Betrothed to a CEO, inlove with a MAFIA

Chapter One Claire’s Pov "You dare not disobey me, Claire! You have been betrothed to him ever since you were a child and engaged to him for the past six years, and today you will become one with him, and nothing can stop that, not even you!" my dad yelled, his eyes blazing with anger. "But, but..." I stammered, my voice quivering. "No 'buts,' Claire. Today is your wedding day. What do you want me to tell the people already seated in the church and the groom's family? That my daughter just disappeared on her wedding day? I will not face such embarrassment," my dad said through clenched teeth. "I don't love him, Dad. I'll never be happy with him," I protested, tears welling up in my eyes. A deep sigh escaped my dad's mouth as he placed his hands on my shoulders. "I'm sorry, it's too late, princess. We gave you kids enough time to fall in love. You have just an hour. Put yourself together and come downstairs; the car is ready." He patted my shoulder and walked out of my room, leaving me struggling to control my tears. Growing up, I always imagined how my wedding day would be—filled with happiness and butterflies in my stomach. I pictured my father, with a proud smile on his face, walking me down the aisle towards the man I loved, the man I would spend forever with. But here I was, sitting in front of my dressing mirror, tears threatening to spill out of my eyes, as I fought to keep my makeup intact. Who would have thought I would feel so sad on my wedding day, marrying a man I once loved more than anything, the man who meant everything to me? But... "Hey, girlfriend," my best friend Charlotte called, snapping me out of my thoughts. She walked into the room, all dressed up, while I still contemplated whether to put on my veil or not. "Are you really sure you want to do this? This is the saddest I've ever seen you, and if you're going to feel this way with him forever, then I suggest you don't go through with this," Charlotte said, genuine worry evident in her features, as she placed her hands on my shoulders and gave them a gentle squeeze. "You know I can't just call off the wedding, Charlotte. My family's name would be stained for eternity. Oh, my poor father. He would have a heart attack. I'm their only child, and they have waited for this day for so long, ever since I turned 14," I said, standing up and walking towards the bed, where I sat down. "I know all that, Claire, but don't you think your happiness should be the top priority?" Charlotte asked, sitting beside me and placing my head on her shoulder while patting it gently. "My happiness, Charlotte? You keep forgetting that my parents are almost done with the process of making this man their heir. What happens to their legacy if I run away? What would people say about my family? I have been betrothed to him since I was a child. This is an agreement between two powerful families. I can't just break it without consequences, Char. It would break my parents, and they would never forgive me," I said, tears streaming down my face as I thought about the pain my parents would go through. "What about him? I know he's the reason you're so sad. Would you just let your love story end like this? What happens to all the promises you made to each other? He doesn't even know you're getting married to another man, Claire. At least you owe him that much," Charlotte said, her voice filled with fear, worry, and concern. "I don't want to talk about him," I said firmly, even though my heart shattered into a thousand pieces at the mere thought of him. "But..." Charlotte tried to say, concern evident in her voice. "I do not love him anymore. Whatever happened between us is all in the past now, and I would appreciate it if you respect that," I said firmly, clenching my teeth together as I turned my face away from her gaze. "I'm not out to hurt you, you know, right? You're my best friend, and I just want you to be happy, always," Charlotte said, taking my hands in hers and staring deeply into my eyes. "I know, girlfriend... but I just have to do this. If my parents weren't involved and so invested, I would have called off the wedding two weeks ago when I walked in on him and another woman in bed," I confessed, my voice filled with sadness. "What?! You've got to be kidding me. How dare he?" Charlotte exclaimed, her anger flaring up on my behalf. I felt a pang of pain in my chest as the events of that fateful day flashed through my mind. "I had gone to his house that afternoon to inform him about a call I received from the wedding planner. She had informed me that the hall we booked for the reception would not be available on our chosen date. We were left with two options: to cancel or choose a new date. I desperately wanted that hall since it was where my dad had said his vows to my mom. So, I wanted it too, even if it was just for the reception. The gatekeeper let me in, and as I walked into the silent sitting area, I knew something was amiss. I wasn't entirely surprised since he spent most of his time in his study or bedroom. My heart skipped a beat as I entered the hallway that led to his bedroom. I recognized the sounds, but my brain refused to process them. I had suspicions before since he showed no love or affection towards me, but I thought he would at least respect me and keep it out of town. In that moment, I had a choice: to turn back and spare myself the pain or to confront him. Trembling, I opened the door, and there he was, intimately entwined with the very woman he swore had nothing to do with him. When he saw me, he turned, trying to shield his face with his hands, while she covered herself with a blanket. I took out my phone and captured the scene, then I walked out, drove to a bar, and almost drowned my sorrows," I recounted, a sad smile on my face. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that alone. Why didn't you show the evidence to your parents? I'm sure they would have stopped the wedding without thinking twice," Charlotte said, engulfing me in a hug. "Just let it go, Charlotte. The day..." I began, but my mom walked into the room, interrupting me. A wide smile lit up her face as she approached me. "Princess, you look so beautiful," she said, tears welling up in her eyes as she gazed at her little girl, now a grown woman. "I have waited so long for this day, to see you so happy, walking down the aisle with your childhood sweetheart. I'm so glad it's finally happening," she said with excitement. "I'm happy too, Mom. I'm very happy that your and Daddy's dream is finally coming true," I replied, staring at the veil in my arms. "Sweetie, what are you saying? Yes, we chose him for you because we want the best for you, but you grew to love him, and we only supported and encouraged you. Oh no, did we push you too hard?" she asked, concern etched on her face. I walked over to the mirror stand, taking a final look at my mom and best friend, before putting on my veil. "We should be on our way to the church. We don't want to keep the guests waiting," I said, trying to sound composed. As I stepped out of the car, the driver holding the door for me, I stared at the entrance in front of me. Reality finally dawned on me. This was happening, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. "Let's go, sweetie," my dad said, his face beaming with pride, as he took my hand and led me into the church toward the aisle. "You look so beautiful, princess, and I'm so proud of you. Thank you for upholding the family name and honor," my dad said, tears welling up in his eyes as he walked me down the aisle. I leaned into his arms, trying to offer him comfort. Standing in front of the altar was Derrick Elliot, my soon-to-be husband. I may not love him, but I couldn't deny how handsome he looked in his suit, his tall, slender figure exuding confidence. My dad placed my arm on Derrick's, in front of the congregation, as he handed me over to him. We both said our vows, which were simple and plain, but I was too lost in my thoughts and my own world to fully hear them. In my mind, everything suddenly became eerily quiet. Murmurs and whispers filled the air, and someone was whispering my name. Derrick tapped me, snapping me out of my thoughts. The priest looked at me with surprise and asked the question again, "Do you, Natalie Smith, take Derrick Elliot to be your lawfully wedded husband, till death do you part?" "I..." I hesitated, the weight of my decision bearing down on me. But before I could answer, a voice filled with venom and anger erupted from the congregation. "Stop! She's mine!" the voice roared. I froze in place, turning to see who had spoken, my heart pounding in my chest. My eyes widened in shock as I locked gazes with him.