The Mafia's captive

I sat in front of the mirror, I couldn't help but think about how real this moment felt. I was actually getting married to Nathaniel, the guy I had been crushing on for years, and it was all thanks to the scholarship that had given me the opportunity to attend Columbia University.

There I was, walking in the bustling hallways of that prestigious institution, that our paths had first crossed in a literal sense, his shoulder had collided with mine, and as I turned to face him, our eyes had met, and I had been struck by the warmth and kindness that radiated from his gaze. I had fallen in love with him at first sight, I would have never believed if someone told me that I will get married to him one day.

He looked at me with concern, " are you okay?" He asked.

I....I am fine, thanks," I mumble the words out of my lips. My heart was racing and I became nervous.

He looked at me with the most beautiful smile, " Thank Goodness you're fine, I'm sorry I hit you, I am in a hurry, I need to get my stuff from the chancellor's office." He said, his voice soft and sweet.

I couldn't help but admire him, " it's okay, I should not waste your time." I said.

"Thanks" he said, with a calm expression as he ran down the hall.

And now it was hard to believe that my first love was now standing at the altar, waiting for me. As I prepared to spend the rest of my life with him, I felt a sense of joy and gratitude that was hard to put into words.

I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, taking in the beautiful white wedding dress that adorned my body. The gown was a stunning masterpiece, with intricate diamond glitters that sparkled in the light. It was a simple yet unique design that hug my curves and made me feel like a princess. I felt like the luckiest person alive to be wearing such a gorgeous dress on my special day.

My parents had always been supportive of my dreams, and I knew they were thrilled to see me marrying the love of my life. My mom's hands rested gently on my shoulders, and as I met her gaze in the mirror, I saw tears welling up in her eyes.

"You look absolutely beautiful, Hazel," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. I felt a lump form in my throat as I smiled back at her, and a single tear rolled down my cheek as I replied, "Thanks, Mom." I took a deep breath, savoring the moment, and feeling like the luckiest person alive.

Just then, I heard a knocked on the door and my dad came in. His eyes were filled with joy, surprise, and sadness. He had never seen me look so beautiful before. "You look absolutely beautiful, my little girl," he said, trying to hold back tears. I smiled slightly, feeling a tear roll down my cheek. "Thank you, Dad."

He sighed, looking at me with a mix of emotions. "I still think of you as my little baby, but now you're all grown up, 22 years old and getting married. It's hard to believe." He smiled, but his eyes showed concern. "I hope he treats you well. I'm a bit worried because of his family and the kind of dangerous things they're involved with, but I trust you. You love him, and I want you to be happy so I'll trust him with you."

I reassured him, "Don't worry, Dad. He loves me too, and he'll protect me." My dad smiled, but his expression still showed worry. I knew I had to prove to him that everything would be okay.

"Now it's time for me to take you to the altar," my dad said, his voice filled with emotion as he gazed at me with tears in his eyes. My mom helped me adjust my dress, making sure every fold and crease was perfect. I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and happiness as I prepared to walk down the aisle. My dad offered me his arm, and I took it, feeling a sense of comfort and security as we walked towards the door.

As we made our way through the venue, the guests applauded, their faces smiling and joyful. I felt like a princess, my beautiful white wedding dress shimmering in the light. My hair was styled perfectly, and my makeup was subtle yet elegant. I had never felt more beautiful in my life.

As we approached Nathaniel, my soon-to-be husband, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. He looked handsome in his tailored tuxedo, his eyes locked on mine as we exchanged a tender smile. My dad handed me over to Nathaniel, who took my hand and pulled me close. His smile was captivating, and he whispered, "You look stunning, Hazel." I blushed and replied, "Thanks, you look great too."

The moment was magical, and I felt like I was on top of the world. But our tender moment was short-lived. Suddenly, a convoy of black cars screeched to a halt outside the venue, the sound of tires squealing and cars crashing echoing through the air. The guests gasped in shock, and I felt Nathaniel's grip on my hand tighten.

Gang members poured out of the cars, armed with guns and knives, their faces twisted with menace. They looked like they meant business, and I could feel the atmosphere turn tense and fearful. I glanced at my parents, who looked worried and scared, their eyes fixed on the gang members.

My heart racing, I watched as one of the gang members opened the door of a car, and Orion stepped out. He was tall, handsome, and exuded an aura of fearlessness and power. His eyes scanned the room, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. I felt a shiver run down my spine as he began to walk towards us, his movements confident and deliberate.

Nathaniel's grip on my hand tightened, and I could feel his body tense beside me. I knew that something was about to go terribly wrong, and I couldn't help but wonder what Orion wanted. Why had he crashed our wedding, and what did he plan to do next?

Orion stepped out of the car, exuding an aura of power and authority. His rugged one-arm tattoo was a striking feature, but his expression told a different story, one of trouble and menace. As he walked down the hall, his eyes fixed intently on Hazel.

The atmosphere turned tense as his gang members drew their guns, pointing them at the terrified guests. Orion's fist connected with Nathaniel's jaw, sending him crashing to the ground. Nathaniel struggled to his feet, his nose bleeding, but he was no match for Orion's brute strength. A vicious blow from Orion's gun sent Nathaniel tumbling to the floor once more.

"This marriage is canceled," Orion declared, his voice dripping with malice. "Anyone who opposes my decision will be killed." Hazel's expression transformed from fear to shock, her eyes wide with terror. The guests cowered in fear, aware of Orion's ruthless reputation. He was a man who killed without remorse, striking fear into the hearts of all who crossed him.

Orion's gaze locked onto Hazel, his eyes burning with intensity. "You won't be marrying him," he growled, his voice laced with possession. "Do you understand?" Hazel's face contorted in shock, her voice trembling as she asked, "Wh...Why would you say that?"

Orion's response sent a chill down Hazel's spine. "He's not good for you, baby girl. He's lying to you." Tears streamed down Hazel's face as she protested, "He loves me, why are you doing this? He's your cousin, for goodness sake!" Orion's expression remained unyielding. "He has never loved you."

Hazel's world was crumbling around her. Orion's words cut deep, but she refused to believe them. "It's a lie," she sobbed, her body shaking with fear. "You can't just decide anything because people fear you."

Orion's voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "Now, I'm going to make this clear, baby girl. You'll marry me, right here and right now, or I'll kill everyone in this place immediately." Hazel's eyes widened in horror as Orion signal one of his men, he grabbed her father, holding a gun to his head.

Hazel's face contorted in terror as she begged, "Please, I'll do anything you want, just let my parents go." Tears streamed down her face, her body shaking uncontrollably as she pleaded for mercy.

As Orion's man held a gun to her father's head, Hazel's world seemed to collapse around her. She was forced to make an impossible choice, marry the ruthless Orion or risk the lives of her loved ones.

Orion's voice cut through the air, his tone cold and calculating. "Pastor, please proceed with the vows. We have a wedding to complete." The pastor, visibly shaken, nodded hesitantly and began to speak.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Orion and Hazel in holy matrimony..." Hazel's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to the pastor's words. She felt like she was living in a nightmare, unable to wake up.

Nathaniel on the other hand was standing there, guns point to his head, his expression was filled with hatred. He could not do anything to stop the wedding.

Hazel's mother, overcome with grief, sobbed uncontrollably beside her. Hazel's heart ached as she watched her mother's tears fall, feeling helpless to comfort her.

Orion, however, seemed unmoved by the emotional scene unfolding before him. His eyes remained fixed on Hazel, his gaze burning with an unnerving intensity.

As the pastor continued with the vows, Hazel felt a sense of detachment wash over her. She was going through the motions, but her heart was not in it. She was being forced to marry a man she didn't love, a man who had torn her life apart.

When the pastor asked her to repeat her vows, Hazel's voice trembled as she spoke the words. She felt like she was betraying herself, her heart, and her loved ones.

As she exchanged rings with Orion, Hazel's eyes met her mother's, and she saw the deep sadness and concern reflected back at her. She knew that her mother was trying to be strong for her, but Hazel could see the fear and worry etched on her face.

As the ceremony came to a close, Orion's grip on Hazel's hand tightened, his eyes gleaming with a possessive intensity. "It's time to take you home, wife," he said, his voice low and husky.

But before they could take a step, Hazel's father intervened, his voice shaking with emotion. "Orion, please...I'm begging you...don't hurt my daughter. Treat her well, she's a good girl, soft and kind. She doesn't deserve to be treated roughly."

Orion's expression was soft for a second, like he is trying to hide his emotions but Hazel's father continued, his words pouring out in a desperate plea. "I know you've taken her by force, but please...have mercy. If anything happens to my daughter, I swear on my life that I will find a way to kill you."

The air was thick with tension as Orion's gaze locked onto Hazel's father. For a moment, it seemed like time stood still, the only sound the heavy breathing of the guests.

Just as it seemed like Orion was about to respond, a commotion outside broke the silence. Five black cars screeched to a halt outside the venue, their tires smoking as they took the corners.

The doors burst open, and a team of suited men poured out, their guns and knives at the ready. They formed a semi-circle around the entrance, their eyes scanning the room with a mixture of curiosity and hostility.

And then, from the lead car, a figure emerged. He was tall, with a tattoo of a snake coiled around his neck, its eyes seeming to gleam in the light. An eyeglass perched on the end of his nose, giving him an air of sophistication that belied the danger emanating from him.

His aura was even more intimidating than Orion's, and Hazel felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes met. Who was this man, and what did he want?

The man's fist connected with Orion's jaw, sending him stumbling backward. Their eyes locked in a fierce stare as the man growled, "Who gives you the right to stop your cousin's wedding and take his wife, huh?" His voice was high and intimidating, echoing through the silent venue.

Orion's expression remained calm, his voice low and confident. "Dad, I don't want to be disrespectful, so just don't get yourself involved in my shit." The air was thick with tension as Thane, Orion's father, stepped forward. Thane, the notorious leader of the "Black Vipers" mafia, was a man feared by all. His reputation for ruthlessness and power was unmatched.

Thane's eyes narrowed, his voice laced with authority. "Why did you stop the wedding? Are you in love with her?" Orion's response was measured, his words dripping with conviction. "He's not good for her. I've warned him several times that he should not hurt her, but he still wants to use her. He doesn't love her; he's just using her for his own gain, ever since college."

Hazel's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to Orion's words. She felt like her world was crumbling around her. "Why are you doing this?" she whispered, her voice cracking softly as tears rolled down her cheeks. "I'm happy with him. He's loved me since college, and I know he loves me."

As she turned to Nathaniel, hoping he would defend himself, she saw the truth in his eyes. He didn't love her; he was using her. Hazel's heart shattered into a million pieces as she fell to the floor, overcome with grief. "Please say something!" she shouted, her voice laced with pain.

Nathaniel's eyes flashed with hatred as he glared at Orion, but he remained silent, turning instead to walk out of the venue. Hazel's mother rushed to her side, trying to calm her down as she wept uncontrollably. The scene was chaotic, with the guests murmuring among themselves, unsure of what to do next.

Orion signaled his men to release the guests, as the guests fled in terror, Hazel's mother wrapped her arms around her, trying to comfort her. "It's okay, Hazel, you're fine, everything will be fine," she whispered, her voice trembling with worry.

Orion's eyes remained fixed on Hazel, his expression unreadable. His father, Thane, cast him a disgusted glance before turning to leave the venue with his security men. The hall, once filled with laughter and music, was now empty and silent, except for the sound of Hazel's quiet sobs.

Hazel's father, his face etched with concern, approached Orion. "I don't know if I should thank you or curse you," he said, his voice laced with emotion. "But I should appreciate that you didn't let my daughter marry Nathaniel. I've always had a feeling about him." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "But I don't think I can trust you with her either. But please, don't hurt her."

Orion's expression remained neutral, his voice low and even. "I never hurt what's mine," he said, his words sending a shiver down Hazel's spine.

Hazel's father looked at him warily, but Orion's gaze had already shifted to Hazel. "Now, if you don't mind, I need to take my wife with me," he said, his voice firm but polite.

Hazel's eyes flashed with anger as she turned to face Orion. "Who do you think you are?" she spat, her voice venomous. "Why did you marry me? Why didn't you just end the marriage and go your own way? What was the need for threatening me to marry you?" Her face twisted in hatred. "I fucking hate you, Orion."

Orion's jaw clenched, his eyes glinting with anger. "You're mine now, and you're going home with me," he growled, his voice low and menacing.

Hazel's parents exchanged a worried glance, their faces pale with fear. "You should go with him, Hazel," her father said, his voice heavy with resignation. "You're now married to him. I'm sorry, but we can't do anything about it."

Hazel felt a cold dread creeping up her spine as she realized she was trapped. She was married to a man she do not love, a man who scared her to death. She looked at her parents, her eyes pleading for help, but they seemed powerless. With a heavy heart, Hazel knew she had no choice but to follow Orion, to leave her old life behind and start a new one with a man who seemed determined to control her.

As Hazel told her parents goodbye as tears flows from her eyes, their worried expressions reflected the helplessness they felt. They were just a middle-class family, powerless against the mighty Orion, the mafia leader.

Orion opened the car door for Hazel. As they drove away, the car was filled with an awkward silence, the only sound that was heard was the sound of Orion lighting a cigarette.

Hazel sat lost in thought, her mind reeling with the events of the day. Orion's sudden offer of a cigarette break the silence, his sharp voice cutting through the air. "Do you smoke?" he asked, his eyes fixed on her.

Hazel shook her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "No, I don't smoke." Orion's expression was unreadable, but his voice dripped with approval. "Great, I don't like women who smoke anyway."

Hazel's eyes narrowed in disgust, her anger was boiling. "Why did you offer me one, then?" she asked, her voice tight with annoyance. Orion took a long drag on his cigarette, blowing the smoke out the window without so much as a glance in her direction.

The silence that followed was oppressive, with Hazel seething with frustration. She couldn't help but ask the question that had been burning in her mind since the ceremony. "Why did you marry me?" she demanded, her voice laced with emotion.

Orion's gaze remained fixed on the road ahead, his expression inscrutable. That's when his thought drifted to the first day he saw Hazel in college. There she was, walking through the hallway, her beautiful smile, her eyes fixed on her phone.