Chapter -2

Elio was rummaging through his wardrobe to find a decent dress for his date with Nicolas. His dad and Nicolas's dad thought it would be great for them to know about each other since they're getting married. He opted for a white CK T-shirt and denim jacket and jeans.

"Hope he'll be impressed."

Elio mumbled to himself. What the fuck!! Why is he thinking about impressing Nicolas? He shook his head off the thought and grabbed his wallet and phone. They are going to meet at one of Nicolas's restaurant. He got inside his car with his bodyguards following him in other car. He didn't have to go to the reception. He was directly led to a private room since he and his family came here often. He was early, he took his phone out and started scrolling through it.

"You're early."

Elio looked up at the deep voice. There in all his glory was Nicolas Luciano. He was wearing a black suit. He must have come directly from the office. His black hair was slicked back and his dark eyes was staring at him. Nicolas's father is Italian while his mother is American. He got his mom's dark beautiful eyes and other features from his dad. Like the sharp jaw, tanned skin, and plump lips. He was roughly 5'11 and has a nicer body. Elio clears his throat and smiles.

"Well i was getting bored at home, so i thought why not see new faces even if it is the restaurant staffs."     Nicolas sits down unbuttoning his coat. A waiter came with the menu. But Nicolas didn't take the menu. Most probably because it was his restaurant.

"I'll have a lobster thermidor and wild mushroom tart and a tiramisu cheesecake."

Elio was shocked at hearing Nicolas ordering. This guy literally ordered his sister's favourite dishes. Elio cleared his throat and ordered his food which was a lot.

"So... We -i..."

Elio rolled his eyes. If Nicolas is going to say something it will take a whole day.

"Why did you agree to marry me if you love my sister?"

Nicolas's eyes widen and he opened his mouth to defend himself.

"I-i don't.... I-i"

Nicolas was stuttering and it was funny to see the big tough guy behave like that. Nicolas sighed and looked directly at Elio.

"How do you know? Is it that obvious?"

Elio chuckled at that.

"Well both of you give each other lovey dovey looks every time we meet at parties. Anyone with eyes can see you are whipped for her."

Nicolas smiled at that. Elio's face changed into a serious one and he leaned forward as if he's trying to say a secret.

"I know you love her. We can both find ways to not marry each other."

Nicolas looked at him. Elio really loved his sister that he's even willing to let her be with her crush. But Nicolas knows that he can't do anything about it. His family made a promise to protect Elio. And what better way than to marry him off into the Luciano family? So Nicolas can't break the promise. The worst thing is Elio doesn't know about his family being in the mafia.

"I'm afraid there's nothing we can do to stop this marriage."

Nicolas says and that makes Elio deflate with sadness visibly.

"Oh. I know you don't like me like that. But i guess we can be friends?"

Nicolas nods his head.

"God!! This is like those cliche wattpad stories."

Elio groans.

"Oh you can work after our marriage also."

Nicolas says and just then the waiter comes with their food. Both of them thank the waiter. Elio had a confused look on his face.

"Work? But i don't work though."

"What?"

"Yeah. I don't work. I just wanna be a free bird and travel around the world. But i can't do that."

Elio said sadly.

"Wow. You are really not like your sister huh?"

Nicolas said without thinking. But somehow those words hurt Elio. Elio was always proud about his sister. She was the top of her class, and now she works at their company beside their dad. But now when he compared him to her he felt inferior for the first time in his life. Was he going to compare him to her for the rest of the life they spend together? Nicolas knew his words hurt Elio. Elio looked sad and the rest of the time he was silent. He don't know what to say to him to make him feel better. The waiter bought the dessert. Elio still had food left to eat.

"Are you going to eat all of that?"

Nicolas asked absentmindedly. Which was a bad idea. Because he saw Elio visibly go red due to embarrassment.

"Y-yeah. I love food."

Nicolas stood up and pushed his plate of tiramisu cheesecake towards Elio.

"Eat this. We make the best cheesecake. I'll be going since i have a meeting in an hour. Text or call me if you need anything."

With that Nicolas left Elio alone. Elio just shrugged and dug into his food.

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A week went by in the flash of light. Nicolas requested to not have a big wedding ceremony. He just wanted them to go to the magistrate office and register their marriage. Elio agreed to that even though his and Nicolas's parents were against it. Elio also didn't want any big, crowded wedding. So that brings him to the present. Where he is signing the document making him legally tied to Nicolas Luciano. His family and Nicolas's family was the only people present. After finishing everything they all came outside. Elio hugged his mom and Elena, who were crying. Then he went to hug his dad. Alessandro nuzzled Elio's hair and kissed his forehead.

"I'm sorry for making you do this. Just know i want you happy and safe."

With that they broke their hug. Nicolas came up to him and led him to his car. The whole ride to their home was silent. When the car stopped both of them got off and walked to the big mansion's front door.

"The workers must be busy right now. So I'll just show you your room."

Elio nodded and followed Nicolas upstairs. Nicolas opened a room which was big. Elio thought it must be the master bedroom.

"This is where i sleep."

Nicolas said. Shit. Were they going to sleep together?

"But you can sleep in the room next to mine."

Nicolas walked to the door near the vanity table. He opened it and it led to a room which was a little bit smaller than this one.

"The master bedroom is connected to this room. I know you must be uncomfortable sleeping with me, so you can sleep here. And if you need help you can just shout."

Elio giggled at that.

"Thank you. Then i will go change. This whole day was exhausting for me."

Nicolas nodded and walked out of the room. Elio got inside his room and closed the door connecting Nicolas's room. He sat on the bed and let his thoughts wander. God. He's married. That too, to his sister's crush. He groaned and fell back on the bed. The day's events caught up to him and slowly his eyes closed pulling him into the darkness.