Chapter 6

Isabella POV

It was my wedding day, however, I was dressed as if it was my funeral. My eyes were puffy and red since I was crying all night. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I was getting married to Don Rodrigo, a man I know nothing about and don't have feelings for. If it wasn’t for my Father and mother, I wouldn't be here, no, I would not have had anything to do with Rodrigo. 

Sitting on the vanity mirror while staring at my reflection through the mirror, one could say that I was digging my own grave. When I drew out the compartment, I took out a folded picture of Maxwell I always carry along wherever I went to so that he will be close to my heart, staring at it for a moment, running my index on his face imagining him walking into the room to look at me one more time before heading to the altar. We have talked so much about our dream wedding. Maxwell has always loved a simple wedding at the beach but that wasn’t my dream wedding, I have always wanted something classy with my best friend next to me. 

The day that I get married was supposed to be my happiest day, at least that’s what everyone talked about but that was no longer the case for me. I was signing my life and heart over to a ruthless man who probably doesn't even have a heart and doesn't know what it feels like to be in love. I had a feeling that a man like Rodrigo has never fallen in love, how could he when he was a Mafia lord?

When I heard footsteps closing up on me, I was quick to put the photo back into the compartment, the last thing that needed to happen was for Rodrigo to find out that I had another man’s picture hidden in my bag on our wedding day when I was to be getting married. It was almost time for the wedding to begin but I was not close to the hall.

Lifting my eyes up, as if sensing my nightmare had drawn nearer, his eyes locked with mine and I quickly picked up my lipstick hoping he will turn and leave.

“You look beautiful”

That was a compliment, a good one that I would have replied very politely while flashing my pearly white teeth at anyone else who would have said those words to me and for a moment I wanted to pretend that someone else was saying those words to me, the ugly reality dawned on me when he took long steps towards me. His cologne lingered in my nose weakening my knees and I almost slipped. However, when that familiar stare didn't waver, it pushed the thought out of my head. 

“I just complimented you Isabella”

The manner in which my name rolled out from his mouth sent shivers through my spine yet I need not be carried away by the deep baritone voice that would have been sexy to any other woman but it frightened me, this wasn't how Maxwell’s voice sounded. Even though had a tiny voice it was still very sexy to me, that was the voice that I fell in love with. 

“Thank you” I whispered so as not to face his wrath. The last thing that I wanted was to be the current object of his wrath. Rodrigo was not the man to be messed around with, my father warned me, but now I could fathom his fear. When I first sensed his fear, I assumed that he was weak but he wasn’t and it was only right that he was scared just as I am right now. 

“Smile, it is your wedding and not a funeral”

“This is my best smile Don” I stared at him hoping that he will see my pain.

“Rodrigo, that’s what you are going to call me now that we are married”

“But we are not”

He exhaled, I could sense that he was trying so hard to control his nerves since I was pushing him to the wall. Today was my wedding day so I didn't care anymore about what was going to happen, walking down that aisle while smiling at the guest as if everything was alright was enough torture. There was nothing more that I desired than to get away from this sham of a marriage and to run into the arms of Maxwell. I know that he must be losing his mind trying to find me, he must have gone to my house while going to every other place that I would be at, I wanted to contact him, to hear his voice but Marcello took away my phone so I couldn't possibly make contact to anyone except my father. I could only speak with my father once a week and was not permitted to visit. This was nothing like I envisioned my life to be, I thought that everything would turn out perfectly but it was getting worse, the one thing that I needed right now was his kisses. Maxwell’s kisses and love was the only thing that will keep me going or else I will lose my mind. 

“Isabella”

“Don”

“Don’t push it, is your wedding day and I won’t want to ruin your beautiful makeup”

“Wedding?” I scoffed. I should be scared and I was especially after what happened at the wedding gown fittings yet I couldn't stop my emotions, I tried to control them for so long but my heart was in excruciating pain.”Is this even a wedding? A wedding is supposed to be every woman’s dream day but this is my worst nightmare, do you even know the kind of wedding that I have envisioned for myself? I love flowers and candles, I have always wanted to be a December bride, a day I will get to be surrounded by friends and family, everyone who I love and care about but here I am walking down with you Don, is this my hell or my very happiness” A spur of wet heat forms by the corner of my eyes and I blinked my eyes rapidly trying to fight the tears from falling off my cheeks and ruining my makeup. This may not be my happy day but the makeup was perfect and I don't want it ruined.

He blinked his eyes and for a moment, I saw something that I perceived to be an emotion run through his eyes. However, my thoughts perished when he smirks triumphantly.

“What’s this? A show? There is no such thing as a dream wedding or fantasy love, those words are just little boys talking to naive stupid girls and I never perceived you to be one of those stupid girls or are you?”

Anger seeped through me as the latter escaped from his mouth. Was that his own description of a teenage crush? I have not seen a sadist like the man who was supposed to be my husband. How can I spend 365 days with a man who knows nothing about love? I was right he doesn't even have a heart, men like him would prefer crazy girls that they meet at night clubs, I’m not that sort of girl so what was he doing with me?

“It is obvious that we both want something different Don, you are a handsome man” I admitted and that is the truth, he was a charming man who would drive a woman crazy on their first meeting but that wasn't me. His packed muscles were perfectly hidden under his shiny Armani suit.

“You don't believe in fantasy but those things that you call fantasy and crazy are what I love, this wedding is not the right way I can pay back my Father’s debt and neither would it be alright if I am being taken to your hotel, why don't I work for you as my father is doing”

When the words left my mouth, his eyes darkened as he glared at me, his gaze was cold and wicked, right there, I wished I never opened my mouth, yet that didn't stop me from shutting up, I still had one last card to play and I’m intending to use it just to get away from this damned wedding.

“What did you just say?”

“I asked if I can go work for you as my father is doing?”

Grabbing my arms, he slammed me against the wall, his breath fans my face as my heart races. 

“One more word and I will make you regret it”

I was terrified but then Maxwell’s name popped right through my head, 

“I won’t marry you” I stated matter of factly

“As if you have a choice” He smirked turning around and leaving the room.

Looking around the room there was no one around, his guards were nowhere to be found and the footsteps outside the door were fading away. That was the perfect time for me to run away before anyone notices that I’m gone. Rodrigo must be on his way to the wedding venue after speaking with me, it was already a bad omen to see the bride before the wedding yet he was coming around just to see how much I was suffering, he was the perfect description of someone who enjoys other people’s dilemma. 

Stepping out of the room, I looked around the dark hallway, it was quiet which could only mean that almost everyone had gone to the wedding. With the smiles on their faces, one would assume that the wedding was a happy matrimony between both families, they had no clue that this wedding was nothing but my worst nightmare, it was almost every socialite's dream to walk down the aisle with him but it was never mine at all. A smile forms on my lips as I reached the door, this was going to be my freedom, once I was far away from this city, I was going to change my identity while working to pay my father’s debt. 

As I opened the door, my eyes widened seeing Marcello standing at the doorstep with two other hefty men.

“Going somewhere, Princess?” He smirks tilting his head while staring at me. He was Rodrigo’s most trusted and loyal friend.

“Get out of my way”

“I was going to find the driver”

He laughs hysterically with the other two men which made me realize that perhaps my plan must have been found out, that was the only reason why Rodrigo let me when I threatened that I was not to get married to him.

“Really? Why are you snooping around then?” Marcello was chewing bubblegum much to my displeasure, it was annoying that he was blowing it right to my face, he was a handsome man as well but I didn't bother to stare for long since he was probably the same as Rodrigo. I’m certain he doesn't have a heart as well. 

“Snooping around? Hold on, are you watching me?”

“Not me, but you should consider yourself lucky that he is watching you, you know”

“Consider myself lucky, are you out of your mind?” I blurted without even realizing it till he paused, glaring at him, his eyes were cold as the smirk on his face was wiped off.

“What did you just say?” He frowned. “You should consider yourself lucky that you are getting married to Don otherwise I would have given you a taste of your own medicine”

“You really should. Anyways, I guess it's time to give you a taste of your own medicine”

Before I can sink through what was happening, the two men with him lifted me up while I screamed trying to break away from his hold.

“Let me go”

I struggled but the two men didn’t bother listening as they dragged me to the car, attempting to close the door right in my face when I kicked one of the men and almost got away when a shot is fired. I froze, sweat crawled up my forehead as my heartbeat pulsates.