Chapter 90 Empire of blood
CHAPTER 90
Empire of blood.
SCARLETT – POINT OF VIEW
“Child trafficking?” I frown at Adeline because I must have heard her wrong.
“Yes.” She nods.
“That’s not possible. We … we don’t … what the fuck are you talking about? There are lines that my father did not cross, things he would have allowed.” I ramble.
“And that is why they killed him.” She states.
I stagger backwards from the shock, “What?”
“He found out about the trafficking and was vehemently against it, so they killed him. As much as I want to dive into this conversation and tell you the empire of blood Emiliano has built, I do not have the time. I am getting married tonight. We’re flying to Sicily soon, and getting married. It’s a lot to process, and I need to get ready.” She whispers, voice cracking.
I nod because it is a lot to process. I want her to explain what she meant, but she has a lot of things to do today.
“Let’s get you ready then.” I smile.
She frowns at me, “You’re coming?”
Now, I’m confused. “Do you want me to stay here?” I ask, brows furrowed.
She blinks and shakes her head, “I’d like you there with me.”
And so we spend the next hour getting ready for the flight. Sicily is less than two hours away, so we have enough time to get ready. Elena and Eve are excited; everyone is. She has three white wedding dresses and chooses a beautiful lacy body con dress. It clings to her body and looks tailor-made for her. This is better than the red and black dress she wanted to wear before. Oddly enough, she’s not freaking out. She’s calm, instead.
We pack up all the dresses, shoes, and everything.
We’re flying to Sicily on a private jet.
I try not to think about what she said. A child trafficking ring seems impossible, but men like Emiliano are from the pit of hell. He’s pure evil. He can’t be working alone. He must have connections all around. He must be watching me through some people, and I want to know who these people are. It’s weird to think that I am not safe here anymore. Roman got hurt because of me. He’s a businessman, not raised like we were. He never should have had to raise a gun and defend himself. When he figures out all I keep from him, he would never forgive me.
“Are you ready?” He walks into the bedroom as if I conjured him up with my mind.
“Yes, just wrapping up.” I smile and zip up the bags.
I pack my curly hair in a bun, and he carries the bag effortlessly. Worry flares in me, but he gives me a look, so I don’t say anything. He’ll be fine. I keep worrying about him. I don’t want him to rip his stitches. I really hope we’re not walking into a war zone. I have been away from the mafia for too long, and now, I am tired of even the littlest bit of it. Guns are not always the answer. My father was known for his intelligence, yet he was killed for that same intelligence. This makes me doubt everything. Milana definitely knows all about this. I’ll ask her after the wedding.
Together, we all get on the plane.
My nerves are all over the place, and I’m a little bit paranoid, but we’re fine. We’ll be fine.
Adeline spends the entire flight sleeping. Luca spends it working. I try to sleep, but I’m too tense to sleep.
We touch down in Sicily at noon.
“The wedding is in less than an hour. Get ready.” Vincenzo tells Addie as we are driven into their estate. Surprisingly, it’s way bigger than Luca’s and much more fortified. They’re not taking any chances.
“Maybe we can explore Sicily after the wedding?” Eve suggests, nudging my shoulder lightly.
I smile and nod, even though I know that’s unlikely.
The car comes to a stop, and Roman helps me out. His hand lingers on me. We stare at the mansion, it’s archaic, traditional, and so beautiful. There’s a longing in me that I cannot explain.
The large doors open, and Addie’s mom walks out, dressed majestically.
“My love!” She gasps and hugs her daughter, a bit dramatic.
I look away as she hugs Milana too, then the twins. The longing in me is a raging fire. My mother won’t attend my wedding. She always wanted me to get married to a good man, and she won’t be there to see that I did not keep my promise.
“You look familiar.” Her mom frowns at me.
I exhale and brace myself for whatever secret she’s about to reveal.
Then, she says nothing, but keeps looking at me.
“We have forty minutes, people. Come on!” Elena takes the wheel.
I turn to Roman, “See you soon?”
He nods, brows furrowed.
“Are … are you okay?” I ask, heart skipping a beat. I’m tired of all the secrets I’m drowning in.
“I’m okay.” He assures me, kisses my cheeks and walks towards Luca.
Eve takes Addie’s hand, and we go get ready.
Addie’s mom lingers as we help her get ready, and I feel her gaze on me occasionally. I play dumb.
Soon, Adeline is dazzled in her beautiful lace body con wedding dress. Her hair is pinned up and decorated with pearls. Her makeup is light, but her jewelries are loud. She’s dazzled by the most expensive diamonds. She looks beautiful.
We all get dressed too. I wear a light pink long dress, bedazzled with gems, and has a bow by the neckline. We all look gorgeous and ready.
“Alright, Adeline. The ceremony has started already. We’ll be waiting for you.” Eve assures her.
Addie nods, not speaking, cheeks flushed.
I turn to leave, but she calls me.
“Can … can you be my bridesmaid? Gianna is heavily pregnant. I was going to ask you before, but everything got overwhelming really quickly, and now, I’m trying not to panic.” She gushes, heat crawling up her neck.
“Calm down, it’s alright, I’ll be your bridesmaid.” I hold her hand and order, “Breathe.”
She nods and does as I ask.
We stay there for ten more minutes, then I walk down the aisle to a soft tune playing.
My heart halts when I see Roman beside Luca.
My vision blurs, but I blink it away. My hands tremble as I hold the bouquet. Goosebumps break over my skin.
Maybe he’s bad for me. Maybe this is how love is supposed to be, but I can’t leave him. He has dug his finger into my ribcage and rooted me to a spot. He has tainted my soul with his essence, and now, I’ll always be his. I stand across from him, and he smiles at me.
Adeline walks in, taking careful steps, being the Queen she was always meant to be.
Roman and I keep looking at each other.
I had flown too close to the sun, and now, he has burned me.