Dark Mafia Bride: Chapter 14

Ettore Greco is getting married.

If someone had told me this just a few months ago, I would have laughed in their face, thinking how ridiculous it sounded. But here I am, adjusting the cuff links on my sleeve, making sure the silver glints just right against the dark fabric of my suit. I look at my reflection in the mirror, and I look…clean.

My long hair is pulled back into a neat, low bun. My freshly shaved face shows off the sharp cut of my jaw. Damn, the last time I was clean-shaven was probably back in college. I usually like to leave my hair out, but Aldo insisted that I shave my beard and look as professional as possible—not my words—for my wedding ceremony.

So here I am, ready to be married. My tailored designer suit fits my lean muscles perfectly. My shoes are polished so well that they shine, reflecting the soft morning light coming through the windows.

I look like a perfect businessman. I don’t look like the ruthless mafia boss who runs the underworld. I don’t look like The Reaper.

Yet, that perfect appearance clashes with the storm brewing in my stomach. No matter how fake this marriage might feel, the truth is, I will be married to Mirabella by the end of the day. That thought is very real.

A knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts.

“Come in,” I call out, adjusting my tie.

I expect it to be Luca telling me the car is ready, and when the door swings open, it’s him. But his eyes are wide with panic, and his breathless announcement catches me off guard.

“She’s gone,” he blurts out.

I freeze, my fingers pausing mid-adjustment. “What do you mean, she’s gone?”

“We waited for her to come out, but when she didn’t, I sent Paula to check on her. She found Clara unconscious in the room,” Luca says thickly.

I clench my fists as my anger simmers just beneath the surface. I want to lash out at Luca and anyone else whose negligence allowed this to happen, but I force myself to stay calm. I knew this could happen—part of me expected it. She was never going to make this easy.

The woman I know—the bold, courageous woman who fought off three men even when she knew she stood no chance, the woman who told me she wanted to sleep with me even though she was a virgin, the woman who challenges me at every turn—wouldn’t just marry a man she didn’t know without putting up a fight. She wouldn’t tie herself down to a stranger, even if her life depended on it.

“Find her,” I growl. “And send men to her family house immediately.”

“Yes, boss,” Luca replies, his voice steady.

I’m already storming out of the room as he makes calls and sends men to carry out my orders.

“Where’s Clara now?” I ask, my voice dangerously controlled. “Is she…?”

“She’s alive,” Luca answers quickly. “And there are no physical injuries.”

I exhale sharply. The thought of Mirabella hurting someone to escape…I don’t believe she’s that kind of person. She may be desperate, but she’s not cruel. She can’t be a murderer. She can’t be like me.

“She’s in the living room, still shaken,” Luca continues. “I revived her, but she’s terrified. She can’t stop crying, and I think she’s worried about losing her job.”

I stride down the stairs, my anger a controlled flame as I head to the living room. Luca’s steps are quick and steady as he follows me down the hall. When I step into the living room, I spot Clara in a corner, her face pale and streaked with tears.

Paula has her arm around her shoulders, trying to comfort her. Clara is wrapped in a blanket, trembling, as she holds her head in her hands.

“Clara,” I say softly, trying to sound reassuring. “What happened?”

The moment she spots me, her eyes widen, and she begins to babble apologies, her voice high-pitched with fear.

“I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t know…I didn’t—she just touched my neck, and then everything went black. Please don’t fire me. I swear, I didn’t mean…”

“Enough.” My voice is firm, cutting through her rambling like a knife. I crouch in front of her, and I see her shrink backward in fear.

I keep my tone low and calm as I speak to her. “I’m not going to fire you, Clara. Just tell me exactly what happened.”

Her eyes widen in surprise as her bottom lip quivers, but then she takes a breath.

“Sh-she told me to clean up the vanity, and that was what I was doing when she came up behind me. She…she touched my neck, and then I…I don’t remember. When Paula woke me up, I was on the floor wrapped in a blanket. I don’t know what happened, I swear!” Tears pour down her cheeks as she speaks.

“I know what happened,” I explain, my jaw tightening. “She knocked you out by blocking your carotid artery.” I glance at Luca, who nods as the whole thing begins to click into place. Mirabella used the maid’s uniform as a disguise to escape. She’s clever, but not clever enough to think she stands a chance against me.

“Take her to rest,” I instruct Paula. “Make sure she’s okay.”

Once Paula helps Clara up and leaves the room, I storm toward the security room with Luca on my heels. My anger builds with every step, and the fire inside me threatens to burn out of control.

She tried to escape me? She really tried to back out of the contract she signed? She’s gone off God knows where, when she should be walking down the aisle to meet me right now!

I stand behind a chair as Luca works on the computers for a few minutes before pulling up the footage. The tension in the air thickens by the second, enough to suffocate anyone in the room. I watch her on the numerous display screens as she slips through different parts of the house and compound in a maid’s uniform, her head down as she moves through the estate unnoticed. I clench my teeth as I watch her walk right out the gate.

“She left minutes ago,” Luca says. “We’ve already got men on her trail, and they’ll catch her in no time.”

I run a hand through my hair, pulling it out of its ties. “Good. I want her found, Luca. And I want her brought straight to me.”

Luca nods before heading out to relay the information. I spend the next few minutes watching the footage over and over again, my anger rising each second.

When Luca returns to the security room, he’s with Manuel, one of my men.

“Boss.” He bends his head down in greeting.

“Any news?”

“We found her family packing their bags, but they’ve been moved to another location.”

“Where?” I demand.

“They’re still being held at their house.”

“Bring them to the chapel, and don’t hurt them,” I snap.

Even though I’m furious, the thought of hurting her or anyone she loves makes me feel like a monster.

You are a monster, a voice whispers in my head.

I shake the thought away as I head out of the security room. The wedding is in about thirty minutes, and I have two plans set in motion. No matter what happens, I know I’ll have Mirabella right where I want her before the ceremony starts.

Luca drives me to the chapel, and throughout the ride, my stomach twists in knots. When we arrive at the cathedral compound, the car pulls to a stop in front of a small prayer chapel. It’s located right beside the main cathedral where our wedding will take place.

I step out of the car, the gravel crunching beneath my feet as I make my way toward the building. I order Luca and Manuel to stay outside before walking in.

When I push open the door, the cool air and calm atmosphere of the chapel greet me. But there’s nothing cool and calm about how I feel inside, especially when my eyes meet the family of my soon-to-be bride.

“Get out,” I order the two men watching them. They nod and quickly leave the chapel, leaving me alone with my future in-laws.

Giulia, Mirabella’s teenage sister, looks a bit scared as I approach. But she’s staring right into my eyes, and I see the resemblance between her and her sister.

I pull my gaze away from her and glance at a middle-aged woman who looks like an older version of Mirabella.

Isabella. Mirabella’s mother. She’s sitting upright, and from what my men have told me, she’s been receiving treatment at the hospital. Although she appears stronger than before, I still see the weakness that clings to her body.

Beside her is Mirabella’s Nonna, much older and scowling as she eyes me carefully. They all have one thing in common: they’re glaring at me.

“I am Ettore Greco, your future son-in-law,” I announce into the room.

“You’re not old,” Giulia blurts out.

I frown as I watch her mother pinch her arm lightly.

“Mirabella tried to escape me today, and I’ll bet you all knew it since you were packing your bags and were ready to run,” I say calmly.

But her grandmother steps forward, anger flashing in her eyes. “If a woman tries to run away from you on her wedding day, it means she no longer wants to get married,” she spits. “So why are we here?”

I step closer, noticing her gulp as I place a hand on her shoulder. “Simple. I want her back,” I tell her.

When she cowers slightly, I pull my hand away and slip it into my pocket. “I don’t want to hurt you. You already know that my union with your granddaughter isn’t…typical. Mirabella signed a contract and accepted money, money that has been used to pay for your daughter’s debts.”

“We appreciate that,” Isabella speaks up, her voice weary. “But my daughter doesn’t want to marry you.”

A part of me feels bad that she’s been dragged into this mess. But they were all complicit in Mirabella’s plan. Did they try to trick me after I helped settle their debt?

I shake my head, pushing those thoughts aside. Despite my annoyance, I know this family is genuine. They’re dressed up, ready for a wedding, which means they were preparing long before Mirabella probably alerted them about her escape.

“You understand what she agreed to when she signed that contract, right?” I say, my voice low but pointed. “The terms were clear—she promised to uphold her side, and if she breaks it, she owes ten times what I gave her. That’s $100,000 she’ll need to repay immediately.”

Isabella’s face pales, and I can see her calculating the impossibility of it. “A hundred thousand? How could she⁠—”

“She can’t,” I interrupt. “And if she can’t pay, she’ll face legal consequences. Do you think the courts will look kindly on someone who takes money, spends it, and then refuses to fulfill their obligations? They’ll chew her up.” I let the silence hang for a moment, the weight of my words sinking in. “And that’s before Abruzzi gets involved.”

“I don’t…who is Abruzzi?” Isabella asks, genuinely confused.

Now, I feel conflicted and even more annoyed. Mirabella is so selfless. She’s been harassed by loan sharks, dangerous ones like Abruzzi, and her family doesn’t even know about it.

“Well, if she didn’t tell you,” I say, the edge in my tone unmistakable. “Then it’s not my place to. My concern here is simple. Your granddaughter made a choice, and that choice has a price. One hundred thousand dollars, to be precise. If she thought she could play smart and trick me, it’s time for her to learn what it means to cross me.”

Nonna, frail but fierce, narrows her eyes at me, her voice shaking with anger. She shouts in Italian, “You’re a devil. You tricked my granddaughter with this dirty contract!”

I smirk at her audacity, the nerve of speaking to me like that. Few have gotten away with addressing me so curtly, let alone more than once in a conversation. I should be reveling in this moment, enjoying the fear in their eyes as they realize how easily I could dismantle them. I should lock them up, make sure Mirabella spends a significant part of her life paying me back every damned cent she owes.

But…there’s something different today. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s my wedding day, and for once, I’m feeling…magnanimous. Generous, even. I’ll let it slide—this time. They are my in-laws, after all. And when was the last time you heard of a groom who’d imprison his in-laws over a little misunderstanding like this?

But I don’t intend to let them mistake my generosity for weakness. They’ll learn that soon enough.

“Devil? Perhaps,” I reply, my voice calm but laced with menace. “But your granddaughter wasn’t forced to sign anything. If she didn’t understand the terms, that’s her problem, not mine. I’m far too busy to teach grown women why you don’t sign documents without reading the fine print—or without a lawyer present.”

Nonna takes a step forward, her frail frame trembling with rage, as if she might strike me. But Isabella grabs her arm, holding her back. The tension is palpable, thick in the air. I glance at Mirabella’s younger sister, silent and tearful in the corner, her small frame shaking. If I were a better man, maybe that sight would move me. But I’m not.

I check the time on my Patek Philippe watch, the glint of its polished face catching the light. My patience is wearing thin. “The clock is ticking. You have until the end of the day to get me $100,000 in cash, or Mirabella goes to prison for breaking our agreement. That’s the deal. Do you really want to see her thrown in a cell after everything she sacrificed to save you?”

Isabella’s face crumples, her silence speaking volumes. I turn my attention back to Nonna. Her shoulders are slumping now, her earlier fire dimmed.

“What do you want from us?”

I step closer, my presence looming over them, and lower my voice. “Call Mirabella. Tell her to come back willingly. She’ll listen to you.”

“Nothing about this is willing,” she bites back, and despite my anger, I resist the urge to smile. I see where Mirabella gets her sass and courage.

Her bloodline runs fiery and strong.

But fire alone won’t save her now.

“You can have any woman you want without lifting a finger. I knew your father. He owned one of the biggest hotels in New York. Why not marry a rich socialite from your circle? Spare my granddaughter,” she continues, her tone desperate.

“You’re right. I could have anyone, but I want your daughter,” I reply firmly.

“Do you even care that she doesn’t love you? How can you live with someone who will no doubt despise you after all of this?” she asks, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

I lean in slightly, my eyes locking with hers. “Love is just a fickle emotion forced on us. It’s not a requirement for life,” I reply coolly. “What I can give her is stability, security, and the freedom to live without worry. I’ll provide for her, her family…all of you. No more debts. No more struggles. She won’t have to bear the weight of supporting you all alone.”

“You don’t have to force her into this arrangement. You could date her the right way. Fall for her, like I know you will when you truly get to know her,” Isabella counters.

“I didn’t force her. I merely proposed this arrangement, and she came to me on her own.”

I can see Nonna’s not too happy about the situation, but I also notice I’ve slowly begun to chip away at her resolve. I have one more trick up my sleeve, and this will seal the deal. It may not be a conventional family blessing, but it’ll have to do.

“You said you didn’t know who Abruzzi was. Well, he’s a notorious loan shark. Your precious Mirabella owes him a large amount of money. He sent his men to hunt her down like animals when she defaulted on her payments. They were going to…” I pause, recalling how cornered and defenseless she looked that night. “Anyway, I saved her, and now we’re here.”

“I need a wife. She’s perfect for my social standing. That’s all you need to know. I’m a man of business, not emotions,” I say, keeping my voice steady.

“I will not⁠—”

I raise a hand, cutting her off. “I think I’ve been more than patient. I owe you no further explanations. This isn’t your concern. It’s between Mirabella and me. Now,” I say, my voice colder still, “call her.”

Nonna stares at me for a few moments before reluctantly nodding. She pulls out a small phone from her pocket, her hands shaking as she scrolls through her recent calls.

“Put the call on speaker,” I instruct.

She complies, the phone crackling to life, and I watch her closely, noting every twitch of her fingers, every breath she takes.

“You’ll tell her exactly what I say,” I continue, leaning in, my words deliberate. “Tell her I’ve taken you and your family. That she has no choice. Then, tell her to come to the chapel before the wedding, which is…” I glance at my watch, letting the moment drag. “In less than two hours. After that, you hang up. No questions. Don’t say anything else.”

She nods, and a flicker of guilt pinches my chest as I see the pain in her eyes. But I’m not here to hurt them. I just need Mirabella to come back.

Nonna swallows, her face drawn, before she presses the phone to her ear, her voice shaking as she begins to speak. “Mirabella…I…I have to tell you something.”

The woman says softly into the phone when the call connects. “We couldn’t make it to your Auntie’s place. We are at the chapel for your wedding. Your…husband is here. He wants you to come back, or else…you could go to jail…”

“What?” I hear Mirabella’s panicked voice through the speaker. “Where’s momma and Guilia?”

I stay quiet, watching her press her eyes shut, then open them again, filled with worry.

“Mirabella please just listen. Apparently, there was a clause in the contract your husband had you sign. Did you know about that when you agreed?”

There’s a long pause before Mirabella’s confused and panicked voice crackles through the speaker. “What clause? No, I didn’t…what are you talking about?”

Nonna’s eyes flick to me before she sighs heavily. “He tricked you, Mira. He knew you didn’t understand what you were signing. He’s got you cornered.”

I stay silent, my gaze fixed on Nonna. This isn’t how I intended it to go down, but sometimes you need to use the cards you’re dealt, even if they’re less than noble.

The phone is quiet for a moment, and I hear Mirabella’s frantic breathing before she speaks again. “Where are you? Are you safe? Did he hurt you?”

My eyes flicker briefly to Nonna as she listens, but I say nothing. Her panic is clear, and in that moment, I almost feel a flicker of guilt. Almost. But it’s too late for that.

“Nonna—” Mirabella’s voice cracks.

But before she can say more, Nonna hangs up the phone, the sharp click of the disconnect ringing in the air. Her eyes blaze with anger as she glares at me. “Are you happy now?” she spits, her words heavy with reproach.

I lean back, maintaining my composure as I watch her. “Not yet. My wife isn’t here yet,” I reply calmly, my voice smooth like glass. “You might want to take a seat. I don’t want you getting tired.”

“I’m not a weak old woman,” she snaps, but despite her words, she walks over to a nearby pew and lowers herself onto it.

The silence in the room stretches, thick and uncomfortable. The clock ticks on, the time slipping away as we wait.

The wait doesn’t last long because a moment later, her phone rings again. The woman looks at me, as if asking for permission. I nod, and she quickly answers the call.

“Nonna, where exactly in the chapel are you?” I hear Mirabella whisper through the speaker. “Can you find a way out? I think I can still save you guys…”

“Mira, don’t do anything stupid,” her grandmother chokes out. I see panic and sadness in Giulia’s and Isabella’s eyes.

“Are there any men with you? They can’t keep you hostage in a damned chapel,” Mirabella snaps, frustration pouring from her voice. “I’m coming for you. I promise⁠—”

She’s cut off suddenly, and we hear a thump before the call ends.

“H-hello? Mirabella?” Her grandmother calls, just as Isabella and Giulia sit up, panic in their eyes.

Just then, the door bursts open, and Luca strides in.

“Mirabella has been found, sir,” he announces.

“Well, what a pleasant turn of events.”

“You are not a good man,” the old woman says, her voice steady yet filled with disdain.

I hate that they are seeing this side of me and already think I’m a monster. What will they think when they truly know who I am?

I knew our marriage wasn’t real, so I never craved the love and acceptance of her family. Yet now, having them here—every single one, down to the youngest—staring at me like I’m the devil makes my stomach churn.

“I assure you, neither you nor your daughter will be harmed. I just want her back, and I want the wedding to go as planned. Afterward, you will be moved into a nice apartment and well taken care of,” I say, knowing it won’t change how they see me.

They all stay silent, and I feel my heart thump in my chest as seconds tick by. After what feels like forever, Luca bursts into the room again, his usual blank expression on his face.

That means good news.

“She’s here,” he announces.

I hear murmurs and sighs of relief from her family.

“Bring her in.”

Luca steps out, and a few seconds later, he comes back with Mirabella in his grip. I release a breath I didn’t know I was holding as my eyes scan her body. Her hair is a mess, and her face is flushed from the chase. She’s changed from the maid’s uniform into a T-shirt and jeans.

“Let me fucking go,” she yells, trying to pull her arm from Luca’s tight hold.

He won’t let her go—not if it means risking her slipping away again. Not unless I tell him to let her go.

“Leave her alone,” I command, my voice booming across the room.

Time seems to slow as I watch her body freeze. She recognizes my voice. Her head turns slowly, scanning her family members until her gaze lands on me.

I see her expression shift from shock to confusion to disbelief, and I can’t help the rush of excitement that flows through me.

“You,” she whispers, her voice hoarse. She takes a step back, her body trembling as reality sinks in.

I smile, slow and dangerous, as I take a step toward her. “Surprised?”

She shakes her head, as if trying to wrap her mind around everything. “No…you can’t…you’re not…”

“But I am,” I cut in. “I am the man you’re marrying.”

She steps back as I move forward.

A smirk curls my lips as I reveal her reality. “In less than one hour, you will be my wife.”