The Mafia's Pet Lover

"Marry me, Isabella Moretti."

Nothing else. Just those four words.

The graduation cap and bouquet in Isabella's hand crashed to the ground.

"What?" She whispered.

"Oh my God! Say yes!!" Her friend, Aria, squealed in delight, and she parted her lips to speak, but no words came out. 

How could they?

It was her graduation day. She'd finally graduated college and was about to take pictures with her friends when an entourage of five sleek black cars sped up to them. Men in black suits and tinted eyeglasses stepped out as they lined up by the side in a rehearsed order.

Amongst the cars, one particular one stood out in the middle, it was a red sports car.

The rough driving had left their hearts in their mouths, but it couldn't compare to the shell shock she felt the moment the door to the unique car was pulled open.

Her jaw dropped open.

Isn't that Luca DeLuca? Her first love and ex-boyfriend?

The boyfriend she'd abandoned four years ago after making a public disgrace of him at a friend's party. The man she hadn't seen in years, standing in all his six-foot-three glory?

Isabella was confused. She'd never thought they'd cross paths again, and that too on her graduation day. 

How did he know the college she attended? They hadn't been in contact, so how did he know to be here today?

Seeing his face brought back bittersweet memories. She had once loved him dearly and would still be with him if it hadn't been for her parents' adamant refusal, mostly her father.

As the only child and heir to his business empire, he was against her marrying a nincompoop nobody, as he placed it.

Luca wasn't as privileged as she was. Isabella was the only child of one of the top business conglomerates in the country, but he grew up as an orphan and, as a result, lived a struggling life to fend for himself on the streets. They didn't move in the same circle and had met out of pure luck. He had nothing to his name, but the man in front of her looked nothing like she remembered.

Everything he had on, down to his car, screamed luxury. He looked powerful and like he was in charge. Seeing him evoked a frisson feeling within her. All the men bowed their heads in greeting as he stood in all his glory, looking like a Greek god.

And then, he was moving towards her in firm, calculated steps until he dropped one knee at her feet.

"I've waited for this day. Marry me, Bella."

What?

"Come on. Say yes, Isabella." Everyone chimed in with low choruses of agreement, and she glanced around to see their happy faces, then returned her gaze to the man on his knees.

She was worried. Marriage? When they hadn't been in contact for years? Moreover, had he forgotten that her parents did not approve of him?

Luca knew exactly what was going through her mind, and he handed her his phone.

She weakly reached out for it.

"Hello?" 

"Isabella." Her father's cool voice flowed through the phone. "I give my blessings. Marry him." And then the call was disconnected. 

It only made her more confused. What was going on? But with her father giving his approval, she knew she had no choice. It had always been that way. She had lived a sheltered and controlled life under her parents. At least she gets to be with her first love, Isabella thought, and with a nod of her head, she answered.

"Yes, Luca. I will marry you."

Applause erupted all around, and the people swooned and awed over them as he placed the ring on her finger. 

"Let's go!" He ordered as he took Isabella's arm in his and his men echoed,

"Yes, boss!"

The next thing she knew, he was guiding her towards his car, and they were off.

Isabella felt giddy, and her face flushed red at the unexpected turn of events. 

"When did you get back? Where have you been? How did you know to come here? How did you get my parents' approval?" She pelted questions at him, but all she got in reply was silence.

It was then she felt the slight shift in the atmosphere; she was the only happy one. He hadn't said a word to her since they left. She turned to ask what was wrong, and a gasp escaped her lips at his expression.

He was mad with anger.

His face was hard, and he had a cold, dreadful look in his eyes as he navigated the road. His knuckles whitened as he gripped the steering wheel tightly, and she saw his jaw tick as the sound of his teeth grinding together reached her ears.

What was this tense atmosphere? 

Just as he approached a red light, his phone beeped, and he accepted the call. 

"Boss. Should we let them go now since the confirmation has been given?"

Luca turned to her, the corner of his lips curled up in a sadistic smile as he replied in a cold voice.

"Let them go. After all, I have gotten what I wanted."