I slide my hand over my hair and down the rest of the contents in my champagne flute.
“And you get?” She asks.
“What I didn’t want. Kids. Before I walked away from Nico, I told him I didn’t want children, but he drags me into this marriage and demands I get pregnant within the year. He knows my trauma. Why would he do that?”
“That’s easy, sweetheart. He’s obsessed with you. Deep down, I believe you love him.”
“Yes, of course I do. I just wish we weren’t in the mafia.”
I squeeze my eyes shut briefly. “I’m back for revenge, and I plan to take it. Your son could be a widower soon.”
Her brows raise. “He’ll do anything to protect you. After the wedding, you two need to talk.”
I sigh. “Yes, we do.”
She reaches into her tiny purse and retrieves a teal box.
“This is something borrowed for you to wear on your big day.”
My eyes widen at the stunning diamond bracelet.
“Azzura, it’s gorgeous.”
She grins as she clamps it around my wrist. “You’re beautiful. One day soon you and my son will work things out.”
Mom steps into the room. The glam squad is on her heels.
“Good morning, Mom.” I hug her tightly.
“My sugar plum, I’m so happy you’re marrying Nico.”
“You sound like your friend here,” I gesture to Azzura.
“We know our children,” Mom says.
Azzura nods.
Mom approaches the closet and fastens a heart-shaped blue pin within the neckline of my wedding gown.
“Time to get all dolled up, I tell Tora.” I smile.
She claps her hands. “Let’s do it.”
I can’t stop my heart from thudding my ears and my heart’s pounding in my chest.
Dad approaches as I step in front of the balcony doors.
“Are you ready?” He asks, holding his arm out.
“No, I’m scared,” I say as I loop my arm through his.
“Don’t be. Nico loves you.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that? He used to love me,” I mutter.
“Let’s get this show on the road,” he adds.
A guard stands on either side of the door and pulls it open; the music starts, and the guests rise.
