The Arranged Marriage

Larissa stood in front of the mirror, looking at her gown. It was beautiful, but she didn’t feel happy. She was more nervous than anything. Even if the nerves went away, she still wouldn’t feel excited.

Her father and brothers had chosen Liam to be her husband.

“Mama, don’t tell me to smile,” Larissa said, her voice shaking. “I’m not happy.”

Her mother stood behind her, brushing her long black hair. She always looked perfect, wearing the best clothes and jewelry. She was the Queen to her husband, one of the tri capi in New Jersey.

“Do you know how much your gown cost?” her mother asked, shocked. “Look at you—you’re dressed like a princess. You should feel lucky.”

But Larissa didn’t feel lucky. She felt stuck.

“Liam comes from a good family,” her mother said, trying to make her smile.

“But he’s not one of the tri capi,” Larissa replied. Liam wasn’t good enough for her. He had some money, and he looked okay, but that wasn’t enough. Larissa was sure she could even beat him in a fight if she had to.

“He’s a close friend of the family,” her mother said, fixing the veil on her head. “This was always the plan. You knew this would happen.”

Larissa shook her head. “It feels too soon. We were supposed to wait until I was twenty-five. What changed?”

Her mother stopped brushing her hair and frowned. Something wasn’t right.

Larissa turned to face her mother, her heart pounding. “Mama, what’s going on?”

Her mother sighed. “You’re marrying Liam, and that’s the end of it.” Her voice was firm, but then she softened and held Larissa’s hand. “You have to do this for the family. There’s no time to waste.”

Larissa felt a lump in her throat. “Is Papa coming?” she asked, her voice trembling. She hadn’t seen her father in a month, and now her heart was heavy with worry.

“No,” her mother said quickly. “He’s busy. Your brothers will be with you. Asher will take his place.”

The sound of a car starting outside told Larissa it was time to go. Her mother clipped the veil onto her hair and picked up her bag.

All Larissa could think about was how she would lose her virginity to Liam, someone she didn’t even love. She had stayed pure, hoping one day her dream man would find her.

But now, there wasn’t any time left to wait for him. She prayed that her Prince Charming would come soon. He only had an hour to save her.

***

Larissa adjusted her gown again and held her flower bouquet tighter. This was it. There was no sign of anyone else coming—not another man to marry her, not her dad.

Her heart ached. He wasn’t coming. She was supposed to be his baby girl, his favorite. How could he let her marry someone like Liam and not even show up?

What if Liam’s family didn’t respect her? What if they treated her badly because her dad, the man everyone feared, didn’t care enough to be here?

The wedding song started playing in the big church. Sweat rolled down Larissa’s back, and her mouth felt dry.

“Are you ready?” her mom asked softly.

“Would it matter if I said no?” Larissa replied. She knew her answer wouldn’t change anything, but she still wished it could.

Her mom kissed her cheek and whispered, “Walk in there with your head up. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Most girls don’t get a marriage as good as this.”

When her mom stepped back, Larissa felt a little braver. She had never been ashamed before. She grew up with everything—money, safety, the best schools. Girls wanted to be like her. Boys liked her but didn’t dare talk to her.

She was Larissa Diaz, her dad’s pride, like a princess in her world.

Larissa decided right then: she would make her marriage work. She would help Liam become better than her dad ever was. She would be his queen, and their children would grow up strong and powerful.

Asher, one of her dad’s men, held out his hand. Larissa placed hers in his. He looked at her for a moment, and when she nodded, he gave the signal.

The big church doors opened with a loud creak, and everyone turned to see the bride.

Larissa, the mafia princess, walked down the aisle. Her head was held high, and a tiny smile played on her lips.

Everyone wished they could be her.

Not even in their wildest dreams.