“Now it's time for you, Mr. Grumpy, to find the one.” Elena nudges his brother as she links her arm with Leila.
“Fuck off little brat, you're enough to handle.” He scoffs while we walk toward our cars.
The Chateaux is absolutely majestic.This place is so off limits for people that it has two gates and so many armed guards that patrol the area. They made sure to hide the castle from curious eyes since it's the official place whereil Consigliomeets. They rule our world and make them untouchable as Ferdinando is. The first time I've been invited here was because they wanted my dad's head. I could have helped them or died when they erased the Bonetti clan from this world. Mine wasn't a real choice since it was what I craved for, and I agreed to help them get rid of those who exposed La Sacra Corona more than it was necessary to earn their respect and trust.
“I'm feeling so nervous,” Leila whispers while peering out of the window.
I kiss her hand and smile at her. “You'll get used to it, baby. This is where we'll get married.” Her head snaps at me as her eyes meet mine but says nothing. “No worries, it won't be tonight.”
“Chris…” She parts those red lips as my name leaves her mouth in a breath.
“One step at a time, baby. For now, enjoy the party.”
The car stops as the footman opens my door. I get out and walk to her side. She clings to my arm as we head toward the entrance. The lanterns and also the red roses around it creates that cozy but still classy atmosphere although a little creepy as the fog rises.
The ballroom is crowded with the elite of high society, secret services and also the government from all over the world. Although it may seem a simple party, this is much more. I've spotted some members that rumor has it are part ofil Consigliobut since officially I haven't been introduced to them, and all I've seen were seven people wearing a violet robe that covered their faces, I just tilt my head and greet them.
The ritual itself is more like a toast but the meaning of it binds me and my future family for eternity. It's what I am and I'll do anything to make sure no one will ever mistreat us.
CHAPTER 11
LEILA
The sight of Chateaux looming in the distance sends a shiver down my spine, its towering spires and fortified walls casting an imposing shadow over the surrounding landscape. As we approach the gate, the guards check on our IDs, and we move on.
Christopher squeezes my hand and brings it up to his lips. “You okay, piccola?”
“Yeah,” I lie. I’ve been to so many gatherings, each of them ending with my soul ripped. A shiver of terror runs down my spine, but I pretend everything is fine. My heart pounds in my chest as we pass through the second gate, the weight of anticipation hanging heavy in the air.
“I’m here with you, Leila.” His voice drags me from my panic. I move my gaze up to him. “A new chapter is attending us, and I want you by my side.”
I nod as my stomach knots. Elena is here too and I’m pretty sure Ferdinando will slay alive whoever dares to even stare too much at her. I’m wondering if it’s the same for Chris.
The car doors open and we get out. The red carpet leads the path until the castle entrance. I look up and the sky and the beauty of it takes my breath away. It can be seen the myriad ofstars and I get lost in their beauty. I feel Chris moving close and when I shift my gaze, my eyes lock with his.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“It’s magical, I haven't seen something more beautiful.” A smile escapes me, feeling foolish. Truth is I haven’t had that many chances to look at the stars.
“I agree.” He nods while drinking me in. He leans in and kisses my lips, making me melt.
As we move inside, I'm struck by the grandeur of this place. Its high ceilings and ornate chandeliers cast a soft, golden glow over the room. The air is filled with the murmur of voices and the tinkling of glasses, the sound of laughter and music mingling together in a symphony of sound.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm the fluttering of nerves in my stomach.
This is where we’ll get married.His words still spin in my head. Christopher’s hand finds mine as he leads the way toward the ballroom.
As I scan the crowd, my heart skips a beat when I catch sight of so many people. It takes time for us to greet everyone, and I couldn’t miss the difference between some men even though they all wear a tuxedo. They have that attitude that makes you hold your breath just looking in their direction.
“Christopher,” one of them stops his conversation when he sees us, “and this young lady should be Leila?”
I froze in place. My heart hammers in my chest while fear grips me, cutting my breath.
“Miss, are you okay?” He looks worried.
Calm down, you’re safe.
“I’m sorry, yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr.?”
