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A noise at the back of the church has me peeking behind me. My whole body starts to tremble as I hear her cries. She’s really laying it on thick.
“That’s my father’s so-called sister. They’re here,” I hiss.
“Show time,” Antonio croons.
“Let’s just get this over with,” Niko says, steeling his nerves and looking stoic as ever. “I need to take Emilia home. She’s been through enough.”
Antonio moves to my other side. Niko leans back in his chair towards me as far as he can.
“Remember. She’s mine,” Niko growls.
I glance over at Antonio who winks at me. He knows riling up Niko is what Niko needs just as I need the lighthearted distraction before having to deal with my aunt and Dante. I feel sorry for Angelina. She’s a good person who has really had a rough life.
“Shit,” Niko curses under his breath. I put my hand on his thigh, squeezing it to remind him we’re a team.
I watch him push himself up, to his feet using the cane. I told him it didn’t matter if he was in the chair the whole time or not, but he insisted that it did, so he brought his cane. Now using that for his sole support it takes him a minute to square his shoulders. Only by the tension in his jaw, can I see that he’s struggling.
Dante, my cousin Angelia, and my aunt walk up to the front, close to where Niko stands.
My aunt puts her hands on her hips, looking ridiculous. Her wide black hat has a black veil that she’s pulled away so I can see her disdain. There’s not one tear on her face. Not one spec of makeup disturbed by her so called pain. Her red hair is frizzy from being over permed and dyed to hide the gray. She’s got enough makeup and Botox that her face looks almost contorted. My cousin is vastly different from my aunt. She has red hair that’s straight and brushed until it glows. Her body is slim, though she wears clothes that hide the shape of it. She has on a silk black dress that’s respectful and muted—completely opposite to her mother’s elaborate mourning clothes. She has on little to no makeup, which is her norm. She has a jagged scar that travels from her ear down across her cheek and further to her chin. She’s always been so self-conscious about it. I think that’s why she agreed to marry Dante in the first place. She didn’t think a man would ever ask to marry her. I don’t think she realizes how beautiful she is regardless.
Speaking of Dante, the pompous asshole stands there in his regular, dark gray, pinstripe suit. Of course, he’s wearing a Rolex and rings on most of his fingers to show off his supposed status. They make me sick with the exception of Angelina.
“You will have to tell these others to leave, Emilia. The front row is for family,” she huffs, clearly put out.
She looks down at me, all but ignoring Niko.
“We are his family,” he responds, sardonically. I smile.I really do love him.
“I don’t believe I was talking to you. Why are you even here? You let my brother die. You can’t truly believe Emilia would marry you now.”
“Niko and I are already married,” I announce. You’ll have to find another seat. The people my father cared about most are right here. That doesn’t include you, Aunt Racine.”
“How dare you talk to me like this! I’m his sister. Of course, you would find a way to disrespect the family and your father all at once,” she says, pursing her lips as she glares at me. “I told him far too many times that he spoiled you and look, even at his funeral everything is about you.”
“Funny,” I tell her not reacting to her words. “I said the same thing about you.” I make my tone sickly sweet as I smile at her.
“It should’ve been—” Dante moves in between my aunt and I, steering her towards Antonio.
“Racine, this is my uncle, Antonio DeLuca,” he says. “Uncle, this is my soon to be mother-in-law, Racine Korslova and this is Angelina, my fiancée.”
Angelina blushes, needing to step towards my aunt’s side as she looks uncomfortable. Her cheeks are blushing in embarrassment. I don’t know if it’s the introduction or just another wave from her mother’s behavior. My poor cousin looks humiliated. She’s nothing like her mother. Thank God. She leans down a bit, making sure her hair covers most of her scar. I meet her eyes, smiling to give her reassurance.
“Hello, Mr. DeLuca.” Her voice is soft and pretty, just as she is. She glances at me. “I’m so sorry, Emmie.”
“Thank you, Angelina.”
“Ladies,” Antonio says. “I believe there are seats on the other side of the cathedral.”
“I can’t believe you’re going to treat family like this, Emilia. I expected more of you.”
“Victorio, escort these ladies to the seats across from us, please,” Antonio says.
Vic stands. “Yes, sir.”
“Sorry, uncle. Sometimes my future mother-in-law gets carried away.”
“Dante, how did Aunt Racine know about your father’s position with Antonio?”
