The Mafia's Innocent Bride

Difficult way

Xavier's POV.

I knew this was going to be very difficult for our kids. However, as parents, we had to step in and take charge of the situation. They were young and in need of guidance and discussions about life's experiences.

"Maximo, come with me. I need to discuss work with you," I ordered, and Maximo complied.

I was aware that I was pushing them, but they were married, and they needed to accept their responsibilities. I knew my son was incredibly stubborn. Convincing him was no easy task, but it was not impossible. He had to comprehend the situation. He was going to be the head of the Italian mafia, and I had already handed over my business to him. After my complete retirement, he would have to manage everything I had been handling for years. With my legacy, fortune, and position passed down to him, he would have to assume the responsibilities I had carried until now.

I nodded at Mia. She smiled. We had decided that she would talk to Rosa while I spoke to Maximo separately.

Maximo followed me quietly into the study. I closed the door before turning to face him. His furrowed brow told me everything. I was correct. It seemed he had already determined that he would not be convinced without putting up a fight.

"So? Do you have something to say?" I questioned my arrogant, hot-headed son.

It was my dad's mistake to have raised him to be so rude and stubborn. Maximo was the only one close to him. His grandfather had always pampered him, which resulted in Max never listening to Mia and me. He had filled my son's head with nonsensical ideas and turned him into a smug bastard.

"Dad! Why are you doing this? You know Rosa and I don't love each other," he exclaimed in frustration, throwing his hands up.

"Lower your voice, Maximo Leonardi. You are married, and we aren't asking for something you can't provide. We simply want to witness our son's family growing," I scolded my obstinate son.

"So? You wanted me to marry her. I did as you wanted. And now you want me to start a family with her? I don't understand, dad. Why don't you want me to be happy?" He huffed and glared at me.

I saw my reflection in him. He inherited my grey eyes and my anger.

"Max, I want you to be happy, and that's precisely why I want you to embrace this marriage with your heart. Keeping your distance and ignoring your wedded bride won't bring you any happiness. You know you can't betray her, and we haven't raised you that way. Isn't that right?" I warned him sternly. He needed to understand that I wasn't joking; I was deadly serious. If he mistreated Rosa in any way, I would have no qualms about forgetting that he was my son.

"I won't cheat on her, dad. You have my word. But..." he sighed and walked toward the window, "what you're asking for is impossible. What if she learns the truth? What if she ends up hating me? What if she no longer wants to be in this marriage after discovering everything? I can't compel her to stay with me. That's why I'm so worried. You've played the most dangerous and high-stakes gamble and put my life on the line."

He turned and locked eyes with me. "I'm telling you, dad. We should tell her everything. Let her decide after knowing the truth."

"No, Max," I growled. "We can't. We must never let her discover the secret of her birth. No one should have to endure such a bitter truth. Her innocent heart will shatter when she finds out that she was an unwanted child."

"Then give her some time. I don't think she's fond of me," he scowled and narrowed his eyes, seemingly lost in thought.

"We don't have time. Adam has attempted to contact Rosa," I disclosed.

"What? How can you be so certain? Did she inform you about this?" He furrowed his brows, his expression turning threatening.

I was relieved to see that he cared for Rosa and our family. "I've been recording her phone calls. After the kidnapping attempt, I couldn't take any chances," I admitted.

Maximo's eyes gleamed, and he let out a mocking laugh.

"You're devious, Dad. But that's unfair. You've been recording my wife's calls without my knowledge," he teased.

"Get to the point, Maximo," I chuckled. I knew how cunning and manipulative Adam could be. I couldn't let Rosa be left alone to fall into his web of lies.

"Why does Adam want to contact Rosa?" he questioned, furrowing his brow as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Because he wants to reclaim his daughter," I answered, shrugging.

"And he believes Rosa is his daughter," Maximo muttered, his expression deep in thought.

"He's cunning and will try anything to take her away," I growled, clenching my teeth with anger.

"And you won't allow that to happen," Maximo smirked.

"I gave that lady my word, and I'll do anything to keep my promise," I vowed once more.

Maximo nodded.

"So you want me to start a family with Rosa. That way, she won't leave me and will stay here with us—safe and sound," Maximo mused, locking his gaze onto mine as understanding lit up his eyes.

I nodded, exhaling sharply.

"I'm still telling you, Dad. This is unfair to her. We have no right to make her stay," he disagreed. He would never understand until he had a responsibility like the one I was carrying on my shoulders. "I don't know about fair and unfair, Maximo. I just can't let that innocent girl pay for my deeds. If we fail, Adam will take her and make her life hell. I'm afraid he would seek revenge and harm her once he knows the truth. You have to protect her. Promise me, Maximo," I pleaded. I was a powerful and strong man, a mafia head. But as a father, I felt helpless and would do anything to protect my children. Rosa was my responsibility, and I would always safeguard her. "I promise you, Dad!" Maximo said. His face was cold and neutral, but I knew he meant it.

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Mia's POV.

I smiled at Rosa and patted the seat next to me on the couch. She walked slowly and sat beside me. "Rosa, dear, if you want to talk to me, consider me your friend," I coaxed her. She was nervous, and I could see it on her face. "Mom! You know we're not married for love, and you want us to start a family. It's so weird for us to even think about it when we won't even talk to each other," she vented out the fear in her heart. I held her hand and looked at her. The fear was evident in her eyes. I knew this fear. I had faced it. Everyone had to face it once in their lives—the confusion about a new relationship, the indecisiveness, and insecurities we felt when we started living together, wondering whether it would work or not. "Hmm... Rosa! Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time, a girl married a heartless man. However, after their marriage, love bloomed naturally as they started living together. You know how your dad and I met and fell in love. Give your relationship a chance, honey. Both of you will have to work to make your marriage successful," I suggested to her. "Mom!" She sighed. "Dad never pushed you away. You both wanted it to work, and nobody had to convince you. Max is different. He doesn't want to talk to me, let alone see my face. How will we make this hopeless marriage work?" She asked, looking at me helplessly. Her eyes were pleading for advice.

"You can try, Rosa. Your dad and I will always be here to support you," I caressed her cheeks and placed my hand on her shoulder.

She nodded.

We heard a knock on the door, and Mariya stepped in, wearing a smile when she saw me.

"Everything is ready, Mom. So, what else do I need to do?" Mariya asked, glancing at Rosa and giving her a playful wink.

Rosa's face turned crimson red, her cheeks flushing as she realized what Mariya was referring to.

I cleared my throat.

"Mariya, it's your responsibility to take Rosa to the salon and help her get ready for her wedding night," I instructed my daughter.

Mariya giggled, causing Rosa to blush even more. Mariya was acting true to her character, making Rosa feel uneasy.

"Absolutely, Mom! I'm excited. Come on, Rosa. Let's plan something special for your night. How about we start by looking for a sexy dress for you and Max’s special night?" Mariya chimed in, and Rosa gasped, her jaw nearly dropping to the floor.

I rubbed my forehead. Goodness, this girl was fearless.

I shot a glare at Mariya.

"What?" She innocently asked.

"Sweetheart, could you please quiet down? You're making Rosa uncomfortable," I said through tightly pressed lips.

Mariya raised her hands in a gesture of surrender.

"Oops! My apologies, sis-in-law. Whatever you and Max decide to wear or not, just let me know," Mariya remarked, smirking.

Rosa shook her head and concealed her face within her hands. I groaned, realizing that my mischievous daughter never seemed to tire of her antics.

"Mom?!" Our heads turned towards the door upon hearing Max's voice.

"Yes, Max. Come inside," I replied, smiling warmly at my son.

He walked in, taking hesitant steps toward us. His gaze swept over all of us before pausing on Rosa's face.

"Ummm... Doll? I... will be working tonight, so I will sleep in my office. I am taking tomorrow off. So you... figure out what you can do with your classes," he said softly, looking at Rosa.

Rosa's complete attention was fixed on her husband. She nodded shyly.

Thank goodness! Things were changing, and the change was positive. I hoped that everything would go well and that nothing would come between them.