The Don of the Volpe family, Vincenzo Volpe, was stunned to hear I wanted to marry Caius. But considering his son had been in a wheelchair for years, he knew this might be Caius's only chance at marriage. No other woman from a respectable family would have him.
So, Vincenzo agreed to my request, even offering a generous portion of the family's assets as a dowry.
As our two families discussed the wedding arrangements, I glanced out the study window and saw Caius in his wheelchair. He was in the estate's garden, engrossed in a book.
Though I could only see his profile, it was strikingly handsome, and his gray eyes, deep as wells, were mesmerizing. I found myself staring.
Suddenly, a heavy gardening cart came barreling out from the shadows of the bushes. I held my breath as Caius launched himself from his wheelchair, rolling clear of the collision before deftly settling back into the seat as if nothing had happened.
My heart pounded. Weren't his legs crippled? How could he move?
I blinked, certain I had imagined it. When I looked again, he was sitting quietly, as if he hadn't moved at all. Was I seeing things?
The wedding details were quickly finalized. Afterward, I went back to the villa I shared with Silas to pack my things.
When I pushed open the door, I found Odessa sitting on the living room sofa, wearing the gown I had custom-made for an important gala.
Odessa smirked at me. "Oh, Alessia, you're back. Silas says you make a killer martini. I'm dying of thirst. Be a dear and mix one for me, will you?"
I ignored her and strode toward my bedroom.
Just then, Silas appeared, his face darkening when he saw me ignore her.
"Alessia, Odessa just wanted to taste your handiwork. She meant no harm. You're supposed to be the future Donna of the Volpe family. How can you be so petty? How can I trust you to run this household?"
"Silas, don't be so harsh," Odessa cooed, clutching his sleeve with a practiced innocence. "It's my fault, really. I should have called. If Alessia isn't comfortable with me here, I can just leave."
She started for the door, but Silas caught her arm. "How could anyone not like you? You're so charming and sweet. Look, I even brought you a present."
He pulled a set of keys from his pocket and pressed them into Odessa's hand. "My lawyer drew up the papers for you—it's a condo in a prime location. You can watch the wedding from your own balcony. You'll have the best seat in the house."
Odessa took the keys, her face beaming. "This must have been so expensive."
Silas stroked her hair dotingly. "It's nothing. Just a condo. Anything for you is worth it."
I paid them no mind, a leaden weight settling in my stomach as I walked to the kitchen.
The last time, Odessa had complained that her bridesmaid dress wasn't as beautiful as my wedding gown, so Silas had forced me to change into a simpler dress.
He had told me then, "Alessia, darling, Odessa is sensitive about her humble origins. That dress of yours is too extravagant; it will only make her feel inadequate. Besides, you look beautiful in anything."
I believed him and gave up the gown I had spent months choosing. I never imagined he had secretly bought Odessa a condo behind my back.
At dinner, Silas asked casually, "Have you gone over the wedding arrangements?"
I nodded.
A flash of displeasure crossed his face. He pressed, "Did you check the signature on the marriage contract? It's a family tradition. We can't have any mistakes."
I feigned ignorance. "I've checked everything. It's all in order."
Silas was about to press further, but Odessa interrupted him. She pointed to a faded trident crest on his arm. "Silas, that Marino family crest is so pretty. It would be even more stunning if my name was tattooed there to match my dress."
Silas’s expression tightened. That tattoo wasn't just ink; it was a symbol of his bond with my family, a mark of honor. To alter it was a grave insult, a sign of broken fealty.
