Chapter 5. Wedding Day

"What's wrong, darling? You look troubled." Emma asked Carlo. 

Her eyes showed a scowl which she hid quickly as she actually knew what her husband's problem was.

"I was thinking about the contract and Sofia’s wedding. I hope it proves to be a good decision for her. But I have doubts because She is not willing to marry Alessandro Morelli’s son," he said, and his eyes were gloomy as he was pitying his daughter. I went near him and rubbed his shoulder.

"Honey, you are thinking too much. We are doing it for her good future. Otherwise, who would marry her with her reputation of sleeping around?” She said, showing her concern for Sofia but cursing her in her heart. 

She was afraid Carlo would change his decision. She would have buried Sofia with her mother if it were in her hand. Her hatred was so immense she spread the rumor in society that Sofia was a whore, just as her mother was. But the truth was Sofia's mother was not a whore but an innocent woman, becoming prey to Emma's jealousy.

Because of Sofia and her mother, Emma couldn't convince Carlo to marry her sooner. But when Sofia's mother died, she came into this house, and she made sure Sofia would live a life worse than hell. Getting Sofia married to Leonardo Morelli was a part of her plan. Leonardo was ruthless, heartless, and a man with no mercy. He was a player who couldn't be loyal to a woman.

Carlo exhaled sharply as if he had a burden on his chest. He took Emma’s hand from his shoulder and affectionately held it in his hand.

“I have never loved Elisa, and I don't even love Sofia. But she is my blood, and I feel responsible for her. I know you took good care of her after Elisa died. But still, we can't change her mother's blood running in her veins. You disciplined her and taught her to be a noble lady. Otherwise, she would have become like Elisa, who liked to go after other men,” he said in his dull voice.

But he didn't know that it was Emma who made him believe that Elisa was a slut. She did it because she wanted him to leave his wife.

'It's good that the dirty bitch died soon. He is mine, and his wealth is for my daughter and me.’ Emma thought inwardly.

Carlo took a deep breath before continuing, "I just hope this marriage will make her responsible and she remains loyal to Leonardo."

“But we can just hope,” Emma sighed dramatically. “However, she will get more money from the wedding as alimony when this marriage contract is annulled. I'll make sure to add this clause to the contract. In this way, she would lead a good future," Emma showed him her most charming smile. 

She had already wrapped him around her tiny finger, and she knew it. Carlo loved her more than anything in this world, and he blindly believed in her.

“Emma, please make sure that all her wishes will be fulfilled regarding her marriage,” Carlo’s voice laced with emotion, even though he didn't want to feel like this. “She should get everything she wants before she leaves my house. You.. you take her shopping and buy her everything she wants. Also, ask her what arrangements she wants for her wedding. Make this day special for her,” he said, his eyes begging his wife.

'Oh, my poor husband! You have no idea what I have in my mind for Sofia.' Emma thought before smiling and nodding her head.

“Of course, honey. No matter what, she is our daughter. I will do everything to make this day special for her.” Emma said, smiling, but in her heart, she was literally cursing Sofia that she may suffer for her life in this marriage with Leonardo Morelli.

“Thank you, Emma. You are such a nice lady with a golden heart. I am so lucky to have you in my life," Carlo said, kissing my cheek as his eyes shone with pride and love.

Emma giggled. "I will do anything for you, my darling."

**************

The day finally had come. The hall was adorned with opulent decorations, exuding elegance and luxury. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a soft, warm glow over the entire space. Glimmering fairy lights were entwined with delicate white drapes, creating a dreamlike ambiance.

Rows of plush, white chairs lined both sides of the aisle, leading to a beautifully decorated stage at the far end of the hall. Each chair was adorned with intricate floral arrangements, emitting a fragrant aroma that filled the air. Carlo hadn't left anything to make it a grand wedding.

The stage itself was a masterpiece, covered in billowing white fabric and embellished with cascading flowers in hues of pastel. A backdrop of twinkling fairy lights added a touch of enchantment. The focal point of the stage was an exquisite arch entwined with flowers. 

Guests, elegantly dressed, filled the hall, their excited murmurs creating a pleasant hum. They took their seats, eagerly awaiting the ceremony to begin. Some mingled, sharing laughter and animated conversations, while others found solace in the serene atmosphere, lost in their own thoughts. 

And Sofia, wearing a white gown, was waiting in the bridal chamber for her stepmother to take her to the wedding hall. She hadn't met Leonardo Morelli yet. But she had heard a lot about him. He was a famous playboy and a very successful businessman.

The knowledge that he was one of the wealthiest people in the world scared Sofia to death. She was afraid of having the same fate as her mother and was completely freaking out, wanting to run away from this freaking wedding.

But then she thought about her father. Knowing her wedding was a business deal, she couldn't leave her father in trouble. Her father would be doomed if she escaped because many people and media people had come here for the wedding.

Finally, Emma arrived and took Sofia to the aisle where her father was waiting for her. Her smiling father fazed Soofia. She had never seen her father smiling at her. Her foolish heart became happy at that moment. But it was only for the show in front of these people. He gave her his elbow, and Sofia held it, hooking her hand around him.

“Sofia, I expect you to behave properly in front of these people. Don’t forget I need you to stay in this marriage for three years. So be nice to Leonardo and don't enrage him,” Carlo whispered in Sofia's ear, threatening more than suggesting.

Swallowing a lump down her throat, Sofia nodded her head. A soft, melodic tune began to play, signaling the start of the procession. Carlo walked his daughter down the aisle toward the stage where Leonardo Morelli was standing. Sofia could not focus on decoration, nor was she paying attention to the people around her as she was so nervous and her mind was numb with fear.

Sofia prayed in her heart that she wouldn't do anything stupid to embarrass her dad. When her dad halted, she only realized they reached the stage. She wouldn't dare to look up. Her eyes kept staring down at her feet. Suddenly through her eyelashes, she saw a hand stretched in front of her, offering help to climb up on the stage.

She hesitated at first but took that hand, and he pulled her up on the stage. Sofia stumbled a little and gripped his shoulder with her other hand. Then at that moment, for the first time, Sofia saw a handsome face staring at her as he tried to see behind the veil. Sofia knew he couldn't look appropriately through the veil. But Sofia could see him staring at her face with his cold eyes. His face was unreadable.

She instantly pulled her hand away and took a step backward, standing beside him. The officiant started the rituals. First, he made them exchange their vows which Sofia knew were all fake. He told them to exchange the rings, and quickly, a lady appeared with two gorgeous-looking rings on a plate.

She handed one ring to Leonardo Morelli and another to Sofia. Sofia’s hand trembled as she held the wedding ring, eyes glued to it. She felt she never wanted to get married like this. But it was too late to back out. 

The officiant instructed Sofia to give her hand to Leonardo Morelli. Hesitated, Sofia held her shaky hand toward Leonanado. He grabbed it gently and slipped the ring on Sofia's finger. Then he held his hand out before her, anticipating the drama would end soon. Sofia slid the ring without touching or even holding his hand. She was too nervous to touch him.

The officiant announced them as husband and wife. Then, he turned to Leonardo and said the groom could kiss his bride.

 Now this was the most difficult part of the wedding for both of them. Sofia panicked but was instantly relieved to see Leonardo Morelli didn't make any move. Then someone tapped on his shoulder and whispered something in his ear. He frowned, looking at her.

Leonardo shifted closer as he descended his head. He cupped Sofia's cheeks in his big hand as his lips touched the corner of Sofia's mouth so lightly that Sofia couldn't tell whether it was a real kiss or not. But Sofia's first kiss was stolen by her husband just like that.