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Chapter 26
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The Mafia's Bride Chapter 27
Chapter 27Annalisa I took a deep breath, letting the fresh morning air fill my lungs as I stepped out of the car, following closely beside Bree and Buddy, who stayed behind us. Today was the first shoot out for the movie I was here to film.The movie was titled, Echoes of pain. For the first scene, the film setting was outdoor. On the field where the acting was to take place, people were hustling and bustling around to prepare. Props were being carried from one corner to another, while the hum of chatter and last-minute preparations floated through the air. The role I would be playing was about a woman who had been bullied by life entirely. Her family, coworkers, even her own husband. No wonder Mr. Bernardo, the CEO of the agency I now worked with, said he trusted my experience. They had truly chosen a role that suited my experience because I understood the story too well. I used to live that way, and now that I read the scripts, I felt every ounce of pain that the character felt.
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 28
Chapter 28Annalisa “Where is your ring, babygirl?” Cristiano had taken my hands into his, this morning when I came down the stairs.He had caught me off-guard, his grip firm but warm on my hands. I had forgotten how to speak at that moment, but his steady gaze that bored into my eyes reminded me that he was waiting. “I left it in my bedroom—”“Nonsense, Annalisa,” he frowned, displeased by my indirect way of denying him. “You are my wife; wear that position with pride,” he had said, sternly.“I know, but—”“I don’t want to listen to your excuses,” he released my hands, but his tone still had that finality in it. “Lisa, slipping that ring in front of those officials was never a mistake. Don’t you take off the ring again.” Cristiano commanded, and I had no other choice but to go back into my room to wear the wedding ring. I had initially left it behind in my drawer because I didn’t want it to get lost on the set during costume changes, but now, after flashing it in front of Bianca, I
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 29
Chapter 29CristianoAs I stepped through the door, I noticed Annalisa sprawled out on the couch, watching a show on the television. She had a stack of bound documents resting on her lap which was clearly her script for tomorrow’s shoot. She didn’t even notice me at first as she was lost in whatever scene she was watching. I moved silently behind her and leaned down, placing a kiss just beneath her ear.“Daddy is back,” I murmured, and her startled expression quickly melted into relief. She gave me a quick peck on the lips, almost too quick, as if she planned for it to be brief and get back to her script. But I wasn’t about to let her off that easily. I pressed my lips back onto hers, deepening the kiss, savoring the warmth that I had been thinking about all day. I wasn’t ready, I didn't want it to end so soon.But after a moment, she pulled back, her breath mingling with mine as she whispered, “Cristiano, I… I can’t. I’ll get too tired, and I still have my lines to practice for tomor
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 30
Chapter 30Annalisa Cristiano has got to be kidding me!I hadn’t asked for all this attention… I just wanted him to be a little more thoughtful, maybe to surprise me with a small gesture. But as I stood on set, watching a mobile café drive in with a huge banner that read, “In honor of Don Cristiano Morano,” I could feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment. This gesture of his wasn’t subtle or romantic—it was over-the-top, and in front of everyone!Everyone’s eyes darted from me to the café, and some of the crew even started cheering. I was the center of attraction in Cristiano's way of showing how supportive could be. I wanted to appreciate it—I really wanted to, but I couldn't shake the feeling that he had done this for more of his own amusement than for me.The barista held up a megaphone, his voice booming over the crowd cheers as he spoke, “In honor of Don Cristiano Morano, we are here to treat you to coffee!”People started pushing past one another as they made their way to the c
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 31
Chapter 31 Annalisa On our drive home, my phone buzzed in my hands, interrupting me from overthinking about the drama that was about to unfold at home. I picked up my phone and saw that it was a private number calling. I hesitated for a moment, trying to think of who could be calling me with a private number. With no one I could assume it as, I almost rejected it. I was about to, really, but I swiped it the wrong way and the call ended.“Hello?” I said, my voice colder than I intended.“Hello, Annalisa. It’s me, Daniella.”Daniella? My pulse quickened, and an instinctive wave of anger surged through me. It was Cristiano’s ex. What could she possibly want from me?“I wanted to let you know that Cristiano is with me. He’s drunk, and my car isn’t in good condition. Can you come over?” Daniella’s tone was apologetic, maybe even sincere, but I couldn’t help but grit my teeth at the absurdity of it all.I felt the urge to hang up. Why was Cristiano with her? I should really end the call i
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 32
Chapter 32Annalisa I wanted to take Cristiano into his room, use it as an opportunity to finally uncover whatever secrets he kept hidden there, but as I stood outside the elevator door, I couldn't bring myself to do it. Cristiano wouldn't like it when he finds out. The mysteries could wait. For now, he needed me, not suspicion.With Buddy’s help, we laid him on my bed. He was limp and heavy, but I managed to prop him up long enough to remove his clothes, leaving him only in his underwear. As Buddy left, I tucked Cristiano under the blanket, watching his eyes flutter shut as he sank deeper into sleep. The hard lines on his face, the ones that made him appear as if he was constantly calculating his next move, relaxed for once. He looked peaceful, almost ordinary.I found myself sitting by the edge of the bed, my fingers brushing back the dark hair that had fallen over his forehead. Cristiano shifted slightly, his lips parting as he muttered something incoherent before settling into si
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 33
Chapter 33CristianoAnnalisa saw that side of me she shouldn't have. I might have shown that broken part of me to Daniella, but Annalisa… it was especially her that shouldn't have seen me that way. I was meant to be her protector, the strong and unbreakable Don she would always look up too. But I had failed, and she had been there to watch me that way.When I woke up to see her curled up on her couch at midnight, I knew at once that she must have fallen asleep while looking after me like I was some pitiful baby. After transferring her into her bed, I made sure to avoid any area close to her.Thinking she would still be asleep, I finally decided to see the morning light, so I stepped downstairs. But when our eyes met, I felt ashamed. I couldn't face her; every glance she had thrown at me felt like she could see through the crack holes in me that I was trying to patch.Now that I stood in the garden, trying to clear my head, Annalisa called out my name. She had followed me; Annalisa wa
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 34
Chapter 34AnnalisaWeeks Later…After a lot of applause and handshakes, the day finally came to an end. I was standing close to the parking lot outside the theater, counting every second as I waited for him. Today had been exhilarating; it was the last day of filming, and everything had gone perfectly. But what really made my heart race throughout the day was knowing that Cristiano would be the one to take me home tonight.I kept glancing around the parking lot, barely able to contain the excitement bubbling in me until finally, I saw his car pull up close to me. My chest tightened in that familiar way when I saw him step out of the car with a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he caught sight of me. Once he came over, Cristiano greeted me with a quick peck on my cheek, and I couldn’t resist wrapping my arms around him to pull him close.“How was your last day of filming, superstar?” he murmured, his fingers running through my hair in a way that made me feel cherished
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The Mafia's Bride Chapter 43
Chapter 43AnnalisaThe silence after Cristiano walked out on me was deafening; I realized that we had been the only source of noise in the entire estate. I stood in the doorway for what felt like forever, the distant roar of his car’s engine now long gone, leaving me staring blankly at nothing but darkness. The cold night air blew intensely at my skin, giving me goosebumps, but the emotions swirling inside me made me too numb to move. What exactly had just happened?I tried to piece the argument back together in my mind, analyzing every word, every glance, every raised voice. Was it my fault? Had I been too harsh? A part of me wanted to scream that it wasn’t my fault—that Cristiano had pushed too far, insisting on something I had already made clear that I wasn’t ready for. But another part of me, the quieter and more self-doubting side, whispered that maybe I could have handled it better.The faint chirping sound of crickets filled the silence, snapping me out of my daze. And then,
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 42
Chapter 42AnnalisaFor two days, Cristiano and I had been dancing around the aftermath of our argument, pretending as if nothing had happened. Our relationship wasn’t perfect during these two days—it was far from it, infact—but at least we weren’t screaming at each other anymore. The tension was still there, simmering just below the surface, but I held on to the hope that we could get through this. That maybe, just maybe, we would figure out how to coexist without breaking each other further.Today had been exhausting. My body ached from the endless takes and late-night shoots, and all I could think about as Buddy pulled into the driveway was a long, warm bubble bath and maybe even collapsing into bed without a single word to Cristiano. We hadn’t spoken much today, which, frankly, was a relief. I didn’t have the energy for another confrontation.Stepping into the house, I noticed the eerie darkness. Not a single light was on, which was unusual for this time of night.“Grace?” I call
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 41
Chapter 41CristianoI sat on the cold floor outside Annalisa’s bedroom door, my head resting against the wall, feeling guilt eat me up. The crash of shattered plates from earlier and Annalisa's whispers from the sting of my actions still echoed in my mind, louder than any words she had thrown at me. I had crossed a line, even though it wasn’t my intention to hurt her like that. The image of her teary, devastated face burned behind my eyelids and I hated myself.I sighed heavily, rubbing my palms over my face. What the hell is wrong with me? I wanted to protect her, to guide her—never to break her like this. I couldn’t help but wonder if it was only my frustration over her movie role that had pushed me to the edge, or an entire reason else.I knocked again, soft but insistent on her door. “Babygirl… please open up,” I whispered, my voice thick with regret. “I promise it’ll never happen again. I’m really sorry, cara.”There was no response, only the faint sound of her sobs breaking thr
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 40
Chapter 40Annalisa The morning light streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the room as I sat alone at the breakfast table, stirring my coffee absentmindedly. The events of last night played over and over again in my mind. I could almost hear Cristiano's live words in my head, and each time I relived the memories, it stung even harder. I couldn’t shake the image of him walking away, leaving me alone in that thick silence. Even now, I felt that ache in my chest, reminding me quietly of how far we had grown apart.I was so lost in thought that I didn’t notice his footsteps descending the stairs until the sound of his laughter echoed through the hallway. He seemed to be in a good mood today—relaxed, smiling, as if last night’s tension had never happened. Part of me wished I could let go of it as easily as he seemed to have, but it was impossible. How could he want a child out of a sudden? Cristiano strode up to me, still chuckling as he reached his hand out, his
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 39
Chapter 39Cristiano “Ah, Cristiano!” I almost sighed in relief as Annalisa finally moaned for the first time tonight since I started pounding inside her. For most of this intense moment, it felt like she had been somewhere else entirely, lost in thought. But now, as her hands gripped my back, pulling me close and steadying me to keep going, I thrust deeper, and deeper into her walls. Driven by her sudden intensity, we reached our climax together. I rolled off her, waiting for that usual, overwhelming pleasure to settle in. But tonight, a strange heaviness weighed on my chest me instead. I felt like I was being pulled, and Annalisa's silence only made things even more uncomfortable. “Are you okay?” I asked, brushing her hair back from her face as she lay in my arms. She nodded against my chest, but didn’t say anything. “Did I… did I do something wrong?” I pressed, searching through her eyes for any emotions beside the lost one in her eyes.“You were good. I’m just… tired,” she murm
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 38
Chapter 38AnnalisaThe revelation that Ronald was Giovanni’s father sent my mind spinning. I found it hard to accept it. Ronald’s wrinkled face, the sly grin he wore when he had sized me up… none of it matched the brooding, intense Giovanni I had known. But then I looked closer. Those thick, full eyebrows and the way both men had a subtle but penetrating stare; I couldn’t believe I hadn’t noticed it sooner. A chill ran through me as I tried to process it all.Before I could wrap my mind around this discovery, Cristiano’s gentle voice brought me back to reality. “How about we go home now, baby girl?” he suggested, his hand warm on my lower back. “What mattered was greeting the celebrant, we don’t have to stay till the end.”The look he gave me was reassuring, as if he knew exactly how disorienting this evening had become for me. He could see it in my eyes—the questions, the way I felt suddenly out of place. I turned to him, needing the solidness of his presence. “Do you have something
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 37
Chapter 37AnnalisaDespite the vibrant party atmosphere, with its dazzling lights, lively chatter, and stylish guests, I felt like an outcast in the midst of it all. Everyone seemed to flow effortlessly through the room, fitting into their roles, but I still felt like I was trying to remember my lines. Thankfully, Cristiano was by my side, his hand reassuringly wrapped around mine as he squeezed gently. Every now and then, he would flash me a look that said he knew I could do this—and as strange as it felt, I believed him.Cristiano handed me a glass of juice while holding an Irish whiskey for himself, the amber liquid catching the lights as he took a small sip. His confidence radiated like a shield, and it helped calm the nerves simmering inside me. We made our way through the crowd to the host of the party, an older man Cristiano introduced as his late Uncle's friend. He was seated on a plush golden sofa, draped in a tuxedo that seemed as worn as it was fine.Beside him sat his you
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 36
Chapter 36AnnalisaThe fashion house felt like stepping into another world, all sleek dresses and luxurious fabrics draped over mannequins that poised perfectly. Soft music played in the background, and everything smelled faintly of rose and something musky that I couldn’t quite place. The staff was polite, almost overly so, treating me as though I was some precious, delicate material they couldn’t afford to mishandle.I tried to put on a calm face as they fluttered around me, asking for my measurements and directing me toward the changing area. Cristiano watched me from a few steps away, his eyes lingering on my every move. His gaze felt heavy, almost possessive, and I couldn’t help but smile to myself.One of the assistants held up a navy-blue gown, her eyes lighting up as she explained its details. “This one would suit you perfectly, Mrs. Morano,” she said, practically beaming as she handed it to me.The fabric was cool and silky to the touch, and as I ran my fingers over it, I co
The Mafia's Bride Chapter 35
Chapter 35CristianoDamn it, the day had gone far too well for things to turn sour now. I noticed the shift in Annalisa’s mood almost immediately. The way she avoided my eyes, the quiet, distant responses… they were enough to make it obvious that my words had hit a sore spot in her. It had felt satisfying moments ago when I reminded her about the boundaries she needed to remember—but now, as I watched her in silence on the drive to the fashion house, I had to admit that I was worried.I told myself she would get over it; after all, Annalisa ought to know better. But there was this voice in my head—this melancholic voice told me I had done wrong by reminding her right after we had a mind-blowing fuck. Now, she barely looked in my direction. Annalisa was very lost in her own deep thoughts, staring out the window, and refusing to talk.When we pulled up in front of the fashion house that had a luxurious high-rise with its name glittering in gold letters, I took a moment to collect mysel
