Claimed By The Don

Ava p. o. v

My nerves are shot to bit. I don’t know why. I know I’m doing the right thing, doing this, I’m protecting my family, but damn I’m nerve-racking.

I’m alone, my first silent and reflective moment of the day so far and probably the last. I’ve been waiting for this tiny snippet of time, begging for it in between the chaos around me.

I needed this moment to myself alone, absorbing the massive leap that I’m taking trying to gather myself together. Moment like this will likely be precious from today forward.

It’s my wedding day.

The day I promise myself to this man for the rest of my life. The day my surname will be changed forever, the day I becomes his wife.

I sighed and look at my reflection in the large shiny mirror, everyone said I look gorgeous in this white wedding dress. I’m dressed in the most beautiful wedding dress I’ve ever seen, any other bride will be all over the moon wearing this dress.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy wearing it but not as excited. All I see in the mirror is a young woman who is sacrificing her possible bright future for the sake of her family’s well being.

Maybe this is my fate, I mean, it’s not the worst but also not the best either. I want a life where I get to decide what I want, but who am I kidding, that’s not how it works. I was just hoping that mine would make a difference, but now I get it, I’m not having what I want.

The door cracked open tearing me from my thoughts, and my mom entered the room with a beaming smile that dropped the instant she saw me standing by the mirror with a gloomy expression.

She pats my shoulder in a comforting way, I gave her a small smile hoping to convince her that I’m fine, when in actual fact I was just trying to convince myself.

“Come let’s sit.” She pulled me towards the bed and made me sit while she sat beside me, holding both my hands and caressing it softly.

I gave her a questioning look, I know this is the time when the bride and her mother have the mother and daughter talk. I was hoping we would skip that, I don’t want to get all emotional but guess there’s no escaping it.

“I don’t how your life after today will be, but if you ever feel like you can’t do it anymore. Just leave, ran away and don’t think of anyone.” She whispered desperately.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

I understand her fears, and even I am scared. I’m getting married to a Mafia leader, he has loads of enemies, his life style is too dangerous for me. How am I supposed to cope with the violence and been surrounded with guns, I get scared of the unknown danger that lurks around waiting for me.

I Know it will come, I will have to face a dangerous situation sooner or later, and Everytime I remember what Mrs Alfonso said, I becomes more terrified.

She has warned me about the possible danger ahead, and I’m not about to take her warns for a joke.

“I’m not going to put all of you in danger.” Even if it cost me everything, I want to add but stop.

“I know, but my dear. You can’t always be the one to make sacrifices.” I know where she’s going and I scoffed.

It’s only a one time thing for Christ sake, it’s was when I just graduated from high school. Hardship hit us even more than before, it was like, it has been program to happen at that particular time. Me been the good daughter, offered to give up going to university so I can get a job and help with the work load, because mom’s income became less for us.

That was the first time I saw my Mom so mad and sad at the same time, to the point she didn’t talk to me for days. Blaming herself for not providing enough to make me think of giving up my dream, she strongly refused stating that I must graduate from the University and somehow she got the money to pay for my admission fees and others necessities.

“Mom, this time it’s different.”

“I know that.” She sighed, I sigh too. “But remember what I told you, okay?” I nod just to assure her, even though I’m not gonna run away and make them suffer for it.

The door burst open and my mother-in-law, Kara and the make-up artist rushed in. They paused and stare at us with wide grin on their faces.

“Having the mother and daughter moment?” Mrs Alfonso tease with an adoring look on.

“Yes.” Mom laughs wiping the unshed tears from her eyes, my heart break at the sight of it.

The make-up artist did a once-over on my face, before I was led out of our house to the limo taking me to the church, yes limo, I didn’t even know Vince had one I guess I should expect anything now. I choose to get ready from my parents home, because after today everything is going to change.

The ceremony isn’t going to start until 11:00am and it’s just ten thirty, so that gives us thirty minutes more, actually twenty since the ride from my house to the church is ten minutes.

The car stop in front of the church sooner than expected, I resist the urge to groan out my nervousness. Everyone got down from their cars and went inside the church, except for my maid of honor and bridesmaids.

Tricia, the maid of honor, and the bridesmaids are, Kara, Valarie Dante’s love, I don’t know what’s really going on with them, Valarie seem to be avoiding him but Dante is having none of it. It’s pretty hilarious to watch. And three of my cousins I didn’t know existed until now, Carissa, Amelia and Rachel. They’ve been acting like we’ve known each other for ages, when it was just three days ago, I just allow them to continue making a fool of themselves.

I know it’s bad of me but who cares, definitely not me. I mean this people deliberately pretended like we don’t exist, and suddenly they are interested in our affairs? I honestly thought they weren’t going to come, I even tried persuading Mom not to invite them but she didn’t listen. I was shock when I saw them coming one after the other, my two uncle’s wives even offered to help out with the preparation.

Their daughters even want to be among my bridesmaids, I couldn’t say no because my Mom gave me the stink eye.

It’s time.

Time to say my vows and get tied to this man for life, I am nervous as hell and for some unknown reason I felt like something isn’t right. I can feel it in the pit of my stomach, something is going to happen and it isn’t going to be good, I can’t tell why I’m feeling this way, maybe I’m just been paranoid.

I took in a deep breath to calm my nerves, but was unsuccessful.

My gazes fell on my Dad, who so proudly stood beside me in a well tailored suit. He met my gaze but quickly avert his eyes, he look nervous like he wanted to say something but didn’t know how to.

I face away, right now I don’t want any more stress in my life, this is enough for me plus I am slightly distracted as the song came on for me to enter.

I link my arms with my Dad, just as the door open for us.

“I’m sorry.” My Dad whispered closed to my ears, I was shock for a second before quickly composing myself, I honestly can’t deal with him right now.

Photos and videos of my Dad and I were taking as we walk to the altar, I eyes swept the whole church bringing a smile on my face. This is how I wanted my wedding to look like, the designs, decorations and colors is all what I wanted.

I was grin from ear to ear, everyone will probably think I am been excited for my wedding. I don’t mind, I don’t want anyone knowing this is actually a forced marriage.

My breath came short and quick as my eyes lands on the man I’m getting married to, my heart simply flutter at the sight of him. Yes that’s how handsome he is right now, I know he’s a Greek God, but I didn’t expect he could look even more handsome.

We stop in front of him, his chocolate orbs scan me and I saw his eyes darken causing my breath to cease. He took my hand from my Dad, he placed a feather like kiss on my knuckles before turning us to the priest.

I had space out on what the priest was saying, thinking of my life and how it has took a new turn. But the priests question brought back to present.

“If there’s anyone who object to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.” The hall was silent, nobody dare to lift a finger as Vince keeps toying with the small pistol in his grip, daring anyone to speak up.

I heard the priest gasp but didn’t comment on it, wise choice indeed.

“Since there are no objects, we must proceed. The rings can be exchanged.” The priest said slightly shaken up.

Tricia and Dario came up with the rings, grinning widely. Vince took the ring from Dario and easily slip it through my finger, I took the ring and did the same only a bit slower than him.

“Do you Vincenzo Issac Alfonso take Ava Sophie Marcus to be your lawfully wedded wife, to spend the rest of your life together. To stand by her in sickness and in health, to love and cherish her, and to protect her all the days of your life?”

“I do.” Vince replied in a heartbeat. It’s my turn, I held my breath as the priest repeat the same thing to me.

“Do you Ava Sophie Marcus take Vincenzo Issac Alfonso as your lawfully wedded husband, to spend the rest of your together. To love and cherish even in sickness and in health?” He finishs.

“Y…. yes, I do.” it’s took few seconds to force it out.

“By the power vested in me by the living God, I now pronounced you husband and wife. You may now kis…..” Before could finish, Vince has already took off my veil and crashed his lips on mine.

The crowd went wild at that, but all I could focus on was the mind blowing kisses, we pulled apart from shortage of breath. I was still panting slightly when Vince led me out of the church to the car, taking us to the reception.