(09
Zaverio lifted my hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss against my knuckles. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow,” he said, his voice smooth. “We’ll go shopping for the party.”
A strange warmth spread through my chest, and before I could stop it, a blush crept up my cheeks. I quickly looked away, shaking off the ridiculous feeling. This wasn’t real. It was just a means to an end.
Marco stepped forward, pulling the car door open for me. I nodded at Zaverio in farewell, then slid into the seat.
As we drove away, I let out a slow breath, my mind racing.
I was married again.
To Zaverio Gurrelio.
The thought gnawed at me, unease settling in my stomach. Had I just made the biggest mistake of my life? Was I simply jumping from the frying pan into the fire?
Marco cleared his throat, drawing me out of my thoughts. His grip on the steering wheel tightened. “Mistress, may I speak freely?”
I sighed. “Go ahead, Marco.”
He hesitated for a moment before saying, “You made a rash decision.”
“With all due respect, I don’t believe you do,” Marco said, his tone firm but not disrespectful. “Zaverio is powerful, yes, but why align with him? Our cartel is strong. We don’t need outside alliances to fend off attacks.”
I exhaled sharply. “This isn’t about strength, Marco.”
“Then what is it about?”
I turned to face him, keeping my expression unreadable. “I can’t explain everything right now. But trust me–l wouldn’t have done this if I didn’t see the advantage in it.”
Marco clenched his jaw but said nothing more. He was loyal, but he didn’t blindly follow orders. I respected that about him, but this was something I couldn’t share. Not yet.
The rest of the ride was silent.
When we pulled into the driveway, the warm scent of my mother’s cooking filled the air. It was familiar, comforting, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to breathe.
As soon as I stepped inside, my parents and Adam were already waiting
“You’re back,” my mother said, wiping her hands on her apron. Her eyes held relief and curiosity. “How did it go?”
My father studied me closely. “Who is the leader of the Gurrelio Cartel?”
Adam leaned against the kitchen counter, arms crossed, waiting for my response.
I swallowed, bracing myself. “Let’s sit down for dinner first.”
We gathered at the dining table, plates filled with my mother’s signature dishes–roast chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and vegetables. But even as we ate, the tension was thick. They were waiting for me to speak.
I placed my fork down and met their gazes. “His name is Zaverio Gurrelio.”
Adam narrowed his eyes. “Never heard of him.”
“You wouldn’t have,” I replied. “He’s kept a low profile for years.”
My father leaned forward. “And what does he want?”
I hesitated for just a second before saying. “He’s not an enemy”
My mother let out a quiet breath of relief, but my father remained skeptical “So, what did you discuss?”
I pushed my food around my plate. “We talked about Tony. About the past. And about the future.”
Adam’s sharp gaze didn’t waver. “And?”
I exhaled slowly. “And I married him.”
Silence.
The reaction was instant.
My mother’s fork clattered against her plate. My father’s face darkened, his expression shifting from confusion to shock. Adam sat straighter, his jaw tightening.
“You what?” my father demanded.
I met his gaze evenly. “I married him.”
His fist slammed against the table. “What the hell is going on, Ciara? Were you threatened?”
“No.” I shook my head. “No one forced me.”
“Then why?” Adam snapped, his voice laced with disbelief. “You just got out of a nightmare marriage with Now, suddenly, you’re marrying a man we barely know?”
I inhaled sharply, trying to keep my voice steady. “Because I need to do this. Because of what I can achieve
through this marriage”
My father’s eyes burned into mine. “And what exactly do you plan to achieve?”
I hesitated. I couldn’t tell them everything–not yet.
“Trust me,” I said, my voice softer now. “Please.”
My mother reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. “Ciara, you’ve been through so much. Are you sure this is
The Dworced Bone Maa Du
My mother reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. “Ciara, you’ve been through so much. Are you sure this is
what you want?”
I looked at her, my chest tightening. “I know what I’m doing, Mother.”
Her gaze searched mine, looking for something–doubt, fear, hesitation. But I gave her nothing.
My father exhaled sharply, shaking his head, “If this backfires, Mi Hija
“It won’t” I interrupted. “I won’t let it”
Adam scoffed, leaning back in his chair. “You sound just like you did when you married Tony.”
I flinched, his words hitting deeper than I wanted to admit.
“I’m not that naive girl anymore, Adam” My voice was colder now. “I’ve learned from my mistakes.
My father rubbed a hand over his face. “This is reckless.”
“I’ve
already made my choice.” I pushed my chair back, standing. “You can either trust me or not, but I’m doing this with or without your approval.”
The room was heavy with unspoken words.
Finally, my mother sighed. “Just be careful, mi amor.”
I nodded, my throat tightening. “I will.”
My father said nothing more. He just stared at me, as if trying to decipher a puzzle he couldn’t solve. Adam shook his head, muttering under his breath. “This is insane.”
I turned away before my resolve could crack.
I had to stay focused. I had to see this through.
Because there was no turning back now
