Adrian
The tires screeched as we arrived at the church.
I looked out the window, staring at the people hurrying inside the church.
But the only words ringing in my head, was Leonardo’s.
“Mess this up, and I will kill you before the Mancini’s get to you.”
Threats have started feeling like nothing, who the hell told them I was scared of dying?
I clenched hand on the pendant in my hands.
It had a picture of my mother and on this day, I couldn’t help but think about her more.
She had asked me once about the kind of wedding I’d love to have.
Even at the time, I had no idea.
Back then- I couldn’t give her a response, all I wanted then was to give her a better life.
I have never imagined to have any wedding, not a single partner I met, ever made me imagined what it would be like.
Not even as a child did I fantasize about fairytales like that.
So sitting here, and waiting to be called on felt more like a task, as it should.
A low moan escaped from my lips and I took in a deep breathe to calm my pounding heart.
When the car doors opened, I looked down at the pendant and muttered in a low voice, “I’m getting married mama.
From one teacherous place, to a hunting ground.”
I panicked a bit as I got out of the car and made my way to the alter.
Everyone was dressed in fancy clothings waiting for the bride.
My legs felt like they no longer belonged to me, it was heavy, sore, and trembling beneath the weight of the day.
I hadn’t eaten in the past three days, and it was finally catching up to me.
The walls tilted slightly with each step, and the chatter around me felt muffled and distant.
My stomach ached, but worse was the weakness crawling up my spine, mocking my attempts at composure.
I clenched my fists and kept moving, refusing to let anyone see me falter.
When I reached the altar, I took my stand in front of the priest, and my best man happened to be one provided by my father.
Jefferson, he called himself.
I didn’t bother exchanging words with him.
Intentionally, I searched for Nikolai, and to my surprise, he was not here yet.
Just before I could feel a bit of quiet, he walked into the hall, and everyone’s gaze fell on him.
He sat with the family.
“Mr Adrian, please take a step forward.” The priest insisted and I attempted moving forward but my feet almost betrayed me.
I clenched my fists and kept moving, refusing to let anyone see me falter.
But I knew he was watching—Nikolai.
His eyes burned into me from across the hall, and I wondered if he could tell that I was barely holding it together.
It didn’t take long before the wedding bells came ringing.
At the far entrance, Gabriel was walking Isabelle to the altar.
She looked beautiful, with some of her hair curled on her forehead and the most of it, packed up in a bun.
But she didn’t look happy.
Her eyes looked as though she have been crying, and her eyes kept drifting towards the audience as she took my hand.
I followed her eyes but then, it fell on Nikolai.
He held my gaze for a moment and I could see his lips shook for a while.
I scoffed
He wasn’t one to look away, he would hold my gaze until I break it.
But for today, I tried not to think about him or our little conflict the last time.
After we exchange rings, the guests cheered and we made our way outside the church.
The reception was a few blocks away.
When we arrived, I took a rest inside before our dance.
I helped myself with a bottle of wine, emptying it like water.
But then-
I caught a glimpse of Franklyn.
He seemed to be helping out with the cake, but when his gaze met mine, he chuckled.
He took his steps towards me, but suddenly, Nikolai was standing in the space between us.
Eyes darkened like the starry night, Nikolai stared coldly.
For the first time, he wore a brown colored suit.
“Adrian…” He called and my whole body reacted.
“I thought we’ve agreed to never speak to each other?” I asked.
“I don’t remember.”
“Of course you wouldn’t.
I never told you directly, I presumed you got the message.”
“Congratulations on your wedding.” He faked a smile.
“I guess it’s not Goodnews to you.”
“If you don’t mind, I have something to ask you…” He walked closer.
“I do mind Nikolai Volkov.
I have no intention in speaking to you, or responding to any questions you might want to ask.
Stay away.”
He retreated for a moment.
Eyes searching mine like there was something else he wanted to see.
“You might end up dead.” He threatened, again!
My chest burned and I hurriedly closed the distance between us and whispered to his face,
“I’m not scared of you or your family.
So stop threatening and pull the trigger.”
His eyes wavered around, he didn’t just study me, but my whole body.
I felt invaded.
“Adrian…” There was a shift in his tone, quite low and calm, it wasn’t the usual way he’d call my name.
“I don’t usually give threats, I mean every word I say.”
I rolled my eyes and walked away.
I searched everywhere I could, but I couldn’t find Franklyn.
Just when I turned, I found Nikolai just right behind me.
I had no words for him.
He’s been following me around all evening, fed up, I retreated, taking my seat next to Isabelle who seemed as though she would run off any moment from now.
You’ve had that expression since morning.”
“I’m fine.” She was cold.
It was a first time, so I thought I’d give her her space.
I finally caught Franklyn making his way towards the restroom area.
I looked around, about standing up to follow his trail, but I caught Nikolai again, he was whispering with his bodyguard, but still his eyes were on me as though I was the topic of his conversation.
When he wasn’t looking, I stood up quickly and made my way to the restroom area.
I searched the stalls, but it seemed as though Franklyn had disappeared.
I was about walking out, but then-
Nikolai walked in with his cigarette on his lips.
He took a drag, and let the fume hits my face.
“You’ve been restless.” He muttered.
“And you’ve been following me around like you’d rather marry me instead.”
He was quiet, and then he frowned.
“I saw the man you’d rather marry.
Your blonde.”
He couldn’t be jealous, I sneered.
“That shouldn’t be a concern of yours.” I was about leaving, when I noticed a stall behind Nikolai that I’ve not checked.
I walked there, but before I opened it, I turned to Nikolai and asked, “Why didn’t you end the engagement?
I wasn’t expecting you’d call the Moretti.”
He studied me again before responding, “I didn’t made the call.”
“No one would, without your permission.” I muttered.
He lost his words, when he took a step towards me, I let my eyes followed his movement, he knew instantly, he shouldn’t take another towards me.
He was just like my father.
Perhaps, even the Mancini’s seem to have an agenda regarding this marriage.
How could I just realize this?
I smirked and entered the stall.
Suddenly someone grip my arm, when I looked it was Franklyn.
He covered my lips and I relaxed, presuming he had been hiding away from Nikolai.
When Nikolai steps faded, he released his hands from my lips.
“What’s your deal with Nikolai Volkov?”
“It has nothing to do with you, worry about yourself pretty boy.”
“Pretty what?”
He wasn’t this bold at the engagement.
Before I could ask about clubpink, Franklyn had a gun pointed at me.
“I’m tired of playing games with you, I want your life Adrian Moretti.”
I chuckled.
He seemed surprised, with that little moment of unawareness, I knocked the gun off his hand dragged him out of the stall.
Punching on him, I tried knocking him out with my arms.
But then-
A shadow from behind caused me to turn, but before I could catch a glimpse of the person, he used his gun and clashed it on my head.
A ringing sound almost sent my body on pulse, and I lost every sense of live.