01

Alana Carsten

« You’re beyond stunning. Absolutely beautiful, Lana. « Ayla, my older sister said in tears.

I forced a smile on my make up covered face as we both stared into the mirror admiring my reflection. I was standing in a white silk wedding dress that hugged my body liked a second skin revealing all my curves while exposing my left leg through its slit that leaded up to my mid-thigh.

Was this even appropriate for a christian wedding ?

I was so damn sure that my mother in law didn’t pick this. And, Ayla couldn’t be more convinced that my forced husband did pick this for me himself.

« Now listen to me. The Salvatore’s might seem like a picture perfect family as Mr and Mrs Salvatore, your future mother and father in laws are nice and all. «

« But, Dan and I are convinced that behind all those billion dollar high tech business that they run is just a coverup. They are the most powerful dangerous and most feared family in Britain. There must be another lifestyle that they also live in which would be a mafia. « Ayla told me with a now straight face.

How the hell did she go from emotional to this serious ? I couldn’t catch up with these mood swings of hers.

« How does Dan, your loving husband do it ? I mean these mood swings are horrible, Ayla. « I said.

« Are you even listening to me ? « she asked. I nodded.

« Good. Now, as I was saying your in laws could be in a mafia-

« Oh. Shut it. Everyone in Britain know that. There’s just not a single proof that lead to their crime. « I shrugged.

« And, why are you not scared for your life ? « she asked.

« You and I both grew up with a detector, Ayla. We were surrounded by guns and knives. We even learned how to use those at the age of ten. There’s nothing new. « I said with a single care in the world.

Unlike my biological sister who was the ladylike ones, I had always been a firecracker to father. I was always doing reckless things that made my father super worried about my well-being as he feared it would land me in death one day.

Although I took after him. He was one hell of a fearless man.

The fear then passed down to my sister the only one who cared for me after father’s death.

« We are talking about mafia here, Lana. For once, listen to me. Please. I couldn’t lose another love ones of mine. « Ayla said with sadness in her eyes.

« Take this. Strap it to your non exposed thigh. You know just in case. And, take care of yourself there and don’t do any reckless shits. « she continued handing me a knife.

I did as told and hugged her tightly liked this was the last time that we would see each other. After all, I would be moving to London with my newly found family while Ayla and her husband lived here in Italy.

« Ah. My two beautiful daughters. « a brunette with highlighted grey haired woman entered the bride suite in her silver gown.

« Mother. « I gritted my teeth.

« Beautiful, Alana. Very beautiful indeed. Finally, live up to your mother. Married to a rich man as my request. You saved our company and I shall thank you. « she said with her wicked smile.

« Good morning, mother. « Ayla muttered under her breath.

« I usually do not talk to such ungrateful daughter but as today is your sister’s wedding day I shall be nice to you. « mother stated boldly without sharing a glance toward Ayla.

« Good morning to you too. « she continued.

The only woman who could be this cold toward her very own daughters was Angelina Wilson herself. She left father and us to married a rich man when I was only three and Ayla a five years old. We were raised by our respected detector father, Harris Carsten.

Until, a tragic accident happened during one of his missions. It sadly took away his life. Ayla and I were devastated. Mother then had to take us in as we were both underage at the time. The only nice things she did for us were sending us to the best high school and colleges of our choices and giving us a shelter.

I was grateful for all those things that was why I stood here today agreeing to sign away my life by marrying the most dangerous man in the world just to save her second husband’s business.

« Now, to my grateful daughter this is something old and something blue for you, a tradition on my family’s side. This was handed down to me by my mother on my first wedding day. « mother said handing me a red velvet box.

She did this on purpose in front of Ayla. She didn’t even care to join her elder daughter’s wedding just because her wedding was out of love. And, because she didn’t approve of Daniel as he was not rich.

I opened the box revealing a charm bracelet with blue diamonds after shooting a sorry looks toward Ayla which she nodded smiling.

« This is beautiful, mother. Thank you. « I said admiring the bracelet.

« You’re welcome. Hand it down to your daughter one day, will you ? « mother said wrapping the bracelet around my wrist.

I nodded agreeing to continue the family’s tradition.

Mother showed no affection for us but Ayla and I both knew that behind the coldest woman alive deep down was our mother.

If only money and wealth weren’t everything to her.

Ayla and mother left the room soon after leaving me alone in my suite as it was almost time for the ceremony.

I heard a knock on the door. Who is it now ? I shouted a come in and the door was opened.

My mother in laws, Gianna Salvatore walked toward me in her elegant silver fish tale gown. She looked like a model that just walked straight out of the magazine. How could a fifty years old woman who gave birth to two sons have that body ?

« Good morning, my dear. You look amazing. « she smiled hugging me.

« Morning, Mrs Salvatore. « I greeted her with an awkward smile.

« Oh please. Cut the formality. Call me mom. I had always wanted a daughter. And, my dream is completed. « Gianna smiled at me adoringly.

Why couldn’t my own mother look at me like that ?

« I am here to give you something new. A gift from me and your father in law. « she said opening a velvet box.

Inside was a pair of dangling diamond earrings. I recognized it as the only pair that Gianna herself made. I knew everyone knew she ran a successful jewelry business.

« That costs million, Mrs Salvatore. The only pair you ever made in your store. People were crazy about them. And, you wouldn’t sell it. « I stated in shock.

« I can’t accept it. « I said.

« I’m delighted you know about my little business. But, I insist. This was made for you, my dear. « she chuckled.

« Accept it as a welcome gift to the Salvatore family. « she said. I gave in and nodded.

There was another knock on the door as Gianna put the earrings on for me.

« Yes. « She answered.

The door opened revealing the one and only Sebastian Salvatore, second son of Gianna, my brother in laws. He was a more approachable version of his older brother with his charming smile and all. He looked as good as he did in the media.

« Greeting to my beautiful sister in laws. Good to see you for the first time ever. « he winked earning a smile from me.

« Seth wants to see his bride, ma. « he said to his mother.

Oh dear god. Was I about to meet my intimidating looking husband for the first time ? I knew exactly what the almighty Seth Salvatore looked like. He was famous in campus when I was in college. Every girls talked highly and dreamily of him.

« That’s bad luck. Tell him no. « Gianna protested.

« I surely don’t want to die, ma. You know your son. He always get what he wants. « Sebastian groaned.

« Alright then. I shall leave in a minute. I want a word with my daughter first. « Gianna said.

« What ? You found your new favorite child already ? I can’t believe you woman. « Sebastian acted hurt before leaving. Gianna shook her head and then turned to me.

« Show him no fear. Make him believe that you deserve to bear his last name. Good luck. « she said kissing my cheek.

What was going to happen ? I swallowed hard.

« Seth is capable of anything. He is just as bad as the devil. He didn’t gain his power from being nice. Show him you are just bad as he is. « she continued before heading out.

What a nice description of my husband.