The Mafia's Contracted Bride: Her escape, His power

"I told you already I'm not interested in dancing with you or sharing a drink. Just leave me alone, please, for God's sake." The tension building up throughout the night finally found its way out, even after I left the event to breathe fresh air.

The individual in the shadow who was stepping onto the terrace stopped moving. For a second, I thought they would turn around and leave, but I was wrong. I swear to God my last option right now is to jump off this railing to escape this horrible night, and I'm willing to take that chance.

"Care for a cigarette ?" The man's voice approached me, and I took a cautious step to the right, disappearing into the darkness. This wasn't the voice of someone I'd been trying to escape all night. It was deep and raspy, the total opposite of the one I'd been hearing throughout the entire event.

As the figure approached the glass railing on my left, the dim moonlight revealed who he was. I was surprised he chose to attend this type of event when he typically does not. He calmly took a drag from his cigarette, disregarding my presence, which was already concealed by darkness.

"Nikolas Salvatore," I've been researching this name for a whole week, but it felt weird saying it out loud.

Nikolas Salvatore, one of the heirs of The Salvatore Empire and the most important person in my plan of freedom. Besides his older brother, he's the rumored one to be taking over one of the most powerful underworld mob family businesses, The Salvatore Empire. He's also the person I've been meaning to look for.

"Are you one of my Admirers?" His smile turned into a smirk.

"No, but I want you to marry me." This was not what I had in my mind.

An uncomfortable silence passed between us, and I could feel the intensity of his gaze on me even though it was dark and he couldn't see me. Just when I thought he would take a step forward and strangle me to death, given his background, he shook his head and chuckled.

"Well, I don't know what to tell you. I have plenty of suitors, so get in line," He drew on his cigarette once more, and I felt his attention slipping away from my fingers.

"That's because I have an offer to make. You will need me soon, better make it quick before you lose the battle to Matteo. The Salvatore Empire don't want a failure in it, do they?" I touched a sore spot.

Matteo was his rival, and Nikolas was currently fighting for an establishment to build their empire. My whole week of endless research paid off when I was able to grab his attention. If I wasn't so desperate, I wouldn't have been making a deal with the devil right now, but this is the only way I can save myself and my future.

"Interesting," He commented, "Is this another plan of Matteo to bring me down?"

"No, but this can be your plan to bring Matteo down," I countered.

"And why should I believe a faceless and nameless woman hiding behind the dark." His eyebrows raised in question.

A gush of wind passed by, and I pulled the white fur tighter around my shoulder as my red satin dress clung softly to my body. My heels clicked against the floor as I took a few confident strides toward him, revealing myself as the moonlight shined down at me. No matter how confident I was, His presence was still empowering as he stood there, towering over me.

"Aurora Sinclair," He immediately recognized me. "What a surprise. You were the last person I was expecting these words from."

"You know me?" I was stunned to learn that, despite my limited appearance, he recognized me immediately.

"Of course. It's impossible not to recognize you when I'm at your engagement party." His eyebrows raised in question.

That's right, my engagement party, the one I was informed of a week ago, along with the introduction of a man I was supposed to marry within one month. The same party I tried to escape tonight just because my own 'fiance' is an absolute piece of crap. Now, I plan to get rid of him at once by offering a deal to someone nobody expected, not even myself.

"Very well. Now you know that what I'm offering right now is not gibberish and extremely serious. It's like the last gambit that would turn the tables for both you and me," I explained.

"The last thing I expected tonight was Matteo's fiance trying to get rid of him." He paused, "But why did you even decide to marry that bastard anyway? Isn't he the same age as your father?"

"He's 35 and 10 years older than me. And to answer your first question, I was forced by my family into this engagement, but after knowing his plan and what I'm getting myself into, I decided that I would rather kill myself than marry him." I explained.

For some reason, I started feeling nervous as he put out his cigarette to study me with his grey-blue eyes as if trying to decipher every thought in my mind.

"What are you trying to do, Aurora?" His question felt genuine yet so demanding.

"I'm trying to save myself. I have every right to defend myself, and you'll know everything if you decide which side is more favorable to you."

"A Sinclair child acting out, that's something new. I thought you all were machines, designed to agree with whatever your father says." Nikolas folded his arms and leaned against the glass railing.

I was running out of time, and he did not understand the intensity of the situation. Truth be told, It was justifiable since our family is not exactly on great terms. That's why my father was supporting Matteo instead of him in the upcoming voting for the establishment. Sinclair Family and the Salvatore Empire have had their differences of opinion since the start, but it hasn't resulted in a war so far, considering how both families are so powerful.

"I don't have time for your mockery. It's a matter of time before someone figures out I'm missing from the party. So we better talk business before the time runs out," I hurried.

"I'm listening, princess,"

"Princess?" I scoffed at his remark, "If I were a princess, I would not be rebelling against my father, knowing that he would kill me," My hands balled into a fist.

It was like talking to a devil who's not interested in helping a dying woman at all. I'm serious when I say that there is a high possibility that I will be dead if I continue with this plan, but I'm willing to take the risk. All because it's better than slowly dying every day.

"Nikolas, I know I sound crazy to you because the first few words I shared with you were asking you to marry me. I understand that you have no reason to trust me. But still, it's better than losing everything you've worked hard for to a man like Matteo and my father. You know that organization would be automatically handed over to Matteo if he decides to take a bride from a powerful family such as mine. And it would be the doom of everything you've worked on." I ran a hand through my wavy curls, accepting the fate I'd been given as being born into an underworld mafia family.

"All I want from you is to think about my offer and the opportunity given. I know that If you decide to marry me, there will be consequences. But in the end, you'll have your empire, and I will have an opportunity to breathe and not die every day. This is a perfect business deal between us. Apart from that, you will have a wife in your name, but you can live your life however you want. Maybe this relationship can heal the relations between both the powerful family which no can break,"

I took a deep breath as I finished my speech and was surprised at how focused and calm he was while listening to everything I said. No matter how absurd it sounded to him, he didn't let it show on his face. But, of course, who would be better at masking their emotions than the Salvatore's?

"The consequences you're talking about, what if they are rivalry between our families? What if it declares the war against the underworld if I decide to steal Giordano's Future bride?" The questions he asked were something I had deliberated quite hard on.

I was about to answer his questions when I heard my older sister's voice coming from the room next to the terrace. She was calling me out, looking for me. I had no time to waste, so I quickly took out a pen from my clutch and grabbed his hand. My heart was beating out of my chest in anticipation as I wrote my number on his hand, which was firm and steady.

"Look, I don't have time, and this is going be a long discussion, I believe. But since you are considering it even if it's a little, this is my burner phone number, which you can only call me at night," I explained.

"Why do you have a burner phone?" He looked confused.

"You don't?" I forgot not everyone has a psychotic house just like mine.

I straightened my dress, fixed my hair, and rushed to leave, but then I decided to look back at Nikolas, who was holding his hand with my number on it and giving it an intense look.

"I hope we meet again, Nikolas."

___X

"Ready for your date tonight?" My older sister Eliana peeked inside the room while I was straightening my hair at my vanity.

"This is just stupid, Eliana, and you know it. Please help me out and talk to our father so I don't have to go on this disastrous date, " I said, setting my straightener aside.

Eliana Sinclair, my only close family member in this house, is three years older than me. Lorenzo Sinclair is the oldest one of us and the most arrogant and ruthless one. Eliana and I usually don't have that close of a relationship with our brother or our father.

But I can tell he would prefer Eli talking to him rather than me; he despises me. He only talks to me when he wants to order something. Just like today, I was instructed to go out with Matteo for some kind of 'bonding,' which was also communicated by his right-hand man rather than my father himself.

"You know I can't get you out of this one, Ari. You're the one who bailed on most of the engagement ceremony. You have no idea how angry Father was." She closed the door behind her and took slow steps towards me.

"I think I did pretty well after being informed about my biggest life decision a week before the ceremony." I sighed.

"You should try giving Matteo a chance. Maybe he's not that bad and would let you pursue your dreams." Her tone was soft and sweet as she tried to comfort me.

When I finally faced her, I shot up from my dressing stool in horror.

"What the hell, Eliana? What did that bastard do now?" I touched her eyebrows gently, and she winced, which indicated it was a recent bruise.

Eliana has been trapped in an arranged marriage for the past two years. Her husband is unbelievably manipulative and abusive. After one year of marriage, he slapped her and apologized. But when he realized that no one cared about that as long as he was providing for her, his behavior changed drastically, and hence a new bruise every week. This one was quite visible even though she tried to hide it with her makeup.

"It's nothing, Ari. I just hit my head on the table while I was picking up my spoon." She attempted to brush my hand away from her face with a faint smile on her lips.

"Aren't you tired of making excuses every other day?" I was done with that piece of trash, "That's it; I'm going to confront our father to settle this for good." I said and moved towards the door.

My heart burns whenever I see my sister suffer alone. My father and brothers refuse to back her up, claiming they are husband and wife, and whatever happens between them is a private matter. Not anymore, when he's publicly leaving severe marks on her. Before I could reach the door, Eliana stopped me by placing her back on the door.

"Stop it, Aurora! Nobody is going to listen to you. The blame will fall on you instead, and you have enough on your plate already." Her wide eyes begged.

"The blame should fall on father, Eliana. He's the one who arranged the marriage between you and Viktor. This is exactly why I'm afraid of Matteo. I'm afraid my fears are coming true, Eliana," I was also pleading for the freedom we both deserved.

We both stared into each other's eyes, each of us pleading in our way. And just when I thought she would say something, a knock on the door interrupted us, and we both immediately took two steps back. Our housekeeper gently stepped inside, her gaze lowered.

"Mr. Sinclair is requesting the presence of Aurora in the living room. Mr. Giordano's driver is here to pick you up," she informed me.

"I'll be there in 10 minutes."

With that, she left the room, and Eliana followed her, leaving me in the room alone with my thoughts. Nothing good ever comes from confrontations within this family; I should have learned that lesson by now. I can't believe I'm going on this golf club's first date with my 'fiance' and a living nightmare, Matteo Giordano.

Xx___xX

The sky was radiant today, the perfect weather to play golf in this vast green field. Yet here I am, with Matteo telling me how to play golf like I've never played it before. I'm ten times better than him, but he refuses to acknowledge that.

"And that's how you execute a perfect shot."

It wasn't even in the hole.

"I didn't make it, but my form is better than yours, if I'm honest." He gloated.

All his forms were bizarre and terrible.

I wanted a break to escape from his horrible comments, which were sexist and mocking me about my game. So that's why I handed my golf club to the caddie near me and made my way towards the beverage cart to grab a drink. Matteo continued to play, or maybe he didn't even notice my absence because he was so full of himself. I grabbed the water bottle from the cart and was about to open it when I noticed the shadow on the ground.

"Enjoying your cute little date, I see,"

I turned around to find Nikolas Salvatore staring down at me. He is wearing a white polo shirt and straight pants, his eyes hidden behind the sunglasses, and his hands in his pockets. For a second, I thought I was seeing things because he never contacted me once throughout the whole week. And here he is, standing in front of me, his presence as captivating as ever.

"You're not dead, I see," I countered back.

"Already wishing I was dead? I thought you would be the only person praying I would be alive since you need me so much." His sarcastic tone pissed me off.

"That's where you are wrong, Nikolas. I don't need your charity. I just wanted to make a good deal with you first before exploring my other options." I folded my arms across my chest and glared at him.

"And who do you plan to trap in your plan next?" He asked.

"Lev," I answered.

"My younger brother?" He scoffed at my reply.

"Yeah, Lev Salvatore. He has a great, lively, and easy-going personality. I think he would be a better partner than you." It was not my plan, but I just wanted to piss him off.

The smile on his face wiped off immediately. I thought it would be satisfying to make the great Nikolas angry, but I was wrong. His sarcastic and calm demeanor immediately shifted to something cold. Nikolas's gaze would have struck me like a thunderstorm if it weren't hidden under the sunglasses.

"Let it be your last warning, Aurora: stay away from me and my family. I promise you, I'm not that patient when it comes to hurting someone close to me." He took a step closer to me. "Don't let me get involved in this game of yours. Or else you will regret the outcome."

The one thing that annoys me is that he thinks he can threaten me after completely ditching me. I don't owe him a favor, nor do I deserve to be treated like that. It was a deal I offered, which he didn't take, and that's where it should end.

"You think I'm playing some sick game, Nikolas Salvatore? I'm not some pawn you all can control and manipulate. You don't have the right to threaten me when you don't even know me. The least you could do is show some dignity." I stood my ground.

"Oh, I do know types of people like you, princess. You take pleasure in making a fool out of others. At least you should have kept the honor of Sinclair's name." He snapped.

I was about to say something when I realized what he had just said. Making a fool out of others and not keeping my family's honor? I don't remember us having a conversation where I did something like that to make him this angry. I thought it was just about him taking advantage of my situation.

"What the hell are you talking about?" I sounded as confused as I looked.

Just when he opened his mouth to say something, he stopped and looked right behind me. I instantly knew what was wrong because Matteo must have finished playing and made his way toward the cart. As soon as I turned around, Matteo's smile dropped as he saw Nikolas behind me.

Oh no, this can't be good. They are bitter enemies. What if Nikolas says something about my plan to Matteo just because he's pissed at me for some reason? What if Matteo says something to Niko that would add fuel to the fire? I don't have a good feeling about this at all.

Xx___xX

"Funny running into you here, Salvatore. I thought you were hiding from me." Matteo joined us, and the energy completely shifted.

"Since when do I need to hide from you, Matteo? Besides, you're on my property, so I guess you want me to be around you all the time." Nikolas gave him a sharp smile.

I glared at Matteo because I just realized the purpose of this 'golf club date.' It wasn't to bond with his fiancée or get to know me. It was purely based on the fact he wanted to run into Nikolas to rub it in his face about his soon-to-be defeat. He just wanted to let Nikolas know that he was the one winning the war.

"Well, since you're already here, I want you to meet my future wife. I was surrounded by some important guests at my engagement party that I forgot to introduce you guys. This is the daughter of Pietro Sinclair and my fiancée, Aurora." Matteo said with a wicked smile on his face.

As much as I hated the fact that his introduction about me was based solely on my father's name, I was terrified of what Nikolas was about to say next. Based on how angry he was earlier at me, I'm pretty sure my cover will be blown in a few seconds.

"Nice to meet you, Aurora," He extended his hand towards me, and I grabbed it cautiously. "I'm Nikolas, but you can call me Niko." He passed a small smile.

I was surprised that he was being cooperative, but I knew that I shouldn't trust him so soon. He must be planning something else in the devious mind of his.

"Well, we are getting married next week, and I will send you the invitation, Niko." Matteo exaggerated.

"Call me that again and you will never see the light of day ever, Matteo." He then turned to me and smiled again, "Goodbye then." He was only doing this to irritate Matteo and I couldn't help but smile.

Then Nikolas suddenly left, ignoring the hell out of Matteo. As much as I have my differences with Nikolas, I was thrilled to enjoy the look on Matteo's face. He was flabbergasted and rightfully annoyed that someone just insulted him in front of his fiancée. I'm pretty sure his little ego is bruised.

"Don't mind him; he's just like that all the time. He's jealous of my achievements, you know." Matteo was trying to do the damage control. "It's a business-related thing. You won't understand it, but just remember he's a very dangerous and evil man." I rolled my eyes at his comment.

"Yeah, sure, but you do whatever you were doing; I'll be back from the restroom."

Without even waiting for his reply, I turned around and started walking.

I'm not sure what I was about to do, but I wanted to follow Nikolas because we need to talk. I fear there is some kind of misunderstanding between us that I have to resolve.

When I stepped inside the building of the clubhouse, I saw its beauty for the first time, which I didn't earlier. Matteo was ruining everything for me now. But this building is elegant and sleek with tons of amenities, like a club at the right corner occupied by a group of a few older men.

The club also had private rooms and a game room.

I don't even know why I'm here inside of this building when Nikolas must be long gone. It's foolish to look for him right now as it's too risky, but at the same time, I don't want to go back to Matteo and listen to him degrade me and my honor. Just when I was about to leave, I heard a cough behind me.

"Miss. Aurora." Someone called my name, and I turned around.

"Do I know you?" I was unfamiliar with the man standing in front of me.

"I'm Carlo Vitale, assistant of Mr. Nikolas Salvatore. May I help you with anything?" He asked politely.

"Hey Carlo, I'm looking for Nikolas. He just came here a few minutes ago. Have you seen him?"

Carlo gave me a look that I couldn't understand, but I didn't think he was going to help some stranger find his boss.

"I just need to talk to him. If you can-

"Right this way, ma'am." He started walking towards one of the elevators in the corner.

I was caught so off guard by it but continued to follow him to the VIP elevator. This is a really bad idea. Aurora, What are you doing? What if someone recognizes me? Or what if I'm gone for too long and Matteo notices?

"So how do you know me?" I tried to make a small conversation with Carlo inside the elevator.

"Lots of Research." His answer was precise and honest.

This was the only information I got from him, and my thoughts came to a halt when the elevator doors opened. Carlo went up to the only room present on the top floor. Something inside my head screamed this is bad, but it was too late.

"What are you doing here?" Nikolas asked me as soon as the door opened.

"Can't you see? I'm here to communicate which you don't know how to do," I explained.

"There is nothing for us to talk about." He was still as grumpy as earlier.

Another voice came from inside the room,

"Where are you? I've been screaming your name for the past 10 minutes." A blonde girl peeked her head out the door in her bathrobe and wet hair. Nikolas immediately shut the door and I could hear him whispering something to her.

.

I felt like digging a hole and burying myself in it. I've never been stuck in such an awkward and uncomfortable situation in my life. Now I understand the purpose of this VIP room being the only room on the floor. I knew it was a bad idea coming here. I should have stopped myself when my brain was warning me. Now I have to get myself out of this weird situation because even Carlo is quite beside me.

"You know what, Carlo," I whispered to him while Nikolas was still talking to the girl inside, "On second thought, my fiancé is waiting for me, so I have to go. We'll try to make some arrangements next time."

As soon as I said it, I started walking towards the elevator as fast as I could. I just want to escape this embarrassing situation as soon as possible. But man, a golf club? Couldn't they have looked for a penthouse or a hotel? But then again, he owns this place, so he can technically do whatever the hell he wants.

"Where is she?" I heard Nikolas's voice in the distance when I was almost breaking the elevator call button. Oh god, why was it taking so long?

I stepped inside as soon as the elevator arrived, grateful as the doors started closing. That was until a hand shot in and stopped it.

"Damn it!" I couldn't help but be disappointed at the elevator for betraying me.

"I thought you would be elated to see me back," Nikolas smirked.

"I just wanted to talk, but we can do it later. You can finish whatever business you were doing, and Matteo is waiting for me anyway," I crossed my arms over my chest.

The elevator was finally about to reach the ground floor when Nikolas pressed a button and the elevator stopped moving. My heart rate escalated, and panic took over me, so I punched Nikolas in the arm.

"What the hell, man? You can't do that." Who was I even telling that to?

"I've built this place, so yeah, I can pretty much do whatever I want. But this is your only chance to talk since you've blocked my number, and I need an explanation."

My eyes went wide in surprise as I looked at him, completely confused.

"What are you talking about? When did you even call me?" I gestured with my arms as I spoke.

"I called you plenty of times, Aurora, and when you picked it up, did you forget what you said?" He explained.

None of this was making sense at all. When did he call me, and what did I even say?

"Damn, first of all, slow down. Secondly, you called me? Like you wanted to help me out?" I asked, and now he was the one looking at me with confusion.

"I called you five times on your burner phone as you suggested. And when you finally picked it up, I said I'm willing to marry you. But you shut me down by saying that it was just a test for Matteo and you would never betray him and your father. You said you were happy with the man you're with. Apart from that, you told me to never contact you or come near you ever again." He explained.

"This is impossible," I couldn't understand anything.

"I even tried contacting you on your real number. Aurora, I don't know what you want me to tell you. This is the truth. I thought that it was just a game for you, and it pissed me off. Now tell me what the hell happened." He asked hurriedly.

Everything started to make sense one by one. The speech in the morning of our father knows the best finally clicked. I was getting played from the start.

"I think what happened was that you talked to my older sister Eliana when I wasn't in my room. She must have known what I was up to when you repeated your words. She was the one who talked to you and blocked your number from both my phones." I explained in disbelief.

I can't believe my sister was trying to stab me in the back.

"I have to go right now, Nikolas, but I promise it was just a misunderstanding, and I waited for your call the whole week before giving up. I promise you I'll be the one contacting you tonight. Let's meet up tomorrow at the same time here." I paused, "Now get this thing running before I punch this elevator door open."

"You're only going to hurt yourself, princess." He pressed some other button, and it started moving again. "Let's talk real business next time. Your fiancé must be waiting for you."

The elevator door opened, and I made my way out before turning around for the last time.

"He's not my fiancé, and don't call me princess," I pointed my finger at him.

All I got in return was a smirk before the doors closed again. I was regretting my decision a few minutes ago, but not anymore. Now all I have to do is confront the person who I trust the most. Why did you stab me in the back like that, Eliana?

___X