was brushing her hair, the door to the room opened, and she saw in the mirror her husband approaching her.

Millie put down her hairbrush and turned to face Gio, who was standing with pride and honor behind her.

"You can refuse if you don't want me to do this," Gio said, his tone cold and formal.

Millie lowered her head. She didn't want this. She didn't want to be touched by a man she didn't love. She didn't want anything to happen between her and a man she barely knew, except for their wedding day. But what could she do? She had to fulfill her husband's needs. If he wanted something to happen between them, she couldn't refuse. That's what her father had drilled into her mind.

Gio sighed, and Millie raised her gaze to meet his. Her eyes widened when she saw Gio undressing.

"If you're not going to say anything to stop me, I will take it as permission to have sex with you," Gio stated.

Millie firmly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She stood up and slowly removed her nightdress.

Gio's lips parted in surprise at his wife's actions. Nevertheless, the desires of his flesh overpowered his other emotions.

He quickly pulled his wife into a deep kiss, catching Millie off guard, leaving her with no time to close her eyes. The next thing she knew, she was lying on the bed with Gio on top of her.

Gio's movements were swift. He removed Millie's underwear and looked at her one last time before speaking again.

"You can still stop me," Gio said in a hoarse voice.

Millie took a deep breath and shook her head. "This is my obligation as your wife. You don't have to ask me again. Do it."

Gio retrieved a condom, put it on, and then positioned himself before slowly entering Millie. She screamed in pain and discomfort as she accepted her husband's entirety.

Millie involuntarily pulled Gio's hair as he continued to penetrate her slowly.

Tears streamed down Millie's face as she felt Gio's fullness inside her. She gradually began to feel Gio's movements.

That night, Millie experienced a mix of desire and bitterness. She surrendered to her husband's actions, but she cried and felt bitter because she was unsure if this was the life she truly desired.

They shared a passionate night, and Millie barely remembered the details due to exhaustion.

She woke up the next morning to find her husband no longer by her side. She later discovered that he had left the country early that morning, leaving her alone.

MILLIE

A Month. That's how long it's been since my husband left me after our first night together. After taking my virginity, he left without a word, and he still hasn't returned.

I stared at the tea cup on the table, my sighs incessant.

I live in my father's house now. Initially, I managed to stay in our house with Gio for the first three days, but since I had no one there except the guards and the house staff, I decided to come back here.

I still remember the fury in Papa's eyes when he found out what happened on our first night. He said I wasn't worth being a wife, so Gio left me. I let it slide because I was used to receiving hurtful words from him. He had always been like that to me, even when I was still a child.

"Millie, do you need anything? Maybe you're hungry," josie, our housekeeper, appeared.

I smiled at her and shook my head. "No, I'm fine. I'm not hungry."

After saying those few words, I was left alone again.

Papa isn't here now; he's at the company. Our company's status has improved since news spread that I married Gio Locatelli. Our stocks have risen, and more investors are interested.

Originally, it wasn't supposed to be Gio I married. I was destined to marry Marion Huff, Papa's friend's son. But due to unforeseen events, Papa wanted me to marry someone who could uplift our business, not drag it down. That's when the Locatelli marriage offer came, which Papa quickly accepted. Initially, he wanted Sienna to marry one of the Locatelli, but it seemed they wanted the eldest child, which is me. So, even though it went against Papa's wishes, he agreed.

"Millie..."

My thoughts were interrupted by Sienna calling me, my younger half-sibling. He's Papa's child from his second marriage after my mother passed away. I was too young to remember how my biological mother died; all I knew was that she died from a severe illness.

"What is it, Sienna?" I asked him.

She smiled faintly at me, sadness evident in her eyes. "Do you want to come with me? My friends and I are going to the mall; maybe you'd like to join us? Papa has been scolding you a lot lately. Shopping might help lighten your mood," Sienna suggested.

I shook my head. "No, I'm fine. Go ahead and meet your friends. Don't worry about me."

Despite being only half-siblings through our father, Sienna and I were close. Aunt Elsie, my stepmother, also treated me kindly, so I consider myself lucky, even though Papa could be harsh.

Sienna nodded, though it seemed like he didn't want to leave me alone.

After a while, I decided to enter my room. I glanced out of the window as my sister left, and when she disappeared from sight, I chose to lie down on the bed and rest. I always felt tired, even though I didn't do anything.

"Amelie!"

I tightly shut my eyes upon hearing my father's angry voice again. I thought he was at the office today, but it seems he made a detour to come home and scold me. I could feel he was about to throw something new at me. I'm really not his favorite child. To him, I'm foolish, and Sienna is the perfect child.

"Enrique, just let Millie be!" Aunt Elsie intervened, trying to restrain him.

The door to my room forcefully swung open. I didn't even need to look to know who had entered. It was obviously Papa.

I got up to speak with him, but Papa slapped some photos onto my bed, and I saw Gio in them.

"Look at these pictures! Someone sent these to us earlier. It probably hasn't made it to the media yet because Gio's family is likely trying to contain it. Your husband supposedly has another woman."

I wearily examined the photos and let out a sigh. It was Gio with a woman I didn't recognize, seemingly at a grand party in another country.

"I don't know, Pa. I haven't heard any news from him-"

"If you had been a good wife to him, he wouldn't have left you here and taken you with him out of the country! You're not even a useful daughter, let alone a good wife!" Papa retorted.

I could still hear Aunt Elsie trying to calm Papa down, but he seemed unwilling to be stopped.

"Why do I have to be blamed because of his infidelity, Papa? I'm not the one who cheated, am I? I'm not the one who left on the first night. Why am I the one you blame? Shouldn't it be Gio-"

I stopped abruptly, almost getting slapped by my father if it wasn't for Aunt Elsie who stopped his hand mid way.

"And you dare talk back like a child! You haven't contributed anything to this family except being a burden! You can't even be a decent wife!"

"That's enough! Let Millie rest. She's tired of everything you've been saying to her, Enrique. Have some mercy on your daughter," Aunt Elsie continued trying to stop Papa, but she seemed quite angry with me now.

"If that man comes back and divorces you, Millie, you'll be in real trouble with me!" Papa left after uttering those hurtful words.

This was the usual scene in our house ever since I decided to live here temporarily because my husband was gone. I always received criticism from my father, and it was always Aunt Elsie, my stepmother, or Sienna who defended me.

"Please forgive your father," Aunt Elsie said, approaching me and gently caressing my arm. "He's stressed because of the company. Some are speculating that your husband might leave you, and others want to withdraw their investments. Enrique is venting his stress on you."

I knew that Papa valued every investment and Gio greatly. Because of them, our company was recovering from the brink of collapse. Now, with rumors spreading that my husband had another woman or might seek a divorce, those who invested in our company due to the Locatelli influence might pull out their shares.

Since I was accustomed to Papa's outbursts and hurtful words, I just let it slide. I was used to Papa berating me; it hardly affected me anymore.

The next day, I was shaken by the news that Gio was reportedly returning to the country. I didn't know how to feel about that. Papa continued to give me lectures, warning me that Gio might return and seek a divorce. I remained silent.

After a month of abruptly leaving me, now he wanted to show up? If he really intended to divorce me, that was fine with me. What I probably couldn't handle was the harsh punishment from my own father.

I wanted to run away. I had tried that several times but failed in my attempts. When Papa caught me trying to escape, he would lock me in the attic for weeks. He would bring me food, but it was still a terrifying experience. Maybe that's why I grew up afraid of dark places.

"When Gio Locatelli divorces you, I don't know what I'll do to you! Your mother should have taken you with her when she died!"

I gritted my teeth. If I had no appetite earlier, I had even less now.

Perhaps the most painful thing was hearing your own father pray for you to be gone from his life.

"I really wanted him to marry Sienna! Because I know she would be a better wife for Gio, but she's still too young, so it had to be the eldest! It's all so wrong!"

I chewed on my food despite the difficulty, trying to block out what I was hearing. Sienna here, Sienna there. Sometimes, no matter how much I loved my sister, I couldn't help but envy the attention Papa gave her. Maybe if Sienna had been the one to marry, I wouldn't inherit anything from him. Now, the company would belong to me alone because I was the one married to the man who claimed to save it.

"If Gio decided to annul your marriage, you won't get a single cent from me, Millie. Remember that!"

There were many grounds for annulment, and I knew our marriage wouldn't easily be voided. But with the influence of the Locatelli family, perhaps he can accomplish difficult tasks in the eyes of others.

After breakfast, I went into my room. I dressed and prepared. It seemed like my husband would arrive at any time.

We've been married for a month, but I still don't know him very well. Aside from knowing he's passionate in bed and his name, I know nothing about him. He's a complete stranger to me.

"Ma'am Millie, Sir Gio is here," our housekeeper announced.

Gio entered my room, and just like our first meeting, my heart raced with nervousness when I saw his cold eyes fixed on me.

We were left by the house helper, who closed the door to give us some privacy.

Gio was staring at me as if I were shrinking under the intensity of his gaze. There was no life in his eyes, and you could feel the violence simmering beneath his surface.

Should I greet him? I must make sure he doesn't contemplate leaving me. Even though I didn't want this marriage and felt nothing for him, I had to maintain it for our company's sake. He's the one who will save our business.

"How have you been?" Gio finally broke the long silence. His voice remained cold, as if he was reluctant or forced to speak. He surveyed the entire room, his fingers gliding over some nearby furniture.

I gulped and took a deep breath, thinking about how to respond to him, even though his question was straightforward. "I-I'm good. How about you?" I stuttered. This is what he does to me; when he's around, I'm afraid of him.

I heard many rumors about him way before the marriage. That's why, at first, I begged my father not to marry me off to him. I thought he might double the abuse my father inflicted on me. I grew up in an abusive household; I can't deny that.

As for Gio, they say he doesn't back down or show fear. He brings down anyone who crosses him. He erases anyone who opposes him. He's heartless, devoid of compassion and conscience. It's evident in the aura he's exuding right now. He's very authoritative.

He stared at me after hearing my response. Anger flashed in his eyes, intensifying my unease. I couldn't tell if I actually saw the anger in his expression or if I was just imagining it.

"Why are you still living with your parents?" He raised an eyebrow and stepped closer to me. "We have a house. Why did you choose to stay here?"

I furrowed my brow at his question. Why is he asking me this now? He left me without a word, and now he's surprised I chose to come back here.

"I stayed there for a few days, but..." I trailed off.

I wanted to bring up the topic of the pictures I saw of him with another woman, which my father had shown me, but I also realized I didn't really care. It's not that I was hurt, to be honest; I didn't feel anything. What bothered me was that most people assumed he'd leave me. Or I'm only thinking that he won't.

I had many questions about Gio. One of them was where he went during the time he left me. Who was the woman with him? Is he going to divorce me?

Despite all these thoughts swirling in my head, I couldn't voice a single one.

"Pack your things, we're leaving." Gio turned away from me, about to leave the room when I spoke again.

"Where are we going?" I asked him.

He glanced back at me and rolled his eyes. His expression conveyed impatience with my seemingly pointless question. I pressed my lips together. "We're going home, where you should've been living all along."

I was taken aback by his words. He was too aloof, and I guessed he'd be difficult to get along with. He was the kind of person you had to immediately understand what he meant because he didn't like repeating himself. He was hard to read. I could only hope that he wasn't abusive. I'm done being a battered daughter, and I don't want to be a battered wife.

Several maids entered my room and immediately started packing my belongings. Everything was neatly placed into a few suitcases that I would be taking with me. It felt like they didn't want me to come back here.

I noticed Gio leaning against the door frame, watching me. I avoided his gaze because I didn't feel comfortable.

"If you're done packing her things, you all may leave now," Gio said with authority.

The maids hurriedly organized my belongings and I watched them, trying to avoid the piercing gaze of the man near the door. The maids left quickly.

Gio walked toward me, and with each step he took, I felt my saliva go dry. I took a step back for no apparent reason.

Gio was too intimidating and terrifying. His presence alone was enough to make me tremble with fear. Even with clothes on, you could still feel it.

Lost in my thoughts about him, I didn't realize he was already standing right in front of me. I attempted to move away from him, but Gio grabbed my hand. In one swift motion, he laid me down on the bed.

"L-Let me go," I whispered softly. I felt weak, just because Gio was here.

"You told me never to ask you again, but am I allowed to kiss my wife? Am I allowed to have sex with you right now?"

I was stunned by his consecutive questions. I thought of this as my duty as a wife, so I nodded. As long as Gio didn't hurt or beat me, I would allow him to use my body.

Gio kissed me after seeing my nod. I let out a faint moan due to the intensity of his kiss.

I tried to push him away to catch my breath, but I felt weak. Was I really weak, or did I just not want him to stop even though I was running out of breath?

"I'm mad at you," he whispered amidst kissing my lips. He kissed me shallowly, intoxicatingly. It felt like I was drinking alcohol with every touch of his lips, and I lost myself in it. "I know you don't want this marriage, but can you at least act like you're pleased and happy to see your husband after not seeing him for a month?"