Chapter 0328

My father’s speech wraps up a waiter comes to take my plate and deliver a glass of champagne to Daniel and sparkling cider to

me.

“To my daughter, the beautiful Fay,” my father says, looking at me adoringly as he raises his glass in my direction —

Fucking snake, is all I can think. Because I know, now, precisely what he did to Kent.

“And to Daniel, her perfect match!” Around the room, everyone raises their glasses into the air. Daniel and I, smiling, follow suit.

“Together they unite two old Sicilian families in a new era of commerce and joy! To the bride and groom!”

Everyone echoes his last five words and then we all raise our glasses to our lips, sipping at the expensive drinks probably taken

from Kent’s own cellars as the spoils of war.

You damn hypocrites, I think as I sip my fizzy apple juice and force a thrilled smile onto my face. I’m going to gut you all, one by

one.

The crowd turns to us then as Daniel wraps an arm around my waist. I look up at him and realize that he’s leaning close and

then I laugh, remembering that — of course — I’m a bride today, not a mafia donna planning everyone’s destruction.

Daniel smiles down at me and even bends me backwards a little bit as he kisses me soundly, the picture of the perfect romantic

fiancé and the girl he adores.

I smile and kiss him back, truly loving him, grateful for Daniel by my side in every moment of this.

He pulls away while the gathered group applauds, and then I blush and laugh, looking down at my feet, shy Fay making her

return.

We spend the next hour or so accepting the well-wishes of people I barely know who call us their family and friends. This is, in

many ways, the reception for our wedding instead of the rehearsal dinner. Our families wanted to invite everyone to the wedding,

of course, but Daniel and I insisted that we only want our very closest family to be there and no reception at all.

They nodded and murmured their understanding — Daniel father was just imprisoned, after all, throwing a pall over this happy

event — but they insisted on throwing this party instead.

Still, it's almost done, I think as my cheeks start to ache with so many fake smiles.

As our guests filter out, Natalia and Alessi slowly make their way over to us, Alessi beaming at us while Natalia frowns at his

side.

“Daniel, Fay,” Alessi says, giving us a wide grin. “You know we are so happy for you. And so excited for tomorrow. Your

grandfather — he wishes he could be here —*

“Please,” Daniel says, waving a hand and dismissing it. “We know travel is hard for him — but as soon as the baby is born, we will

come to Italy so that they can meet.”

“That would be...so special, Daniel,” Alessi says quietly, putting a fond hand on his nephew's arm. As I watch him, I realize that in

all likelihood Alessi really means it — after all, Daniel is his nephew and his childhood best friend’s son. I think he genuinely wants

this to be real.

But as I turn to Natalia, I see the reality of it: that they both, indeed, have their suspicions.

“Of course,” she says carefully, turning her head to the side. “The family...would like to know. To have certain...assurances that

these new ties between the Bianci’s and the Aldens are...”

Daniel's face drops the moment he realizes what she’s asking and Alessi inhales an awkward breath, lifting his hand from

Daniel's arm.

“Seriously?” Daniel asks, suddenly furious. “You're asking me for a paternity test?”

“Daniel,” Natalia says appeasingly, spreading her hands as if it’s the easiest thing in the world. “Surely you must —

“Surely I what?” he snarls and I blink at him, considering that he’s learned a trick or two from Kent’s book.

“It is the sort of thing we want to be assured of with all of our family ties,” Alessi says with a casual shrug.

“Oh?” Daniel snaps, turning on him now. “And has anyone asked you for a paternity test for your own children?”

Alessi purses his lisp and narrows his

eyes, but he doesn't sa anythipgy)

taking Dani igh spoil acne, Opens

He? néuth to offer her own rebuttal,

but I slide in before she can say a

word. Please read the original

content at .

“It’s fine,” I say, smiling easily and

placing a supplicating hand

Aer > this

Banle aii) m3" Wenniderst ari

rhoderh world?” I shrug, mimicking

their very Italian gesture, “it makes

sense.” Please read the original

content at .

Daniel says nothing, just looking

away and glowering as he leaves it to

me. So I turn to Natalia and 5

“Would uke yets fave the test

pePto ed tomorrow? Before the

wedding?” I say, giving her a too-kind

smile and pushing her to make me

ruin my wedding day by going to a

clinic to have my blood drawn. Please

read the original content at

.

“No, of course not,” Natalia says smoothly, crossing her arms. “Tomorrow is a day for joy. The next day,” she continues with a

smile that shows all her teeth, “would be just fine.”