The Mafia's Innocent Bride

Prologue

Four years ago.

Rosa's POV.

"Mama!" My lips quivered as the word escaped them. A tear dropped onto my cheek, and I quickly brushed it away. Sniffling, I blinked away more tears as I gazed at the bright star, charmingly shining in the dark sky.

"I miss you so much. Though I miss you every day, I miss you even more today. You know?! Today, I won the debate competition. Would you be proud of me, mama, if I could come to you with the trophy? Mama! I wish you were here with me, and it really hurts," I sniffed, rubbing my nose. "It hurts badly to realize that I never saw you." I wiped away another tear that had unconsciously fallen onto my cheeks. "How I wish I could imagine your face in my thoughts! I want to know how you look so I can see you in my dreams. I want to know whether I look like you or not."

Pressing my hands on my face, I wiped away more tears, staring at the dark sky. My heart was heavy with sadness. My eyes were brimming with tears. My mind still held onto hope. Sometimes, somewhere, somehow, I believed I would be able to see her, know her, meet her. I wanted to scream my mama's name, but I didn't even know it. They all hid everything from me and said it was for my own good. I didn't understand why it wasn't good to know about my mama. But I wasn't even allowed to ask. I already had so many obligations on me. So, I was expected to be a good girl and not ask questions.

Whenever I missed my mama, I used to come to the terrace secretly and talk to her, looking at the sky every day. Mia told me that the brightest star in the sky was my mother. When I was a little kid and didn't understand what it meant, I was angry that my Mama had left me alone and gone somewhere else. I hated her when I saw others with their mothers, and I was alone. But as I grew older, I understood that she didn't choose to leave me; fate had decided to separate us.

After my parents left me alone in this world, Mia and Xavier took me into their family; though Uncle Sam, Xavier's personal bodyguard, was my official guardian. Uncle Sam said my mother was his sister; so after her death, he adopted me. No one talked about my father. Whenever I asked about him, everyone made excuses and changed the topic. Slowly, I learned that it was a forbidden topic, so I stopped asking. Maybe one day, I would get to know something about him; perhaps I would know whose blood was running through my veins. Maybe one day, I would discover my real identity.

Mia and Xavier gave me all the love and care a child could wish for, but I knew they were not my parents. I had been calling them Mom and Dad since my childhood. I started calling them Mom and Dad because Vincenzo, my best friend, used to call them that.

Uncle Sam was a nice man, but he never stayed home due to his duties, and his son, Domenic, was much older than me. He rarely came home as he was also a bodyguard.

Uncle Sam's wife, Giorgia, never truly accepted me into her family. I knew she only tolerated me because of the money Xavier sent for my education and upbringing. She always kept all the money and threatened me not to tell anyone. I didn't want to bother my uncle, so I never told him anything. Instead, I worked part-time and told him I liked being independent and wanted some work experience.

I was grateful that Mia always invited me to stay here on vacation because I didn't like staying alone with Aunt Giorgia.

"What are you doing here?" A deep voice startled me, pulling me out of my grief.

I turned and saw the devil himself.

Maximo Leonardi.

He had a cigarette clutched between his fingers and a frown on his handsome face. The handsome devil that he was, he knew how charming his looks were. Girls could die, kill, and do anything to get his attention. I knew he hated me and never missed a chance to let me know how much he loathed me.

The AirPods were in his ears, so he was speaking to someone, but his stormy grey eyes were fixed on me. I quickly wiped my eyes and composed myself. His intimidating grey eyes assessed me, making me feel small and ugly as he scowled.

I turned towards the terrace door and exited without answering him. It was better to avoid him because I knew he didn't take any of my answers casually and would taunt me with something I couldn't handle.

I descended the stairs and saw Mia and Mariya in the hall. Mia was seated on the couch, and Mariya sat on the floor holding a bottle of ayurvedic oil. Mia was oiling Mariya's hair and massaging her scalp lovingly. They looked so adorable as they talked to each other. Having a mother like Mia was a blessing. Sometimes I envied Mariya and Vincenzo. Both of them smiled upon seeing me, and I returned their smiles, concealing the sadness I had felt a while ago.

I sighed, thinking about how much I wished to experience this moment with my mother, but it would never be possible.

I crossed the hall and sat across from them.

"Mom, promise me you're going to talk to Dad," I heard Mariya stubbornly demanding.

"Mariya, I will, but we both know that your dad won't agree to send you to Paris for a fashion week," Mia replied, rubbing her palm on the center of Mariya's scalp.

"But, Mom, I want to go there. I was in Milan last month, so maybe Dad would agree when you talk to him," Mariya insisted.

"Going to Milan is different, Mariya. It's in our country. And you know how protective your father is. He would never approve of you going to Paris for a fashion show," Mia replied calmly, and Mariya groaned.

"That's unfair, Mom. Max could go to study at Stanford, and Vincenzo will be leaving soon too. So why couldn't I go to a different country?" Mariya fought back.

"Honey, if you wanted to study at Stanford, we would never hold you back because we have a base there. But you know that your father has many enemies looking for an opportunity to get back at him. So we cannot take chances. It's for your safety. You also understand that we don't have resources in every country. Your dad wants you to stay and work here only," Mia explained.

"But Mom..." Mariya whined.

"Mariya, I will try, but I can't promise that he will agree, and I can never defy your dad," Mia declared.

"Oh, come on, Mom. Dad won't say no to you. He swoons over you. You have wrapped him around your little finger," Mariya teased her mom.

I smiled upon hearing their sweet conversation as I sat there trying to read a book, but I couldn't focus.

"Mariya?" Mia scolded, flicking Mariya's back gently.

"What, Mom?" Mariya laughed, making me chuckle too.

There was no doubt that Mia and Xavier were so much in love after many years of marriage. No one could miss the way Xavier used to look at Mia, and how she blushed. They were our ideal couple—truly made for each other. We had heard their love story; it was like a dream. A modern Cinderella met her Prince Charming, and they lived happily ever after.

"Dad can never refuse you anything. Isn't that right, Rosa?" Mariya dragged me into the conversation.

"Mariya is right, Mom. Dad loves you so much. We all know he always puts you above everything in this world," I agreed.

"Rosa, now you've started too," Mia complained sweetly.

She was always sweet and kind to everyone.

"Okay, Mom, I am going to have a shower. Don't forget to talk to Dad and remember to convince him using your charm, Mom," Mariya grinned.

"Mariya, that's enough," Mia warned seriously, "I told you I would talk to your dad, so now stop it, okay? Let's end this topic," Mia ordered.

Mariya nodded and went to her room.

Mia looked at me and smiled.

"Want a head massage?!" she offered, and I grinned.

Then, I closed the book I had pretended to read and hurried to take the place where Mariya had been sitting a while ago.

****************

"Rosa, are you coming to Max's party?" Mariya asked as she entered my room.

I was preparing for another championship, so I was gathering some knowledge online and making notes.

"No, Mariya! You know he doesn't want me to attend any of his parties. He doesn't even want me in the same room. He dislikes hearing my name, and you want me to go to his party?!" I shivered at the thought of how much he despised me. "No, Mariya. I'm not going to his party. I don't want to embarrass myself. I know he will insult me and throw me out," I shrugged helplessly and redirected my attention back to the computer on my desk.

"To hell with what he wants! I want you to come with me, and that's final. No one can throw you out," Mariya declared.

She was always rebellious. Max and Mariya were twins, but Max was overbearing and dominant, treating Mariya as his little sister. However, Mariya was only a few minutes younger than Max.

I smiled at her sweet gesture.

"But, Mariya, you know I don't like parties, and it's a pool party. What will I do there? I don't want to watch people wandering around half-naked," I blurted out, making Mariya scowl. I instantly covered my mouth, giving her a sorry look. She shook her head and rolled her eyes.

I didn't have any problem with people partying in swimwear, but it just wasn't my preference.

"Come on, Rosa! You're a girl, for God's sake, and when will you start acting like one? Vincenzo's company has turned you into a tomboy. Sometimes people think you and Vin are twins because you both wear the same clothes," she chuckled, as if remembering something. "You know, I used to think I had three brothers instead of two: Max, Vin, and you. You really need to change your wardrobe, girl. It's time for a new look," Mariya exclaimed, walking toward the closet where I kept the clothes I brought with me for the holidays.

"Let's see what you have to wear for the party," she announced and began rummaging through the pile of clothes.

"God, you don't have anything to wear to a pool party," Mariya huffed with disappointment.

"I told you already. I am sorry to disappoint you," I bit my lip shyly and felt relieved that I didn't have to go with her to that party.

"No problem! You can borrow my clothes," she offered.

"But, Mariya..." I protested, my eyes pleading with her.

"You will go with me to the party, and that's final. I won't hear anything else. Okay! So be ready," she asserted.

I sighed, thinking about Max. He would be furious if he saw me at his party. I wished I could tell him I didn't want to come to his party, but I couldn't deny Mariya's sweet demand.

***************************************

At the party, everyone was very happy and enjoying themselves except for me. I felt like the odd one out among those people. Most of them were Maximo's friends. Everyone was in the pool, playing water volleyball. Mariya and Bella insisted that I join them in the pool, but I told them I was okay. I sat on a sun lounger, reading my favorite book.

Mariya had lent me her pale blue two-piece bikini. It was so small, hardly covering my assets. I was hesitant to wear this, but she insisted and said everyone would be wearing the same, so it wouldn't be a big deal. There would be skin everywhere, so no one would notice me. I guessed she was right. Who would pay attention to me when hot girls were playing in the water and showing off their gorgeous figures?

I looked at Vin. He was busy talking and listening to Bella. He seemed oblivious to the others, as his entire focus was on Bella. Bella talked nonstop, and she was filling him in about God knew what.

"Rosa!" I heard Mariya calling me.

I turned my head towards her.

"Could you please bring some beer from the store room?" She asked, and her smile was pleading. I looked at the empty beer cans and nodded to her.

The party was being held at one of the Leonardi estates, and I was familiar with every corner of it as I had come here with the Leonardi family on many occasions.

I looked around, and Max was not in the pool. So maybe he would be with his American girlfriend, having a great time.

I rolled my eyes as I recalled my encounter that afternoon when Max and his girlfriend were making out on the couch, and I accidentally stumbled upon them. I shook my head as I remembered Max's reaction. He looked so angry, as if he could have attacked me.

I quickly headed towards the store room. I entered the code to unlock the door. Security was a prominent feature of the Leonardi property.

As I stepped inside and began searching for boxes of beer cans among the items, I heard the door close behind me, and I turned to find Mason smirking. He was Maximo's friend and had a reputation for being involved with a lot of people.

"What are you doing here, and why did you close the door?" I frowned and walked towards the door, but he blocked my way.

"You look so hot today," he remarked, catching me off guard.

"I never thought you had such a perfect body beneath those baggy clothes you used to wear every day," he commented, licking his lips.

I didn't like the way he was looking at me.

"What are you saying? I... I don't know. Just open the door," I scowled, trying to walk past him, and started to open the door.

But he grabbed my hands and pinned them behind me.

He leaned forward, and I was disgusted by the smell of his stinking breath, indicating how drunk he was.

"What are you doing, Mason? Leave me. Let me go," I shouted, twisting my body to free myself. But he was stronger and didn't budge.

"Oh, come on, babe. Everyone is having fun at the party. So let us enjoy ourselves too," he laughed shamelessly and pushed me to the floor, crushing me with his heavy weight.

"No! Let me go!" I cried, thrashing my body, trying to hit him.

"Babe, I will make it so good for you. Cooperate with me. Give me a kiss. Come on! Be a good girl," he lowered his head, and I moved my face to the side as tears began to roll down my cheeks.

"No! Please leave me. Let me go. Please!" I sobbed.

"Come on, Rosa. It's just a kiss," he chuckled, and it seemed he was enjoying assaulting me.

"What the f**k is going on here?" Maximo's deep, rumbling voice roared in the room as the door broke open. I was relieved to see him there.

"Max, you are such a cockblock. We just started having fun, and you spoiled everything," Mason said in a surprisingly calm voice as he got off me.

Max grabbed his neck, punched him hard in the face, and pushed him outside the room.

"I am warning you, Mason. Stay away from the girls of the Leonardi family," Max threatened, his voice thundering with anger.

"But she is not your family. You yourself admitted it many times," Mason snorted.

"But she is also off-limits, you motherfucker. Don't forget that," Max roared, and Mason held up his hands in surrender and left quickly.

Max turned to look at me. His eyes swiftly drifted along the length of my body. But the next moment, he averted his eyes and dragged his fingers through his dark blond hair, breathing heavily. I adjusted my two-piece bikini and got up to my feet.

"Max!... I..." I tried to tell him about what had just happened.

"Don't call me Max!" He scolded. "It's Maximo Leonardi to you, and don't forget that."

"I just can't believe you could do something like that at my party. You didn't even care about our name and reputation. Such an ugly whōre you are, always looking for attention and hookups," he mumbled in anger and disgust.

I stumbled back, hearing him call me a whōre.

"I... I didn't..." I tried to explain to him.

"Shut up, and I am not interested in hearing any of your lies," he grumbled, and tears began to well up in my eyes.

"Never come in front of me. I don't want to see your slutty face ever. I hate you, Rosa," he spat out with so much hatred before darting out of the room, leaving me alone with my tears.

I couldn't believe he hated me so much. He called me names. He insulted me as if I were a dirty slüt.

I didn't know how long I had been standing there, crying silently. Finally, when I returned to my senses, I wiped my tears and hurried toward the room where I kept my clothes. I couldn't go back to the party and face Maximo. So, I changed and left the party without informing anyone.

********

Hey, my lovely reader!

Maximo is a devil, and Rosa is innocent.

Let's see where this hatred will lead them. I hope you enjoy this story.

Please show your love for Max And Rosa and send some moon tickets for this book.

Lots of love and hugs. God bless!!!