Chapter 31 Gio’s Plan
GIOVANNI’S POV
I surveyed the Grand Palazzo Hotel with a critical eye. The morning sun casted golden light across the building, and even from below I could see the meticulous preparations taking place on the rooftop.
Luigi appeared at my elbow almost instantly, slightly out of breath.
"Mr. De Santis, welcome! Please, come with me.” He grinned. “I want to show you everything we've prepared."
We took the private elevator to the reception hall, and when the doors opened, I had to admit that I was impressed.
The space had white roses decorating everywhere and crystal chandeliers hung suspended from the ceiling. The chairs were draped in ivory silk, and a white runner stretched down the aisle.
"I saw the bride earlier," Luigi said. "She's absolutely stunning, Mr. De Santis. Truly breathtaking."
A smirk curved my lips. "Thank you, Luigi. You've done exceptional work."
"It's my pleasure. Anything for-“
"Giovanni!"
I turned to see Alessio Delgado striding toward me, flanked by his personal guards. The first son of the Delgado patriarch wore a light grey suit, his dark hair was perfectly styled.
We embraced briefly, clapping each other on the back.
"Alessio," I greeted warmly. "Good to see you."
"Isn't this doing too much?" Alessio asked, gesturing at the elaborate decorations with an amused expression. "All this for a marriage of convenience?"
My smirk widened. "There's never a price too expensive for revenge, my friend."
We both laughed, the sound carrying across the rooftop.
"Walk with me," Alessio said, gesturing to his guards to stay behind. "We need to talk."
We moved away from Luigi and the workers.
"I want to report the meeting," Alessio said. “With Robert Vitale and his capo."
My expression didn't change, but internally, I felt a surge of satisfaction. "Go on.”
"They accepted the shipping deal," Alessio answered.. "And they offered an entire cargo of arms in exchange for the location of the wedding."
"And your response?" I asked.
"We haven't given them one yet. Father wanted to consult with you first."
I considered this for a moment, then smiled. "Reject it."
Alessio raised an eyebrow. "Reject it? That's a substantial offer."
"I know. But we don't want to come off as too easy." My eyes glinted with something dangerous. "Let them sweat a little."
"What are you planning?" Alessio asked, studying my face.
"I want to play with them," I said simply. "I want Robert to pay with his sweat before he pays with anything else. I want him to understand what it means to lose control."
Alessio shook his head, a reluctant smile playing at his lips. "You're ruthless, you know that?"
"I prefer thorough." I said with a shrug.
We talked for a few more minutes about busines then Enzo appeared, his expression professional but with an undercurrent of excitement.
He tipped his head at Alessio before turning to face me. "Boss, guests are starting to arrive."
I nodded, then gestured to Alessio. "Let's go."
The three of us walked toward the entrance, where the first arrivals were beginning to come in, the security guards at the entrance screening them.
The priest arrived first, he wearing his ceremonial robes and a bright smile. I embraced him warmly.
"Father Julien," I said. "Thank you for coming."
The priest smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm honored to be the one to perform this ceremony, Giovanni.” He patted my shoulder fondly. “I can still remember when your parents had their wedding. You were just a boy then."
My face crumpled at the memory but I forced a smile on my lips. "Thank you for being here."
Two family friends arrived next, older capos who had worked with my father. I greeted them with the appropriate respect, exchanging pleasantries about business.
Then Alessio's father appeared.
Don Franco Delgado was an imposing figure even in his sixties, with silver-streaked hair and eyes that had seen too much to be fooled by anyone. His guards flanked him, but he waved them back as he approached me.
My entire demeanor shifted. My smile stretched wider and something warm filled my chest. I moved forward and embraced the older man tightly.
Don Franco kissed my cheek in the traditional manner, then stepped back with a laugh. "I made a bet with my wife that Alessio would get married before you. It seems I've lost."
Everyone laughed including me and Enzo. Alessio clapped his father on the shoulder. "Only because I'm too smart to tie myself down. Giovanni here is either the brave one or the foolish one. We haven't decided which yet."
More laughter rippled through the group.
"Come," I said, gesturing toward the ceremony space. "Let me show you what we've prepared."
"I'll go with Father," Alessio said. "Show him around."
"Of course."
Two final guests arrived, associates from Sicily, and distant family connections. Enzo checked them off his list, then turned to me.
"Those are the last ones on the list," he said quietly. "Boss... it's time to get married."
I adjusted my suit jacket, smoothing down the lapels. I had chosen a custom tailored grey suit with subtle silver threading. My tie was perfectly knotted, and my shoes were polished to a shine.
I looked like exactly how I felt.
"Andiamo, amico mio," I said, turning to Enzo with a slight smile. "Let's go, my friend."
We walked toward the ceremony space, where white chairs were arranged in neat rows and the aisle stretched out before us.
I took my position at the altar, beside the priest, and clasped my hands in front of me. My heart was steady, and my breathing calm.
My eyes roamed over each guest, taking in Enzo’s encouraging nod, Don Franco teasing smirk and Alessio relaxed pose.
In a few minutes they would all witness Arya walk down that aisle and become my wife in every way.
And then… the real game would begin.
The music started softly and the guests settled into their seats, turning to face the entrance where Arya would appear.
I stood still, my eyes fixed on that doorway patiently waiting for the woman I had marked to be mine for eternity.