Chapter 7 - The Final Judgment
Roman turned away from the weeping bride on the floor. He looked directly at Serena’s father, who was standing frozen in the front pew.
"The Valente alliance is officially broken," Roman announced, his voice booming with terrifying authority. "Your daughter committed treason against my family. By the old laws, I could take her life right here on this altar."
Serena screamed, crawling backward on the marble floor.
"But I don't kill women in wedding dresses," Roman sneered, looking back at her. He gestured to Marcus. "Take her to the basement cells. Keep her there until her father signs over the entire Valente shipping port to my syndicate as a penalty for her treason. If he refuses, drop her in the harbor."
Serena sobbed hysterically as Marcus’s men marched down the aisle, grabbing her roughly by the arms and dragging her away in her ruined white lace gown. Her father didn't argue. He simply bowed his head, knowing his empire was entirely lost.
The heavy doors slammed shut, sealing Serena’s fate forever.
Roman took a deep breath, adjusting his navy blue suit. The tension in the room remained suffocating, but the immediate threat was completely neutralized.
He walked back over to where little Ellie was standing. The mafia boss knelt down again, a genuine, warm smile finally breaking through his cold exterior.
"You saved my life, Ellie," Roman said softly, gently tapping her stuffed bunny toy. "What do you want for a reward? Anything in the world."
Ellie smiled brightly. "Can we have ice cream?"
May you like
Roman chuckled, the dark, lethal mafia boss entirely melting at the innocence of the child who had just saved his empire. "Yes, piccola. We can have all the ice cream in Boston."
If your partner was secretly working with your worst enemy, would you have the courage to walk away at the altar?
