My mom announced to the guests that we would be leaving earlier than scheduled for our honeymoon and people lined up on either side of us as we made our way to the exit of the reception hall. My dad and Alessio flanked Alessandro and me on either side as guests wished us well and a happy marriage.
I tried to keep the smile on my face as genuinely as possible as I thanked everyone, but underneath the mask I was shaking like a leaf. Aldo took the lead as he guided us out to the exit. Outside, more guards awaited us and escorted us to a limo that was waiting. The flashing lights of the news reporters' cameras blinded me momentarily, each trying to snap pictures of the happy couple, oblivious to the storm brewing inside of me.
Just as I entered, the limo shots rang through the noise of the r
