Mafia's Little Bride

Chapter one

Mariana stood in front of the massive mansion she had sworn never to step foot into again. She bit her lips and rubbed her sweaty palms together.

She was still wondering why her so-called mother would suddenly call her over for a meal when a maid walked out of the mansion.

"You are here miss." The maid saw her standing outside and walked closer to her."Hi," Mariana said awkwardly."Come in, ma'am. They are waiting for you in the dining room." The maid said, and Mariana nodded before following her in.

The maid led her to the dining before going away, Mariana breathed in and out before walking into the room and immediately all six eyes in the dining fell on her.

"Late as usual, I don't know why you bother to show up when you are this late." Luna, her stepsister said and Mariana rolled her eyes.

"Have a seat." Beatrice, her mother commanded. Mariana bowed slightly to Mr Romano, her stepfather before taking a seat far from Luna.

"Welcome Anna, it has been a long time, since you didn't even visit." Mr Romano said and Mariana faced him.

"I was busy." She said and Luna smiled."Busy doing nothing." She jeered but Mariana ignored her and focused on the food in front of her.

"Let's eat." Mr Romano said and everyone grabbed their cutleries except for Mariana.

They all eat quietly but Mariana's eyes were focused on her phone as she checked the time now and then.

"Why aren't you eating." Beatrice said and Mariana sighed.

"Can we skip this fake gesture and discuss why you suddenly called me over after 3 years of not seeing each other? I doubt you called me here to eat." Mariana said nonchalantly, and Beatrice dropped her cutleries.

"So I can't want to have a meal with my daughters as a family any longer?" Beatrice said and Mariana sneered."And since when did you become my mother? Did you forget what you told me the last time we met?" Marianne voiced out.

"You told me never to call you mom again, you said I should call you aunt whenever I saw and now you are saying I'm your daughter, is this a joke?" Mariana cried.

Luna hits her cutleries on the table angrily."What's your problem huh, you were not forced to show up, were you?" Luna half yelled.

"You don't talk to your sister like that Luna?" Mr Romano admonished and Luna kept quiet.Mr Romano clears his throat.

"Anna stop all this and eat." He said. Anna just stood up and carried her bag.

"I don't know why you called me over but I hope this will be the last time I see your face again aunt. By the way, it's Mariana. Stop calling me Anna like we are close." Mariana said and was about to storm out when her mother spoke up.

"How is that man doing now? He must have aged a lot. My regards to him." Beatrice said and Anna could feel her blood run cold. But, she just walked away without uttering another word.Immediately Mariana was out of sight, Mr Romano faced Beatrice with a serious expression on his face.

"Why did you call her over?" Mr Romano said."We should at least see our sacrificial lamb once more before giving it out." Beatrice said and Luna looked at them curiously.

"What are you both talking about? She asked."Excuse us Luna." Mr Romano said."Dad I...." She tried to talk, but with one glare from her dad, she kept quiet and disappeared into her room.

"Then why didn't you meet up with her outside and tell her, why the hell did you invite her to my house?" Mr Romano said and Beatrice stood up.

"Do you know how much of a benefit it would be to us if we get her to marry into the Esposito family, I will make sure she has no way out so see this meal as a send-off." Beatrice said and walked away from the dining room.4 pm

~~ MEEKHA RESIDENT.Mariana walked into the house and sank on the couch, though her aunt was not that rich, their house wasn't that bad.

She brought out her phone and was surprised by the amount of missed calls she had.

*6 missed calls from Jenny.

**4 missed calls from Caspian.

**3 missed calls from Aunty Meekha.

**10 missed calls from Leonard.

"Oh my God, why is my phone on Silent." She half yelled, jumping on the couch.

"Aunt Meekha, aunt where are you?" She called out, walking towards the kitchen. She saw her aunt cooking, putting on her favorite apron.

"My God Anna, have been worried, where the hell were you?" Aunt Meekha said as she hugged her.

"Am sorry, I didn't know my phone was on silent" She replied hugging her back.

They broke the hug and she turned off the cooking gas before heading to the living room together.

"So tell me, where were you?" Meekha asked and Mariana bit her fingers."Anna, you bite your fingers whenever you are upset and confused, what going on." She asked.

"That woman invited me to the mansion, I know I shouldn't have gone but I just wanted to see her again, I thought she changed but she is still the same, aunt she even dared to talk about Dad." Mariana said on the verge of tears and Meekha hugged her.

"It's fine darling, it's okay to miss her, she is your mother." Meekha said."I'm sorry aunt." She said as they ended the hug, then Meekha smiled and held her hand.

"Don't be." Meekha said. "And by the way, have you called Leo? He was worried." Meekha said."I will Aunt thanks." Mariana said and left for her room.

~~ ESPOSITO GROUP OF COMPANIES ~~6 pm ~

The aura in the office was as cold as ice, a figure could be seen standing by the glass window staring at the city coldly before the door opened revealing a lady in her mid-twenties.

"Sir" She called gently and the figure faced her making her swallow, she couldn't get enough of his handsome face.

"This is the report on the newly produced wine. It's going well." Bianca, Alessandro's secretary said.

"Drop it on the desk and leave." He said calmly and Bianca turned to leave, only to turn to him again.

"Sir, there was a call from the hospital too. Your mother is sick" Bianca informed Alessandro as he walked to his chair and took a seat.

"Noted. You can leave now." He said and Bianca left, but shortly after, Kendrox walked in after knocking.

"Boss, I got a call now and they said the goods are arriving tonight." Kendrox said and Alessandro sighed.

"Get the guys and..." He was cut short as his phone started ringing and he saw his sister's caller ID.

"What is it? Are you calling to try and convince me that mum is really sick and she won't get treatment unless I agree to get married?" He said to his sister over the phone.

"San it's not a joke, mum is dying." Cassie cried over the phone and his eyes widened.He might be a cold-hearted guy but his mum is his first priority, he loves her more than anything in the world. Nothing must happen to her.

"I will be there in a jiffy." He hung up and faced Kendrox.

"I will trust you with the goods, you know how much I hate mistakes right?" He said and Kendrox nodded.

"Good." He said and grabbed his coat before heading out of the office to the hospital immediately.

Chapter two

8 PM

Alessandro sat rigidly in the director's chair, cold eyes locked on the medical files laid before him. A line of doctors stood in front of the desk, nerves visibly cracking under the tension. His face betrayed no emotion, but the air was thick with dread as his gaze lingered on his mother's hospital report.

Without warning, he looked up. The moment his icy stare met theirs, every doctor lowered their head, trembling. Rising to his feet, hands casually tucked into his pockets, Alessandro walked toward them slowly-intimidating without saying a word.

"Who is responsible for coordinating her medical care?" he asked, voice low but heavy with threat.

"It-it's Dr. Kate-I mean, Dr. Ben. I was-" the director stammered, stumbling over words like a man about to drown.

"I asked a fucking question!" Alessandro snapped.

A doctor finally stepped forward, bowing his head. "I was in charge, sir... but last month she insisted I stop. She said she was fine. That she didn't need monitoring."

"Is she a doctor?" Alessandro growled. "Is she supposed to tell you how to do your job? You're fired!"

The man stepped back in shock, face paling.

"I-I'm sorry, sir. It's my fault-I should've insisted. Please... he's our best doctor," the director pleaded.

Alessandro turned his cold gaze on him. "Do you want to join him?"

Silence fell. Not a single soul dared answer.

"And why the hell is she still in this hospital if her condition is this bad?" he demanded.

"She's refusing treatment, sir. We even arranged for her to be flown to Japan, but she wouldn't go," the director explained, voice barely audible.

"Should I just fire all of you?" Alessandro barked.

Just then, the door opened and in walked Veronica Esposito, Roman Esposito's second wife and Alessandro's mother. The room fell into reverent silence as the doctors bowed.

"No one is getting fired," she said calmly.

"Mum," Alessandro said tightly.

"You can all leave." Her tone was dismissive, and the doctors exited like released prisoners.

As the door clicked shut, Alessandro turned to her, frustration boiling. "What the hell were you thinking, Mrs. Esposito? Do you see what you've done?"

She sat slowly on the couch, regal even in her fragility. "You already know why, Sandro. I have nothing more to say."

Alessandro groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Do you really have to put me in this position, Mum? Why marriage?"

"It's better to die than watch my son disobey me at every turn," she replied coolly. "Just look at Salvardo-married and blessed with a child. And you... wasting your years."

"So you want me to get married out of jealousy for Salvador ?" he scoffed. "Why not marry off Cassie instead?"

"You're such a fool, Sandro," she sighed. "Come sit beside me."

He did, reluctantly.

"I want a grandchild," she said simply. "Is that too much for a mother to ask?"

"You should've just said that. How many do you want? Two? Four?" he muttered.

"I mean it. I want a real grandchild. From you."

"Fine, I'll adopt one for you."

"Sandro!" she snapped, breaking into a harsh cough.

"Mum? Are you okay?" He leaned toward her.

She waved him off, the coughing subsiding. "You can't force me into this, Mum. I won't."

"Then live with the guilt that your stubbornness killed your mother," she said quietly.

Alessandro rose again, pacing. "You really are something. Fine. It's just marriage, right? I'll do it."

A smile graced her face. "Good. In a week."

"What?!" he yelled.

"I can't risk you changing your mind again."

She pulled a file from her bag and handed it to him. Alessandro scanned it, scowling.

"A marriage certificate? You've planned this all along."

"Sign it."

He sighed, grabbing a pen. "Fine. But you're going to Japan for treatment."

She laughed. "Do you really think I'm that sick? Please, I'm Mrs. Esposito."

She stood, still smiling, and walked out. Alessandro stared at the door in disbelief.

"Wait... did I just get played? Oh God-I'm burning this fucking hospital down."

---

9PM

Marianna lay sprawled on the couch, scrolling through her phone and munching caramel popcorn. Dressed in a pink crop top and blue shorts, she looked up as the doorbell rang.

"Coming!" she called, padding to the door. Peeking through the peephole, she smiled. Leonardo.

She opened the door and was immediately pulled into a tight hug.

"Babe, I missed you. I've been calling-you weren't answering," he said, holding her like she might vanish.

"I'm sorry... I didn't realize my phone was on silent," she murmured as they walked inside.

"Where were you? Even Angela didn't know."

She bit her finger unconsciously.

"You always do that when you're nervous. Talk to me."

She sighed and explained everything.

"I thought she changed, Leo. I miss her," she whispered, eyes brimming.

He pulled her to sit beside him and wrapped his arms around her.

"Not all mothers deserve the title. But maybe, one day, she'll come around."

Marianna broke the hug, tears slipping down.

"When Dad was framed for murder, she never defended him. He went to prison for something he didn't do... and she just married someone else. Left me with Aunt Meekha, who isn't even my real mother, but raised me like her own."

She sobbed. "When it all happened, Aunt almost lost her mind, but Mum didn't care. If you hadn't shown up that day, Leo, I wouldn't be alive right now."

His heart clenched at the memory, but he masked it with a soft smile and kissed her forehead.

"Stop bringing it up. It's in the past now. I've got you."

"I love you so damn much," she whispered as their lips met in a hot, desperate kiss.

He broke it with a grin. "You sure it's okay doing this here? I wouldn't want Aunt Meekha to walk in on us."

"She's on night shift. We're alone tonight," she teased, straddling his lap as they kissed again.

But the moment shattered when her phone beeped.

"Sorry," she mumbled, checking the screen. Her smile faded.

LET'S MEET TOMORROW. I HAVE SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO DISCUSS WITH YOU. DON'T BE LATE. SAME RESTAURANT.

Leo noticed. "What's wrong?"

She forced a smile. "Nothing serious."

---

Marianna entered the restaurant and was led to a reserved table. Her mother sat there, sipping her drink, a smile playing on her lips.

Marianna didn't return it. She sat across from her with cold eyes.

"Don't get it twisted. I'm only here because I have something to say. First, never call me again. And don't you dare ask about my father-you lost that right long ago."

Beatrice smiled, unfazed. "Are you done?" She slid a file across the table.

Marianna glanced at it with disgust. "What the hell is this?"

She opened it.

"A marriage certificate?" she spat. "What the hell does this have to do with me?"

Beatrice took her hands. "Congratulations, darling. You're getting married."

Marianna burst into laughter. "You've lost your mind. You must be confusing me with Luna. Why the hell is my name on this?"

"Stop yelling. I hate public scenes," Beatrice hissed.

"You're not worthy of being a mother," Mariana whispered.

"I'm doing this for you. You deserve the best man on earth. It's my duty as your mother-"

"Why don't you focus on Luna then?" she snapped, standing to leave. "I'm done with your bullshit."

Beatrice's voice stopped her cold.

"I'm not asking. It's not a request-it's an offer. You'll accept, eventually. Think of your father-his health is deteriorating. What if he dies in prison? What if Aunt Meekha suffers too?"

Mariana froze.

"I'm not threatening you, darling. Just reminding you of your reality. I can get your father out. One petition, and he might qualify for compassionate release."

Beatrice stood. "Five days till the wedding. Time's ticking."

She patted Marianna's shoulder and walked out.

Marianna stood motionless, tears spilling freely. Her father. Her aunt. The man she loved.

Leo...

Her phone beeped again.

MISS LORENZO, WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO REACH YOU SINCE YESTERDAY. YOUR DAD'S HEALTH IS NO LONGER A JOKE.

She read it and burst into sobs, running out of the restaurant into the unknown.

Chapter three

DARK DOMAIN – 2:00 PM ~~

Trucks moved in and out of the compound, their engines growling as crates were unloaded with practiced efficiency. A group of armed figures coordinated the operations, directing the flow like a well-oiled machine.

"How's it going?" asked Sage, the group's renowned sharpshooter. He strolled up with his hands buried in his pockets, his hair tied up in a tight bun, glistening with sweat.

"We're wrapping up," said Fire, motioning toward the final crate. "Everything should be in place before the boss arrives."

Kendrox approached them, scanning the scene with sharp eyes.

"We don't have time to be standing around," he said firmly. "Let's move."

An arm suddenly hooked around his shoulder.

"All work and no play makes Drox an idiot," said Seige, Sage's twin, with a mischievous grin. Kendrox smacked her gently on the head.

"Get to work, brat. Where's Thayla?"

A single gunshot cracked through the air behind them.

"You missed me," came a familiar voice.

Thayla, the group's notorious wildcard, approached with a smirk, twirling her pistol. Sage rolled his eyes.

"Didn't even realize you were gone."

She scowled. "Don't tempt me."

"Now that we're all here-what's the deal?" Seige asked, and Kendrox turned to Fire.

"Where is she?"

Everyone fell silent. They knew exactly who he meant. Only Fire answered.

"She's on her way. I texted her."

Kendrox sighed. "She better be here before three. The boss wants everyone in the Red Room by four."

He looked at Sage and Fire. "You two are handling the delivery. In and out. Be back before four."

They both nodded.

Thayla nudged Seige. "Looks like we're not needed. Training?"

"Let's go."

"Red Room, four!" Kendrox shouted after them.

They didn't respond.

---

~~ OAKDALE UNIVERSITY – 5:00 PM ~~

Despite not attending her dream school, Mariana had been enrolled in one of Palermo's best universities-Oakdale, ranked fourth in the country. Meekha had made sure of that.

Now, Mariana descended the main staircase of the university, but she moved like a ghost, her steps slow and heavy.

Tears stung her cheeks as her father's diagnosis replayed in her head.

> "He's too weak to remain in that facility. If this continues, you might lose him sooner than expected."

Her chest tightened.

> "Hasn't he suffered enough?" she thought bitterly. "He was framed... and now this? Death hovering over him like a vulture."

A gentle touch on her shoulder snapped her back to reality. She wiped her face quickly before turning.

"Hi, Jenny. Caspian," she said, forcing a smile.

"Hey, witch," Caspian teased. She playfully punched his arm.

"You okay?" Jenny asked, concerned. "You look... off."

"Something got in my eyes," Mariana lied, smiling weakly.

Caspian narrowed his eyes. "Did he do something to you?"

Jenny groaned. Caspian had never liked Leonardo. Said he gave off "hidden agenda" vibes.

"Not again," she muttered.

"I'm just saying-"

"I love you both," Mariana interrupted, hugging them tightly.

Caspian blinked. "Are you dying?"

They laughed.

"Stop being weird," Jenny said. A car horn honked behind them.

"Here comes lover boy," she added.

Leonardo approached with a smile. Caspian rolled his eyes.

"Hi guys. Hey, babe." Leo kissed Mariana's forehead. Caspian grimaced.

Jenny elbowed him.

"What?"

"We'll just head out," she said quickly, dragging Caspian away.

Leonardo frowned. "Your friends still don't like me."

"They're just... them," Mariana said with a soft smile. "Come on, let's go home. I missed you."

---

~~ OUTSIDE ~~

"What's your problem, Caspian?" Jenny asked as they reached his car.

"I don't trust him. He gives off a vibe I hate."

Jenny raised a brow. "Jealous because he's hotter?"

Caspian scoffed. "Please. Do you know how many girls would kill to be in your shoes?"

Jenny rolled her eyes. Then Caspian's phone beeped-and his entire demeanor changed.

She noticed.

"You're not dropping me off, are you?"

"I'm sorry. Something urgent came up. I'll make it up to you."

Jenny's temper flared. "Every time your phone beeps, you disappear. You don't get to call Leo suspicious when you keep secrets too. I thought we were friends."

She stormed off into a taxi before he could respond. Caspian watched her leave, guilt heavy in his chest. Then his phone beeped again. He drove off without hesitation.

--

LEONARDO'S RESIDENCE – NIGHT ~~

Marianna sat on the kitchen stool, arms wrapped around herself, watching Leonardo move around like he had no idea the storm brewing inside her.

He smiled at her, soft and warm, but her return smile was distant. Heavy.

Then her phone vibrated.

> THE CLOCK IS TICKING, DARLING. ONE DAY LEFT. CHOOSE: YOUR FATHER'S FREEDOM... OR MEEKHA'S HAPPY LIFE.

Her heart stopped. Her hands went cold. She quickly flipped the phone over before Leo could notice.

He turned around, eyes full of unshakable affection. "Dinner's ready."

"Thanks," she whispered. Then after a pause, "Want to drink something?"

"You don't even like alcohol," he said, surprised.

"Just a little. Please?"

He moved closer, kissed her forehead gently. "You can talk to me, love."

She kissed him back, hands lingering on his face. "I just want to feel... warm. Just for tonight."

He returned with a bottle of red wine. "Just don't get drunk on me. Meekha would kill me."

She didn't wait. She downed the first glass like it was water.

Leo blinked, concerned. "Hey-"

She poured another, gulping it down. Her heart pounded violently. Fear, love, guilt-all mixing like poison.

The meal was beautiful, but she could barely taste it.

"This is amazing," she said, voice thin, watery.

"You deserve the best," he murmured.

She stood slowly and walked toward him, her eyes locked on his. Then she straddled his lap, settling over him with trembling hands and tear-glossed eyes.

"I'm sleeping over tonight."

He placed his hands on her waist, looking up at her. "It's been a while..."

She touched his face, voice cracking. "I love you, Leo. I love you so much it hurts."

He stared at her. "Mari..."

"I have something to tell you," she whispered.

"What is it?"

She didn't answer with words. She kissed him-softly at first, then deeper. Fiercer. Her lips trembled. Her hands were urgent, desperate as they fumbled with his shirt.

He pulled back slightly. "You're drunk."

"No," she whispered, eyes shining. "I'm sure. I want this. I want you."

He searched her expression, then leaned in. "Don't beg me to stop..."

"I won't."

He stood, lifting her easily, carrying her to the bedroom. When he laid her down, she was already undoing the zipper of her dress with shaky fingers.

But he stopped her.

"No rush," he murmured, kissing her neck. "Let me take care of you."

Her dress slid off her shoulders slowly, revealing trembling skin and soft vulnerability. He traced every inch of her with reverence, brushing kisses down her collarbone, her stomach, her thighs-but something in the way she tensed made him pause.

"Have you ever...?" he whispered.

She shook her head. "You're my first."

His breath hitched. "Mari..."

"I want you. Only you. Even if it hurts."

His eyes softened-dark with restraint, but burning with emotion. "I'll be gentle. I promise."

His hands moved slowly, carefully. Her body was shaking beneath him. He took his time, kissing her inner thighs, holding her gaze the entire time as he explored her with his fingers. She moaned, shy and breathless, slowly relaxing into his touch.

But when he aligned himself with her and began to enter, her body tensed. A sharp cry escaped her lips.

He stilled immediately. "Mari-"

"I'm okay," she said, voice tight, tears escaping her eyes. "Just... go slow."

He kissed her forehead, brushing the tears away with his thumb.

And he did.

Every inch felt like fire. Every movement was a war between pain and pleasure, between love and guilt. She clung to him, fingers digging into his back, biting her lip to keep from crying out again.

"I'm sorry," he whispered against her lips. "You're so tight... I don't want to hurt you."

"You already have," she said brokenly. "Just don't stop now."

He kissed her deeply as he pushed in fully, stealing her breath as the last of her barrier broke.

She whimpered, her body burning from the inside out-but his hands never left her. He kissed her, worshipped her, whispered how beautiful she was until the pain slowly gave way to something new-something tender and raw and unbelievably powerful.

She started to move with him, slow at first. Their bodies rocked together, clinging desperately like they could fuse into one. The bed creaked softly beneath them. Their gasps filled the room.

"I love you," she whispered again. "I love you so damn much."

He looked down at her, his own eyes glistening. "Then don't leave me."

She broke. Her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him in for a tear-soaked kiss. "I won't. Not tonight."

Their bodies moved faster, messier, needier. His lips were everywhere-her neck, her chest, her mouth. Her moans grew louder, his control snapped, and when they both finally climaxed-shuddering, breaking-it felt like everything inside them cracked open.

He collapsed beside her, pulling her into his chest. "You're mine," he whispered. "Only mine."

She nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks silently.

Because in less than twenty-four hours...

She might have to destroy him.

---

~~ NEXT DAY – 9:00 AM ~~

Leonardo opened his eyes slowly-only to find the bed empty.

"Anna?" he called, checking the apartment. Nothing.

He reached for his phone. A message lit up his screen.

From Anna.

He smiled.

Then he read it.

> By the time you read this, I'll be walking down the aisle with another man. I'm sorry it ended this way, Leo. But I think it's best we end this now. Hate me if you must-but I'm not sorry. This is who I am.

His phone shook in his hand.

Tears welled in his eyes.

"No. No, this... this has to be a joke."

He dialed her number. Disconnected.

Panicked, he called Meekha.

"Is Anna home yet?" he blurted.

"She was with you, Leo! She left me a weird message about getting married-what the hell is going on?"

"I-I'll find her. I'm sorry."

He hung up and dialed again. This time, she picked up.

"Oh my God, Anna! What's happening? Where are you? What marriage?"

"It's not a joke, Leo. You'll get over it. I just called to say goodbye. Let's never meet again."

"Stop this, Anna! Are you still drunk?! You left my bed this morning-you said you'd marry me!"

She laughed bitterly.

"Yeah. I gave you my first time. Think of it as a goodbye gift."

"ANNA!"

"Goodbye, Leonardo."

Click.

Silence.

"Anna... Anna!"

He screamed, hurling his phone against the wall as hot tears streamed down his face. His chest felt like it was caving in, every breath a battle.

She was gone.

And she'd shattered him completely.