The Mob's Bride

Leo froze, clearly unprepared for my swift agreement.

He cupped my face, his eyes a mix of wild joy and guilt. "Ava, I knew you'd understand, that you love me the most."

He leaned to kiss me, but I turned my head, and his lips grazed my forehead.

It was cold.

Leo's movement stilled, then he pulled me into a tighter embrace. "Wait for me. I'll bring you back in style, and we'll have the grandest wedding."

I didn't respond.

Something inside me had died the moment I heard his words.

Over the next few days, Leo treated me better than ever.

He canceled all his engagements, came home on time, ate dinner with me, watched movies, like the most devoted couple.

He bought me jewelry I'd glanced at once, purchased a painting I liked, even cooked my favorite truffle pasta himself.

He fumbled in the kitchen, sauce staining his white shirt.

I leaned against the door, watching him, my mind drifting back to when we first met.

Back then, he'd done the same, secretly learning to cook for my birthday surprise, only to make a mess of himself.

The pasta he served was so salty it was bitter.

I ate every bite.

Because he said, "Ava, I want to cook for you forever."

The memory surged, a sharp thorn piercing my heart.

Leo brought the pasta over, presenting it like a prize. "Try it. My skills have improved a lot."

I picked up the fork, twirling a small bite.

The familiar taste held none of the sweetness from back then.

"Is it good?" he asked, watching me eagerly.

"Leo," I set the fork down, "does Isabella like truffles too?"

His smile froze.

The air turned heavy.

After a long pause, he spoke, his voice strained. "Ava, don't do this."

"Do what?" I met his gaze, calm. "I'm just curious if your true love shares my taste."

His face darkened. "She's not like you."

Of course not.

Isabella was the moon in the sky, radiant and untouchable, his unreachable dream.

I was just mud on the ground, easily trampled, easily discarded.

That night, he didn't stay.

In the middle of the night, my phone rang with an unknown number.

It was Isabella.

Her voice carried a false tremor, as if mimicking the pity of a victor. "Ava, are you asleep? Sorry for calling so late."

She paused, savoring my silence. "Leo told me everything. He had to sacrifice you to protect me. He's hurting too, so please don't resent him."

Her tone brimmed with barely concealed triumph.

I let out a cold laugh and hung up.

Then I blocked the number for good.

A man I no longer wanted, she treated like a treasure.

My wedding to Leo was set just two days before Alessandro and Isabella's.

How ironic.

Leo's plan was to send me to Alessandro's car on our wedding day.

Meanwhile, he would whisk Isabella away, escaping the storm.

When Alessandro realized the bride was switched, he'd hold back out of respect for the councilman's name.

And Leo would swoop in, a hero rescuing me from "danger."

A perfect plan, saving his love and keeping me in his grasp.

On the wedding day, the sky was clear blue.

I sat before the mirror in my white gown.

Leo entered, dismissing everyone else.

He hugged me from behind, fastening a diamond necklace around my neck.

"Ava, you're beautiful," he said, kissing my cheek. "I'm sorry for this. Remember, no matter what happens, don't be afraid. Tell them you're Leo Kennedy's fiancée."

I looked at myself in the mirror, and the handsome man behind me.

A perfect match, a picture of harmony.

To outsiders, we were the ideal couple.

But only I knew the filthy scheming beneath this polished facade.

"Leo," I said, my voice steady, "have you ever loved me?"

His body stiffened.

After a long moment, he sighed. "Of course. Ava, I love you."

But that love crumbled before Isabella.

I said nothing more.

The assistant knocked. "Sir, it's almost time."

Leo gave me one last look, his eyes unreadable. "Wait for me."

He turned and left without a trace of hesitation.

I knew he was going to his true bride.

And I was headed to my execution.