CHAPTER 1: MARRIAGE

Marianna

My black hair tripped over my face as I carefully walked into the already filled class with my head bent downwards. I held my books firmly to my chest and avoided the lecturer's eyes.

"Miss Marianna," the lecturer's voice halted my steps. Turning my back slowly, I brushed my hair backwards to face him.

"Yes Mr Alceo?"

He removed his glasses from his eyes, burning his stares into my skin.

"What time does it say on your watch?"

"I'm sorry Mr Alceo, I had some things which kept me late," I bit my lower lips, the memories from last night which made me late flashed through my head.

"Fine, don't let it repeat itself. I'm not very tolerant of late coming, go have your seat," he said, moving on with his lecture.

I settled in my chair, in the far corner of the class. The class went by so quickly and I could barely grasp what he was teaching. My attention was returned back to earth when the class became rowdy, the other students stood up, dropping the assignment he asked for. I reached out for my bag and searched through it.

"Shit," I cursed, desperately trying to not get into his trap. "How could I leave it at home?"

I tried to sneak out of the lecture hall with the others but I guess he really had his eyes on me.

"Miss Marianna, please wait behind, I'd like to see you," he announced.

"Yes sir," I said, dragging out a seat in the front row.

As soon as all the students were out of the lecture hall, he shut the door and made sure the lock on it was secured properly and he threw part of the blinds down. Walking towards me, he unbuttoned his first few buttons and rolled his sleeves up. I looked away quickly, adjusting myself on the seat.

His strong muscular hands rested on my table, his tattoo and his clean shaved chest came in contact with my eyes.

"I haven't received my assignment from you Miss Marianna," he said, his voice having gone from being strict to seductive.

"My apologies sir, I forgot it," I swallowed hard and fiddled with the hem of my blouse, trying to avoid his eye contact.

He reclined to my ear, whispering. "You know what you also forgot? You forgot your panties at my place last night."

My insides twisted in a knot and I bit down on my tongue harder, I pictured him smirking and that was exactly his facial expression.

I rushed from my seat with my cheeks painted with the color red. "What's wrong with you Alceo? You promised not to talk about this in school."

His laughter rocked the room, folding his arms over his chest. "Oh it's now Alceo, no more Mr Alceo."

My expression was blank as I waited for him to be done with his silly jokes.

"I couldn't help it, knowing how much you were squirming under me last night," he threw a wink, sending me flirty gestures. I could feel butterflies flapping their wings in my tummy and my coochie yearning for his touch again. I threw my face in the other direction, pulling my hair to cover my cheeks.

"Come on pretty, I love you. I just like teasing you so much," he came closer, kissing my neck and trying to find his way into my pants.

"Respect yourself, we are in school," I chastised him, grabbing my bag and walking out of the door with his magic words and laughter escorting me out.

My face radiated with joy with each step I took outside the lecture hall. His class was the only one I had that day, I loved seeing him everyday and we've tried our best keeping our relationship away from the public. It would be a disaster to both of us.

My family was the number one mafia family in New York and I happened to just be the only child who would take over the business as soon as my father was dead. My mother died from what I had no idea of, I never really knew her.

He, on the other hand, could lose his entire source of livelihood and I wouldn't want to be the reason for his misfortune.

"Lady Marianna," my father's bodyguard, suddenly appeared in front of me, causing me to throw my books all away.

My heart jumped to my mouth, scared of his presence. "What are you doing here? How many times have I told my father to let me live like a normal adult?"

"My apologies ma'am. Your father requests your presence at home immediately. It's urgent," he said. Just like it was planned, a message from Alceo came into my phone.

'Wait for me after school babe, I need to tell you something'.

I was conflicted, the sudden request for my presence was one that bothered me a lot.

I decided to honor my father's presence first. I texted Alceo back.

'Let's talk later, something came up. I love you'.

The drive home was a silent one, I wondered what was going on. As soon as the car hit the driveway, my heart skipped a beat. Fear and worry gnawed their claws at me.

The driveway was parked with various cars and different bodyguards stood all over the compound.

"Diego, what's going on? Did something happen? Why the crowded environment?"

"Not at all my lady, I'm in no position to tell you what is happening. Please, your father awaits your presence inside."

I dropped from the car and walked into the room. The last people I wanted to see, the Bezzio family, sat opposite my family in the living room, with their son smiling like an idiot.

My father, Santo Del Vecchio, was the head of the 4 families. The Del Vecchios, the Bezzios, the Mollicas and the Serafinos.

The Bezzio family were the second in command, lower than us, the Del Vecchio, but they had their stance on the table too.

"Father, what's going on?" I questioned, without even saying any word of salutation.

"Marianna," my father welcomed me, drawing me into a kiss. "It's good to have you home, we are here to talk about your wedding."

"What?" I screamed, refusing to believe what my ears just heard. "Whose marriage?"