The Mafia's Innocent Bride

Tied to the devil

Rosa's POV.

"Please marry Maximo," Xavier said, his voice begging and full of sadness.

I blinked at him, startled, and couldn't reply instantly. My mind needed time to think about the possibilities. I had refused to marry Maximo in the past, but now the tables had turned, and I had to answer the same question again. Thousands of guests were present. The media was there. Everyone was here to witness this wedding. If I refused to marry Maximo, no one would force me. But what would happen then? Everybody would blame Xavier and make fun of him. I hadn't seen my father, but Xavier had always been there for me as a father whenever I needed him. In fact, today, he was here begging as a father. It was not the time to act selfishly. The consequences would be brutal. However, marrying the devil himself felt like a nightmare. I quickly shut all the doors of my brain. I didn't want to think about the scary future with Maximo. I only thought about Xavier and his name and reputation. That was all that mattered right at that moment.

"Okay, Dad. I will marry him," I agreed.

Xavier exhaled loudly, as if he had been holding his breath for my answer.

"Thank you, Rosa," he sighed, as if a heavy burden had slid off his shoulders.

"But, Dad..." Maximo sounded irritated.

"Not now, Maximo. Not now. We have already talked about this long before," Xavier told him, giving an intense stare.

Everything went by in the blink of an eye, and I found myself standing in the chapel with Xavier and Vincenzo by my side, walking me down the aisle.

The music started. Mia handed me a bouquet. My bridesmaids, Bella and Mariya, were ready.

But was I ready? It was too late to think about it.

Holding Xavier's hand, I started toward the altar where my groom was supposed to be waiting for me. I kept my eyes lowered, looking at the plush carpet that muffled the sound of my heels. My heart was pounding loudly in my chest. Actually, wait! "Actually" was an understatement. My heart was actually jumping crazily, trying to burst out of my chest. My feet trembled, unable to move, and only Xavier's hold on me kept me moving toward the altar.

When we stopped near the stage, I slowly lifted my eyelashes, looking at Maximo. He stood there in a three-piece black suit and a crisp white shirt, rocking back and forth on his feet with a frown on his handsome face. His frustrated gaze lifted toward me. My heart raced even faster, and I lowered my eyes promptly. Xavier gestured for me to step onto the stage. Before I climbed, Maximo's hand appeared in front of me. My eyes snapped up at him in surprise. His face was unreadable. Hesitantly, I placed my hand on his and shivered instantly. His hand was as cold as his gaze. He wrapped his fingers around my small hand and pulled me onto the stage. I felt his fingers shake as he tightened his grip to hide the trembling.

I stood quietly by his side, keeping my eyes lowered. His words still echoed in my ears.

'I hate you, Rosa!'

'A girl like you could never have me.'

The fear clawed at my chest again, and I felt as though my heart would stop beating.

The officiant began the ceremony. He chanted some holy words, joined our hands together, and asked, "Do you, Maximo Leonardi, take Rosa as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

I waited for his answer, holding my breath and hoping he would not insult me in a hall crowded with people.

"Yes, I do," he said, his voice surprisingly firm and confident.

I sighed and took a breath of relief. I just prayed in my heart that this ceremony would proceed without any more trouble or chaos. I just wanted this day to unfold peacefully.

The officiant asked me the same question, and I replied without thinking, "Yes, I do."

Mariya handed us the rings, and Maximo took my hand without formality and slipped the ring onto my finger. He extended his hand, and I quickly slid the ring onto his finger. Surprisingly, it fit his finger perfectly.

And so the wedding was completed. Applause filled the air, and the officiant announced us as husband and wife. We signed the papers, and the deal was sealed for a lifetime. We now had the marriage certificate.

"You may kiss your bride," the officiant announced, and my breath hitched upon hearing the words.

I felt Maximo stiffen beside me. I peeked at him through my eyelashes. Maximo threw a quick glance at the guests and took a deep breath. Holding my elbow, he turned me to face him. I braced myself for what was coming next. He would laugh at me and leave me alone.

'It's okay, Rosa. It will be over soon.' I coaxed myself.

He shifted slightly closer. I felt his cold eyes on me, but I didn't dare to look at him. He moved me slightly, blocking my view. I closed my eyes when I saw his face leaning over mine.

Was he really going to kiss me?!

I held my breath and waited for him to steal my first kiss and throw a mocking remark like a jerk, but it never came. I felt his hot breath fanning my face before his lips gently touched my cheek.

He pulled back instantly. I released the breath I had been holding for so long and opened my eyes, looking at him in disbelief. So, he made everyone believe that he kissed his bride very romantically, but we both knew that it was anything but romantic.

After the wedding, we headed to the reception venue.

"Are you okay, darling?" Mia asked.

"Yes, Mom," I replied softly. I was okay because they were happy and relaxed.

"If you're tired, we can wrap up this function quickly," she offered.

She must have sensed the awkwardness between Maximo and me.

"No, it's okay, Mom. I am fine, don't worry," I assured her.

Everyone was happy and enjoying the dinner and dancing. Maximo took a seat beside me, but neither of us looked at each other.

An announcement was made for the first dance of the newly wedded couple. Unfortunately, Maximo was in a terrible mood, and I didn't want to dance with him after what he did to me last time.

When we both did not move from our places, Vincenzo came.

"Guys, you're supposed to perform the first dance of the newly wedded couple. Come on!" Vin whispered, snorting.

"Vin, I'm very tired. I don't want to dance. Tell Dad to cancel this and come up with an excuse," Maximo stated rudely.

"Big bro, you know how Dad is, and it's just a formality. You just need to dance a few steps, then I'll take over after you," Vincenzo offered his help.

Maximo muttered something under his breath and extended his hand in front of me. I didn't want to dance with him. I was so nervous. What if he again did something to insult me? Nonetheless, I hesitantly placed my hand in his. He held my hand firmly and led me toward the dance floor. The music started. He pulled me closer and placed his hand on my waist, his other hand holding mine. He slowly began swaying us to the music. His eyes were locked onto mine. He was such a brilliant dancer, not missing a single beat. My breath caught in my throat as I looked into those intense gray eyes, blazing with fire. I didn't know whether he was angry or feeling something else, but he seemed upset. Everything that was happening seemed against his will, and Maximo Leonardi was accustomed to making everything bend to his wishes. I didn't know how long we were dancing there, but the trance was broken when someone tapped on Maximo's shoulder. Maximo turned to glare at Vincenzo, who stood there smiling and requesting his turn. Maximo stepped back and allowed Vin to take my hand.

Bella joined Maximo for a dance. However, I felt Maximo's eyes glaring at me the entire time, making my heart throb with fear. This gorgeous devil was going to make my life hell.

The music changed, and Xavier came to dance with me.

"Rosa! Are you okay, dear?" He asked as we moved to the rhythm of the music. Stress was evident on his face.

"Yes, Dad. I'm okay. Please, don't worry about me. I'll be fine," I replied, smiling.

"Listen, Rosa. Never think that Maximo is my son, so I would take his side. No, my child. You can count on me for everything, and if Maximo causes trouble, you can come to me without hesitation," he asserted.

I nodded and couldn't speak, as my voice became heavy due to emotions after his promise. Yet, I could not help but think about what my birth father would have done if he were here at my wedding.

The dance went well, and the reception was over. We headed back to the Leonardi mansion.

Standing in the hallway, I was conflicted about where to go. Everything had changed in my life, and now I stood there as Leonardi's daughter-in-law.

I looked at Mariya, silently asking for help. Instead, she flashed me an apologetic smile.

"Max, take Rosa to your room. She must be tired," Mia's voice came as an order, and Maximo gestured with his hand for me to lead the way.

Sharing a room with him?!

I had never thought about that.

Hell! I had never even thought about sharing my life with him.