Married to the Capo

Chapter 2

Eva

The light rays of the sun that filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow in my room woke me up. My eyes fluttering open as I slowly became aware of my surroundings. The events of the previous night came flooding back to me.

With a deep breath, I sat up in bed, my eyes still puffy from crying. I rubbed my tired eyes, trying to shake off the lingering sadness.

Slowly I slided of my bed and got into my attached bathroom. I stripped my clothes of my body and got under the running water. After a long shower I walked to my closet and got dressed into black sweat pants and white tank top for the day.

Just as I was brushing my hair there was knock on the door making me open it to see my mom standing with a plate of French toast and orange juice in her hand.

I shifted aside as she entered my room placing the plate on the side table besides my bed. Then she sat on the bed patting the space besides her signaling me to sit.

"Eva, sweetheart ,are you okay?" My mother asked her voice filled with concern as she took my hands into hers drawing circles with her thumb.

I tried to speak but my words came out as choked sobs as thoughts from last night came crashing on to me. My mother wrapped her arms around me holding me close and offering a comforting presence.

"It's okay, Eva. You can tell me what's on your mind," my mother whispered, gently wiping away my tears with a soft touch.

Through my tears, I managed to speak. "I... I don't want to go through with this arranged marriage, Mama. I feel trapped, like I have no say in my own future," I confessed, my voice trembling with emotion.

"I understand how you're feeling, Eva. It's normal to have doubts and fears about something so significant. But remember, I'm here for you, always," she reassured, her words filled with love and support.

I leaned into her motherly embrace, finding solace in her comforting presence.

"Ok Darling ,Enough of crying for today.I have some news to share with you"she began her eyes sparkling with excitement and delight as i sat straight again raising in eyebrow at her curious about what she had to say.

"What is it, Mom?" she asked, her interest piqued.

"Well, your father and I have arranged for dinner with Lorenzo and his parents this weekend," my mother revealed, a smile playing on her lips.

My eyes widened in surprise. "Dinner with him and his parents? That's unexpected," I said, feeling nervous at the prospect of meeting 'him' and his family.

My mother nodded, her expression warm and reassuring. "I know it might seem intimidating, but it's a great opportunity for all of us to get to know each other better. And I'm sure they'll adore you as much as we do," she said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

I couldn't help but feel a rush of gratitude for my mother's unwavering support. "Thank you, Mom. I appreciate your encouragement," i said, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over me.

My mother smiled, her eyes filled with pride. "You're a wonderful young woman, Eva. Just be yourself, and everything will fall into place." she said, her voice filled with love and confidence.

I hugged my mother once more saying"Thank you Mama. I love you. " .She hugged me back " I love you too my baby."

_____

I was engrossed in watching a movie on my laptop, my eyes fixed on the screen.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Ivan walked in, his footsteps quiet as he approached me. He stood behind me for a moment, watching the movie over my shoulder, a small smile playing on his lips.

"What are you watching, Ev? Mind if I join you?"he asked

I smiled and scooted over on the bed, making room for him to sit beside me.

"Hey, Ivy! Ok, you can join me. But we are continuing this movie.Okay?It's really good so far."

"Fine with me"Ivan settled in next to me, his presence bringing a sense of comfort and familiarity to the room. .We both focused on the screen.

As the movie progressed, we laughed at the funny scenes, gasped at the plot twists, and shared quiet moments of reflection during the emotional parts.

After about one and half hour the movie ended. And I closed the laptop making Ivan turn his body towards me so that now he is facing me.

Ivan looked at me with a serious expression on his face. "Ev, I want you to know that asshole ever hurts you in any way, I will not hesitate to protect you. I would do anything to keep you safe." He said with a look of determination.

I looked at Ivan, touched by his words and the intensity of his gaze. I could see the sincerity in his eyes and felt a sense of comfort knowing that my brother was always there for me.

"Ivy, thank you for saying that. It means a lot to me to know that you have my back." I said tears gathering in my eyes.

Ivan reached out and gently squeezed my hand, a reassuring gesture that spoke volumes more than words ever could.

"Of course, Ev. You're my sister, and I will always look out for you. I can't bear the thought of anyone causing you pain."

I felt a rush of gratitude towards my brother, knowing that I had someone so fiercely protective and caring .

"I appreciate your concern, Ivy. It's comforting to know that I have someone like you watching over me." I said with a smile on my face.