08

Lily Montgomery

The sunlight pierces through the curtain as I stare out the window. I glance at the mirror—if this weren’t the day of my forced wedding, it would be a beautiful day.

The white dress, falling perfectly over my silhouette, contrasts with my lost gaze.

I had dreamed so much about my wedding.

But this? We could call it a show.

A staged spectacle in which I was being forced to participate.

Maybe if my mother were alive, she would help me. Or maybe she was the one to blame for all of this. If she hadn’t told Luigi Romano about my existence, none of this would be happening now.

I sit on the edge of the bed, feeling mentally exhausted and frustrated.

Of course, I couldn’t escape. And even if I could, where would I go? With not a dime to my name, with mafiosos after me. I was screwed. That was the word.

I lean forward, adjusting the damn veil.

“You look beautiful.” My father’s voice echoes in the room. “Come, let’s go downstairs. If you keep sitting, you might wrinkle the dress, mia cara.”

“I don’t give a damn about this dress,” I glare at him with narrowed eyes.

“With this marriage, the Russian mafiosos will give us a truce. You will be protected.”

“And you will be richer, won’t you?” I say sarcastically.

I had done my research, and as fantastical as it sounded, it was my reality. For centuries, arranged marriages had been popular among the mafia. They did it for various reasons—agreements, protection, truces… And now, I was part of it.

“I’ll be waiting for you in the car,” he says, leaving the room.

I had one last card up my sleeve to escape all of this.

I grabbed my phone and dialed the New York police. They would help me.

I wasn’t going to get married against my will. Not to my ex.

My trembling fingers slide over the phone screen. Dialing the police has never felt so desperate. My thoughts race faster than the ringing tone. My heart pounds as I hear the first beep.

“New York Police Department, what’s your emergency?”

I swallow hard. My voice comes out shaky.

“I… I need help. I’m being forced into a marriage. Please, get me out of here before it’s too late.”

On the other end of the line, the officer pauses before asking, in a surprisingly calm tone:

“Where exactly is the ceremony taking place?”

The question sends a chill down my spine. Something about the way he spoke feels off. I hesitate for a moment.

“It’s at a private estate, the Romano mansion. But you need to come quickly. I’m in danger.”

There’s a muffled sound in the background. A male voice says something I can’t fully understand, but what I do catch makes my blood run cold:

“Tell Luigi everything is under control.”

My stomach churns. My body freezes as the officer speaks again, his voice chillingly cold:

“Miss Montgomery, hang up the phone. You’re in good hands.”

My fingers clutch the device tightly. A shiver runs down my spine. I have no way out. The police… are bought. They’re on their side. I press the hang-up button and stare at the black screen, unable to process what just happened.

A knock on the door makes me jump. Swallowing my fear, I take a deep breath and grab the bouquet of flowers resting on the bed.

White lilies. My favorite flowers—and Matteo knew that.

I swallow hard, and each step down the hallway feels like it’s killing me. The double doors at the top of the staircase open before me, revealing the scene below. Men in suits, watchful eyes, Luigi at the center of the room.

He watches me descend, his eyes analyzing every detail of my face. When I step onto the last stair, he smirks with irony.

“I knew you’d do this,” he says calmly, leaning slightly toward me. “You’re smart, Lily. You take after the Romano blood.”

My heart pounds erratically, but my gaze remains locked onto his.

“But believe me, mia figlia… for the right amount of money, everyone can be corrupted.”

The bouquet slips slightly from my fingers. My fate was sealed.

I scan the crowd of Italians. I don’t know a single person here.

My dear father offers me his arm, and I take it—it feels like walking to the gallows.

“Smile, dear.”

A forced smile spreads across my lips, and I stare at those people.

I feel sold. My life is ruined.

But the sound of the wedding march tells me there’s no turning back. It’s impossible.

Matteo Salvatore is at the altar.

His broad shoulders are noticeable under the suit jacket. He wears a black dress shirt and trousers, his hair styled in a way that makes him look undeniably sexy. I can’t deny he’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. His eyes lock onto mine, like a predator eyeing its prey. And despite having once been his girlfriend, I never really knew him. I never truly knew him. He was never the simple boy from my neighborhood—he never was.

I walk with my head held high—nothing else matters now. I am immersed in a life I never wanted, bound to a man who deeply hurt me, and to a heartless father who only used me as a bargaining chip.

The officiant begins to speak, but my mind is elsewhere. My chest tightens with every word, every gaze upon me as if I were a mere pawn in a game I never chose to play.

Luigi hands me over to Matteo, and instinctively, my body stiffens at his touch. His warm hand wraps around mine, and I look at him. His gaze holds me captive—dark and intense, as if he has already won. There’s something there, something that sends a shiver down my spine.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

My stomach churns. The finality of the words hits me like a hammer. No way out. No escape.

Matteo lifts the ring and slides the cold band onto my finger with precision, as if sealing a contract. I do the same, my fingers trembling, my breath unsteady.

“You may kiss the bride.”

The hall holds its breath. Matteo leans in slowly, his lips dangerously close to mine. My heart pounds violently against my ribs. For a moment, I wonder if he can feel my trembling. His eyes leave no room for escape.

Then, he kisses me.

There is no tenderness, no hesitation. Only possession.

And at that moment, I realize— I have lost everything.