4: Married to the Devil

A V E L I N A

The next two weeks flew by in a blur, and before I knew it, it was already the day of my unplanned wedding. Maggie insisted I have the ceremony today, and I had no choice but to agree.

My heart was beating rapidly in my chest as I walked towards the altar, the guests quieting down. I wore a long, off-white lace dress, that complimented my body. It had a high neck, long sleeves and the skirt ended just below my knees.

I walked down the aisle, feeling my face heat up as I noticed the few guests staring at me. It was a small ceremony, thankfully. I felt uncomfortable under their gaze and I bit my lip, my nerves taking over. Thankfully, a veil was over my face, giving little privacy.

I looked up, seeing the back of Enzo's head. He was standing next to the priest, looking out the window. I swallowed thickly, feeling my nerves return.

As the music changed, he turned, his eyes locking with mine. There was a bit of shock in his irises and I watched as he balled his fists before turning to Maggie who quickly averted her gaze.

I felt my breath hitch and I couldn't look away. His jaw was clenched, his eyes stormy.

I didn't understand why he looked so angry. I thought he wanted this, and yet he looked like he wanted to be anywhere else.

As I finally reached the altar, he took my hand and helped me up. I looked at him, giving him a smile, but he refused to meet my gaze, his body stiff and rigid.

What was up with him? I know he doesn't want this, I don't too. Or–? Could it be that he didn't know that we were going to wed? If so, why wasn't he stopping it?

Different thoughts played in my head as the ceremony progressed and when it was time for our vows, my hands were shaking.

I felt a pair of strong hands envelope mine, and I looked up. Enzo's grey eyes were fixed on mine, his features calm. But, I knew beneath all of that, he wanted nothing more than to walk out of here and never return.

His grip on my hand tightened and a zap of electricity coursed through me, making me gasp. His brows furrowed and he stared at me in confusion, but I shook my head.

I didn't have time to ponder over what that was because the priest cleared his throat, reminding us that the ceremony was still in progress.

"Where the fuck is she?" He finally growled, nable to withstand the atmosphere anymore.

My brows scrunched in confusion, not know what or who he was talking about. "What?" I asked, confused.

"You are not supposed to be here, you lying golddigger. Where is my girlfriend?"

Girlfriend?

He has a freaking girlfriend?!

"Uh- how? I- Maggie said–" I stumbled over my words, unable to wrap my head around this new piece of information. Does this mean he doesn't know I was the one he was getting married to? Had Maggie lied to him and me?

"You lied, Nonna." His jaw clenched and he glared at his grandmother. "I'm not supposed to marry some random whore I don't even know. And where is my fucking girlfriend?!" He roared, storming towards his grandmother. The priest paused from his speech, eyes wide and wondering what the commotion was about.

As soon as he got to her, she stood firmly placing her hand on his shoulder. She forced him to her height and brought his ear down to mouth. She whispered something and his body froze, his eyes widening.

I was too far to hear the conversation but from the way he paled and his gaze moved from his grandmother to me, I knew whatever it was she told him wasn't good.

I fidgeted, trying to make myself as small as possible. The entire crowd was silent, watching the two with confusion.

"Avelina." I snapped my gaze up, his stormy grey orbs locking with mine. His eyes moved back to the priest. "Let's get this over with." He whispered.

I looked at him, not knowing what to do. I didn't want to marry him.

But, it was a matter of respect for Maggie.

I couldn't just go back on my words.

"Do you, Lorenzo Salvatore, take Avelina Marquez to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, 'till death do you part?" He stayed silent, his jaw locked. I didn't blame him. This was probably the worst day of his life. He didn't even know who I was, and now, he's expected to marry me?

I watched as his gaze dropped to the ring that sat on my finger. It was the same one his father used to propose to his mother. Maggie had given them to me a few days ago.

He looked up, his gaze meeting mine. "I do." I took the golden wedding ring and slipped it into his left finger.

I took a shaky breath, preparing myself for the priest's next question. "And do you, Avelina Marquez, take Lorenzo Salvatore to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, 'till death do you part?"

Tears welled up in my eyes.

This was it.

The final step.

I could feel his gaze burning into mine and I didn't want to look at him. He already hated me and the guilt was eating me alive.

"I-I do." He slipped a very beautiful small diamond-cut ring in my left finger, sealing our fate.

"Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

I tensed, the hairs on the back of my neck standing. The kiss was the one thing I feared the most.

He leaned closer, his hands holding my face. My breath hitched as he pressed his lips against mine, and I swear, I felt sparks fly.

My eyes fluttered shut and I leaned closer, wanting to feel more. His hold on my face tightened, and he pulled me closer, deepening the kiss.

I could feel my lips mold against his and it was magical. He was warm, his hands holding me close, making me feel protected. I could feel the fire inside of me, the passion, the desire.

And then, he pulled away.

I felt dizzy and dazed. My brain was foggy and it was as if I had lost all sense of reason. I opened my eyes, finding him looking at me, his gaze intense.

"Lorenzo..." I breathed out, not recognizing the sound of my own voice.

His breath fanned my cheeks, his eyes dropping to my swollen lips. He leaned closer, and I could feel his breath against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

"You're going to live the rest of your life regretting why you made my grandmother do this. I will ruin you. And the last thing you'll see is my face before I leave you broken, alone and unloved." He growled, his eyes dark.

And just like that, the spell was broken.

He let go of me and I stumbled back, not realizing he was holding me upright. The guests started cheering, the claps and whistles bringing me back to reality.

I looked up, watching him as he walked away, the guests parting for him. I didn't miss the glare he gave his grandmother and the way he ignored me.

The rest of the guests crowded around me, offering their congratulations, their smiles and hugs making me feel a bit better.

"Don't let him scare you." Maggie patted my hand, smiling softly. "It'll be okay, my dear. Trust me."

"W-why didn't you tell him, Maggie? He hates me so much more now. He thinks I'm a gold-digger."

"Pay no mind to him, darling. He is stubborn and hard headed, but he'd definitely come around. You're his wife now. He can only resist you for a while before he realizes that you're all he needs. He'd come back to his senses, my child."

I nodded, but I wasn't sure.

I don't think he'd ever forgive me.

After the ceremony was done, Maggie walked us to a big black range Rover, with multiple decorations and balloons.

"I arranged for you both to stay the night at one of our hotels, and you'll be living for the earliest flight to Maldives tomorrow morning." As soon as she said that, Enzo snapped his head towards her. He grabbed her hand and pulled her aside, leaving me standing there awkwardly.

The driver smiled at me, holding the door open. I climbed in, taking a deep breath.

A few minutes later, Lorenzo joined, his brows furrowed. I looked outside, avoiding his gaze.

The driver started the engine and drove off, the car filling with silence. After a while, he cleared his throat. "How much did she pay you?"

I looked at him, not sure if I heard him right. "Huh?"

"How much did my grandmother pay you to be my wife?" He growled, his hands forming into fists.

I blinked at him, not knowing how to answer. Did he really think I was being paid to do this?

"Look, I know you're upset but, I swear I wasn't–"

"Cut the crap, princess. How much?"

I looked at him, hurt and offended. He had just called me a liar. And I wasn't. What's the point of convincing him when he wouldn't even believe me. "Nothing." I answered, my voice cold.

He scoffed, running his fingers through his hair. "What do you want, then?"

"You're a fucking asshole, Enzo. You think I wanted this too? I did this because of your grandmother and nothing else. I wouldn't want to be stuck with you too."

"You know what I think you are?" He leaned down to my ear and whispered, "A fucking gold-digger who manipulated her way into my vulnerable grandmother's heart just to eat the Salvatore's wealth." His words stung and I tried not to let the tears fall.

I decided not to utter another word and face away from him. The rest of the ride was filled with tensed silence and I wanted nothing more than to run away from all of this.