AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“But,” I say as I stand up, “the wedding is for next week. We can’t change everything at the last minute.”
“Yes, you can, and you will. The church had an opening for tomorrow, so that’s the day it will happen.”
Gemma crosses her arms. “That seems unfair. My mom and Cecilia have been planning this wedding, and you’re just goingto change it up on them?” I give Gemma a grateful look, but she doesn’t notice because she’s too busy glaring at Salvatore.
Viktor leans back in his seat, chuckling. “There’s always something going down at the Moretti family household.”
Gemma shushes him before turning back to Salvatore. “Why are you doing this?”
Salvatore looks at me squarely as he answers, making it clear this is for me. “Because I can, and I want to. End of discussion. The wedding is tomorrow.” He turns to my mom. “You might want to alert your other family members to get here on time.”
“I need to call them,” Mom says. “Dinner is over. Salvatore, go home. You just made my life harder, and I’m not happy about it.” She scrambles out of the kitchen to make her phone calls.
“I’ll walk you out,” Theo says to Salvatore.
I follow them to the door, hoping to see Theo slam the door in Salvatore’s face, but before Salvatore leaves, he leans in close to me and whispers, “You thought you could get away with seeing him? I had you followed, you know. You’re my wife.” He leaves after that threatening message.
I turn to Theo. “He had us followed. He knows about us. We have to leave. Now. Tonight.”
“Hold on.” Theo pulls me in close to him. “Things aren’t ready yet. Freddie can’t even get me the new IDs until tomorrow anyway. We need to continue as normal and tomorrow, we’ll make our escape.”
“But … I’m getting married tomorrow, Theo. If I don’t show up for that wedding, Salvatore will be all over us.”
“Which is why you need to go to the wedding,” he says stiffly.
“What?”
“You need to appease Salvatore. Once he thinks you’re his, he’ll lower his guard. That’s when we can run away.”
“But I’ll have to marry him.”
A darkness appears in Theo’s eyes. “I’ll make sure it won’t be for long.”
“Theo,” I say slowly, feeling a dread enter my heart, “what are you saying.”
He kisses my head. “Just trust me.”
Of course, I trust him. But I’m terrified about the lengths Theo is willing to go to save me.
I stare downat my wedding dress on my bed. I can’t believe I have to go through with this, but Theo said I need to, and I’m choosing to believe in him. He has a plan. We’ll get out of this.
My mom knocks on my door. “Do you need help putting that on?”
I nod. After getting into my dress, I look at myself in the mirror.
“You’re beautiful,” she tells me.
I am. The dress is perfect. It’s just not for the right man.
“Mom, I can’t do this,” I whisper.
She squeezes my shoulders. “You can. I have some good news. Emilia and Francesca just landed, so they’ll be here for your wedding.”
I wish they didn’t even bother because I’ll be leaving with Theo tonight, but I keep my mouth shut. Salvatore cannot find out. “I’m glad,” I say instead. “It’ll be nice to have them around.”
“I know this isn’t what you wanted, but I’m proud of you for staying strong. I’m sure your faith was tested, but you pulled through.”
“Does God really want me to marry such an old man?” I ask, holding my cross tightly.
