Chapter 6

★ANGELITA★

Two days later, I'm sitting in front of my vanity mirror, my heart thumping a bit too loudly for my own comfort.

I stared at the beautiful woman in an exquisite white dress reflected back at me. She's me, and I'm her. With feline eyeliner, sculpted eyebrows, pink glossy lips, and glowing skin, I hardly recognized myself. They had styled my wild hair into a low bun, securing the veil in place. I marveled at their skill; I had never bothered to style my hair before.

"You look so beautiful, Angelita," the makeup artist hired by Zavarelli complimented.

I smiled at her reflection. "Thank you."

"Your dress is ready, and your makeup is complete as well. We should contact Mr. De Luca and let him know we're done," another woman, a dresser, said as she picked up her cellphone.

Once they left my side, I continued to gaze at my reflection. After today, I wouldn't see Father again—not that I wanted to.

The doors swung open, and from the mirror, I saw Celeste entering.

"Celeste!" I whirled around immediately, still in my dress.

"Lita!" Celeste approached and sat on the bed. "I know you don't want this, but you're stunning, dear sister."

I chuckled at her compliment and nodded. "You're right about not wanting it. But it's alright." I shrugged; what has happened has happened anyway. There's no going back now.

"I'm sorry, Lita." My eyes widened as I shook my head.

"No, Ces, there's nothing you should apologize for. I want to do this for you. I want you to live a happy life and marry the man you love," I told her as she slowly nodded.

"I'll be leaving after your wedding. I've told William I'm moving in with him," Celeste said, trying to hide her excitement but failing; a flush and hint of a smile crept onto her face.

"That's really lovely, Ces. I'm so happy for you! I can't wait for your marriage as well," I gushed, and she chuckled.

"Yeah, well, that's still a bit far off. But it's all good. If Zavarelli does anything to you, tell me—I'm going to kick his ass," she declared with determination.

"I think it's quite impossible to kick Zavarelli's ass," I replied with raised brows.

Celeste chuckled and shrugged. "Can't believe leaving after your wedding."

My eyes sank, though I was still happy for her. "But honestly, Ces, don't tell me you took Father's words to heart," I muttered.

"No, it's not that," she shook her head and sighed. "I told Will I was coming to his place. I even told him about the baby." She paused before a beautiful smile curled her lips—she looked radiant when she smiled. "He was excited, Lita! I've never seen him that happy before. He said I was free to come over and started talking about baby stuff... asking if it was a boy or girl..."

As she spoke, my gaze remained fixed on her smiling face; she looked so genuinely happy—a rare sight for Celeste.

"So yeah, I'm going to go. We'll live together," she concluded as I leaned forward and enveloped her in a hug.

"I'm glad you finally met a man who makes you smile like that."

"De Luca is here!" We heard an announcement from downstairs—probably. Just hearing his name sent a chill down my spine.

I stood up just as Father barged into the room with Gerard trailing behind him. Father looked somewhat proud while Gerard's glare was unmistakable; he wasn't hiding his anger towards Father at all.

"You look lovely, Angelita—just like the perfect bride," Father said with a satisfied smirk while Gerard sighed resignedly.

"I can't believe you're doing this, Father," he muttered as he walked toward me. "Be happy, little sis. If Zavarelli does anything to you, report it to me right away."

I chuckled and rolled my eyes. "Won't you be in New York?" He scowled at the reminder. "I'll be fine, Gerard. Zavarelli won't hurt me—and you know it."

Yes... I knew he wouldn't hurt me physically, but what about emotionally and mentally?

"Enough of that! Angelita is not a kid," Father interjected sharply as he pulled Gerard away from me, slamming his hand down on my shoulder. "Be a good wife for your husband, Angelita." With one final squeeze, he turned on his heels and left the room.

"Sometimes I really hate this man," Gerard muttered loud enough for us both to hear.

"The feeling is mutual," Celeste responded with a sneer as I shook my head at both of them.

The doors opened again as several maids entered. "Let me help you, Ms. Romano."

It felt strange hearing that last name when I knew it would change in less than an hour.

★

Waking up this morning knowing I'd get married felt surreal. Standing before the altar with the imposing Zavarelli right before me was another matter entirely; there was a sadistic glint in his eyes—as if he reveled in my internal struggle.

"Zavarelli De Luca," the priest began over the microphone, addressing the audience composed of Zavarelli's family and mine—no friends... no foes...

"Do you take Angelita Romano as your wife—to love and to hold in sickness and in health; in richness and in poverty?"

"Yes, I do," Zavarelli replied without hesitation while keeping his eyes locked on mine.

"Angelita Romano," the priest continued, "do you take Zavarelli De Luca as your husband—to love and to hold in sickness and in health; in richness and in poverty?"

I doubted Zavarelli would ever become poor; nevertheless, I responded firmly: "Yes, I do."

"And now I pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride." The priest seemed oblivious to the atmosphere around us as he concluded his statement.

I stood there expecting Zavarelli to object; instead, he leaned down and pressed his lips against mine—a full kiss that took me by surprise. My eyes widened as I pulled away blushing furiously while he cleared his throat and turned us to face our families who were clapping enthusiastically.

Gerard's face contorted with anger as though he wanted to pummel Zavarelli into the ground. Celeste smiled warmly and winked at me; I returned her smile despite everything else weighing on me. Father's expression remained one of satisfaction while Sera clapped enthusiastically beside her husband—who wore an expressionless face throughout the ceremony. Zavarelli's mother was present too—smiling as if this union were based on love.

But it wasn't... And soon enough I'd witness the true nature of our marriage.