Chapter 77 THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Chapter 77 THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

The black car came to a smooth stop in front of the grand entrance of Leone Russo's estate.

The property was breathtaking. Warm golden lights illuminated the massive stone building, while elegant decorations stretched across the entrance. Expensive cars filled the driveway, and soft music drifted through the open doors.

Inside, some of Sicily's most influential people had gathered to celebrate Leone Russo's fiftieth birthday.

In the backseat of the car, however, there was complete silence.

Matteo sat on one side, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his expression calm and unreadable.

Aurora sat beside him, staring out of the window.

They hadn't exchanged a single word since leaving home.

Matteo glanced at her.

She looked stunning.

Aurora wore a long black dress that hugged her figure perfectly, its simplicity making her look effortlessly elegant. Her hair fell softly around her shoulders, while the delicate jewelry around her neck caught the light whenever she moved.

Matteo looked away before she could notice.

He had learned not to stare at her these days.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" he finally asked.

Aurora kept her eyes on the window.

"I already told you I'm coming."

"That's not what I asked."

She turned her head slowly and looked at him.

"Then don't ask questions you already know the answer to."

Matteo's jaw tightened.

He looked ahead again.

"Fine."

Silence returned.

Aurora had only agreed to attend because she knew how important the evening was to Matteo's business. Leone was a respected man, and making a good impression mattered.

Besides, she couldn't deny that she wanted to see the kind of people Matteo now surrounded himself with.

Not that she would ever admit that to him.

The car door opened.

Their driver stepped aside.

Matteo got out first.

Almost immediately, several conversations around the entrance softened as people noticed him.

"Mr. Moretti is here."

Matteo barely reacted to the attention. He adjusted his suit jacket before turning toward the other side of the car.

Aurora stepped out.

The attention shifted toward her as well.

Not because anyone was surprised to see her.

Everyone knew Aurora Moretti.

For the past five years, she had stood beside Matteo at countless events, charity dinners, business functions and private gatherings. She was Mrs. Moretti, and together, they were one of the most recognizable couples in Sicily's elite circle.

Tonight was no different.

They looked incredible together.

Matteo in his perfectly tailored black suit, tall and commanding, while Aurora looked elegant in her black gown, her beauty impossible to overlook.

They looked like the perfect couple.

Powerfu, elegant and untouchable.

No one looking at them would ever guess how broken things were behind closed doors.

Matteo offered his arm.

Aurora stared at it for a moment.

Then, after a brief hesitation, she placed her hand on his arm.

Not because she wanted to, but because everyone was watching.

Matteo noticed but he said nothing.

Together, they walked toward the entrance.

Leone Russo spotted them almost immediately.

The fifty-year-old businessman stood near the entrance, dressed in a perfectly fitted navy suit and surrounded by several guests. The moment he saw Matteo and Aurora, his face lit up.

"Matteo!"

Leone excused himself from the people around him and walked toward them with a wide smile.

"Leone," Matteo greeted, extending his hand.

Leone shook it firmly before pulling him into a brief embrace.

"I'm glad you came. I was beginning to think you'd find some excuse to escape my birthday."

Matteo smiled faintly.

"I wouldn't miss it."

Leone's attention shifted to Aurora.

"And there she is. Aurora, it's good to see you."

Aurora smiled politely.

"Happy birthday, Leone."

"Thank you." He smiled warmly. "I'm glad you came. I was hoping I wouldn't have to spend the entire evening listening to Matteo talk about business."

Matteo gave him a look.

"I don't talk about business that much."

Leone laughed.

"That's exactly what a man who talks about business too much would say."

Aurora couldn't help the small smile that touched her lips.

Leone noticed.

"There. At least I got a smile out of you."

Aurora shook her head lightly.

"You're impossible."

"I've been told that for fifty years."

The three of them laughed softly.

For a brief moment, the tension between Matteo and Aurora disappeared beneath the ease of the conversation.

Leone looked between them.

"You two look wonderful tonight."

"Thank you," Aurora replied.

Matteo's eyes briefly moved toward her.

Leone placed a hand on Matteo's shoulder.

"Come. I want you to meet a few people. There are some investors here I've been telling about Moretti Holdings."

Matteo nodded.

"Of course."

Leone then looked at Aurora.

"And you won't be escaping either."

Aurora gave him a small smile.

"I wouldn't dare."

"Good." Leone grinned. "My wife has been waiting all evening to see you."

He gestured toward the entrance.

"Come. Tonight, no business for the first hour. It's my birthday, and I intend to enjoy it."

Matteo smiled.

"We'll see about that."

Leone laughed as he led them inside.

Aurora followed beside Matteo, her hand still resting lightly on his arm.

The moment they entered the ballroom, several familiar faces turned toward them.

The room was filled with glittering chandeliers, expensive gowns, tailored suits and champagne glasses. Soft music played in the background as waiters moved through the crowd.

A few guests greeted them as they passed.

"Good evening, Matteo."

"Good evening, Aurora."

"It's wonderful to see you both."

Aurora returned each greeting with a polite smile while Matteo nodded in acknowledgment.

They were perfectly composed.

Perfectly married.

At least, that was what everyone in the room believed.

Matteo leaned slightly toward Aurora.

"You can let go now."

She immediately removed her hand from his arm.

"I was planning to."

Matteo looked at her.

For a second, neither of them spoke.

Then Leone called from ahead.

"Matteo!"

Matteo turned and walked toward him.

Aurora followed.

\---

I KNOWWW It's been a minute since I updated Marked by the Mafia, but I'm finally back!
I had to take a little break, but I haven't forgotten about Matteo and the rest of the Moretti family. 👀

We're continuing from where we stopped, and trust me… there's still A LOT more to come.

Thank you to everyone who's still here, waiting, reading, and adding this book to your library. I genuinely appreciate you all🥹🖤