Emma's POV

I looked at the mirror and blinked. In these past days, Grace de Lucca had taken me on a lot of shopping sprees. Even this royal blue limited edition dress was a gift from her.

Though I had tried to talk about my job with Matteo. He always seemed busy. It felt wrong receiving all of these for something my grandma did. Grace has told me that she was struggling with money at the time of Ava's birth. They had some kind of marriage dip at that time. She didn't give me the details and I didn't ask.

I was not planning to leave the room until it was not the time for vows. I knew I wasn't made for an event like this when I look at my straight hair that I decided to keep down. Grace had bought me a couple of shoes but I was only looking at them trying to tell myself I have to wear them for an hour or two.

The knock on the door got me alert. "Emma?" It was Mrs Lucca standing like a diva.

"You look stunning, Mrs Lucca." I complimented looking at her and found a wide smile on her mouth. She was donning a light pink dress that hugged her body perfectly.

I was still living in their wing because the influx of a few guests got all of their wings occupied. They had many close friends that Grace refuse to let stay in the hotels.

"Thank you...I still can't believe my son is getting married today..." But then she took a step back and let her gaze run over me. "There is something amiss. Wait here..." Of course, compared to her I lack a lot of things. I didn't have an amazing figure like her. I didn't have hair like her. And, I certainly didn't have a million-dollar necklace on my neck. But I knew I was fine. I wasn't a wife to a billionaire who has to look ready for a picture all the time. And, I knew she wouldn't get me if I refuse anything she would suggest. She was being kind and herself. It's just I didn't want to let myself carry away with the kindness of this family. This wasn't me. I don't belong to places for long. It was only Cristiano's office where for once I wanted to belong.

She got in a moment later and had such beautiful earrings. "Ava doesn't like necklaces so I thought you won't prefer them too. Trust me these will go...can I?" I nodded a little and she helped me put on the earrings. I could tell it was diamonds.

We both looked in the mirror and she was quick to get a comb. "You are so beautiful, Emma. And, when I was your age. Letting my hair open was the thing I used to do too but for an event like this...trust me."

"I don't think you should do this for me. Guests must be waiting..." But she managed me a quick side bun and smiled. "Ava hardly let me touch her hair. The last time I made her one was when she was thirteen and her stylist was out of town. Since then she has had three at her disposal. And, though I would love to...I don't have much bonding with Cami. She doesn't want anyone to look at her until she is ready completely."

"But they seem nice. I would love to have my mom..." I said but she got a little flower in my bun and cut me off.

"Oh, Ava loves it too. It's just she doesn't want me occupied. And, she wants me to worry about fewer things. Both kids share a great bond with me..." I smiled and she got her hand on my shoulder and we looked into the mirror. "...you look ethereal who knows you meet someone too?" I don't know but there was this motherly feeling to her.

I have learned the hard way that not every mom is like my mom. Most of them are great. "I don't think so..." I don't know why I let it slip. I don't tell anyone what I feel about myself. "You look like your grandmother. Still don't want to believe me? She had blonde hair and light sea green or greyish eyes. Oh, she was love." And, this made me smile. I remember one of our neighbours assuring me this too when I was five. When the girls would pick up on me she would tell me you look like your grandmother. And, saying my granny was pretty was an understatement.

"Oh...your uncle must be waiting for me. Come on...Veronica would love to see you." I offered her a smile and she left.

I looked at the mirror again. I had an oval face and chiselled jaw like her. I had inherited her eyes and everything she had but I keep my lens on. She didn't have these freckles on the nose though. I didn't want anyone to know who I was so it didn't matter anyway. And, I still looked professional secretary though. This is what I had trained myself to be.

I drew a long breath and got my gift out. I had spent a lot of my savings on this one and even left something on my credit to buy a ten thousand dollars Rolex couple watch. And, even then I knew it was going to be the cheapest wedding gift today. I walked out when I knew the vows were only fifteen minutes away. I knew Cristiano was marrying the love of his life. But listening to Matteo, Ava and Grace I learned they believe it wasn't a great decision. Even somewhere in my heart, I knew he deserved someone who would care about him as much as he did for her. Not someone like Camilla who is beyond insecure and would trouble, or shout at him all the time.

Grace had talked about Veronica a lot. She had known my grandmother in the old days. And, I guess I was looking forward to seeing her too.

I walked out and heard Matteo roaring but what I made of his words were. "...your decision to marry her."

"You think I didn't know her? A wedding this high profile was never a plan." Cristiano shot back and one could instantly pick the trouble in the air. I walked out of my hallway and turned to notice the living area where Cristiano and Matteo stood while Grace and Ava could be spotted entering the living area.

"This isn't true? Matteo how are we going to...Oh god!" While Ava was quick to interpret. "Why not get that plane back? Give them the wrong news. Anything? Dad? Do something. We want her here. No matter what."

"She hadn't taken the private plane...and just don't talk Ava. I don't need your help." Cristiano roared all the while walking to her and Matteo was quick to get between them.

"This is not on me. You love this thrill. And, look at it now. You can't even start to imagine how big we are going to lose..."

"Shut up, Ava..." Matteo had to push Cristiano and Mrs Lucca was quick to hold Cristiano's arm.

"You don't talk to my daughter like that."

"You know what? I really don't care. I am leaving. These are your guests. So, you better answer them now." Cristiano was about to leave but Grace refuse to leave his arm. "I won't let you on your own. We are in this together. You know, Ava."

"This is on you, Cristiano. I dare you to leave this scene." Jimmy Larson entered the view and I gulped hard. Even I could understand what a mess this was.

"I care about Camilla more than this party..."

"I am her father. And, even I know that this incident will never be forgotten. A wedding has to take place. No matter what." Jimmy spoke and everyone looked at him.

"He is right. There is no way a wedding won't happen." An old woman walked in and Cristiano huffed out. "Granny? It's on dad. He destroyed her plans about guests and venue. I have to be there for her. God knows..."

"I know...she would never do anything that would harm her." Jimmy spoke but Cristiano looked at everyone for a moment before he whispered, "I am leaving"

"Not before you get married..." His granny cut him off.

"Mom,..." Grace tried to intervene and James Larson was quick to suggest. "My assistant is here. I can tell her and she can play..."

And, Cristiano cut them off. "Wow...and, you people think they won't know. That it is not Camilla. All of you have lost..."

"You lost your mind when you thought Camilla wouldn't act up. She can't pass a minute without acting up. I refuse to not witness your wedding today. Bring it on," Ava crashed the glass she was holding to her left. It was silence for a moment before Grace started,

"What about we still try to contact that plane? Maybe we can stall the event for two hours?" But her mother was quick to tell her. "In two minutes your son was supposed to get married. And, none of us could be spotted down there. We...will be a laughing stock that I refuse to let happen."

"You think the absence of Camilla?..." Cristiano tried but this time Matteo cut him.

"I had never printed the names of Groom or Bride. I asked the guest to join the wedding of my son. So, dear Cristiano...if you walked out of here. I will pick any man out of the crowd, it can be my guard and make him my son. This is how much important it is for me to not lose my face. My face! It's everything for me."

"Dad's right. If you can't stand in our lows. We don't need you..." Ava walked and stood beside her father.

"Ava! You think it's easy for him. He loves Camilla. It was his wedding." Grace tried to get the attention of Matteo or Ava but they refuse to look at Mrs Lucca. I had this urge to walk out and comfort her but it seemed like their mess.

"Mom, look at him. He doesn't care! Then why should we?"

"I don't settle with the idea of having James' assistant? Matteo? I can call my assistant but it will take some time and then we have to get her prepared. Do you have any person here you can trust? Someone who wouldn't ask for money afterwards and don't..."

"Why not my assistant? And, we can pretend she is my daughter...?" Jimmy intervened.

"No way in hell, Jimmy. Cristiano will marry the woman of my choice today. And, there is no way in hell you will walk her down. You are out of this scene now. Go out and make people believe it is your daughter marrying him. But people will see someone else. They will see Mrs Lucca." And, this made Ava look at her dad. "Why are you making it sound like this dad? It's not permanent. Or you really want Cristiano to walk out..."

"He can if he wants to. I will use my right to strip him of everything. And, you will get every penny, Ava. So, tell who are you siding now?" And, Ava got silent.

"Matteo, don't..." Mrs Lucca whispered,

"Stay out, Julie...it's been enough. I have heard you all but don't forget you are standing under my roof. Ava had rights on Campbell's. I can do anything with Lucca's and if I have Ava's support. All of you are to follow me."

"I own the whole River land. I don't need you people..." Cristiano was about to walk out when Jimmy stopped him. "Good luck getting my daughter if you aren't Lucca anymore. And, how are you supposed to face the Arabs when they know even your bride doesn't want you? Camilla would choose them over you if you aren't Lucca. More than the money she loves power..." And, Cristiano was quick to turn around and pull Jimmy's collar.

"Don't you dare make her sound like a gold digger? It is Camilla. She is my woman! I will kill the man she will choose over me."

"Cristiano!" Grace shouted and he looked at his mom for two good moments before he let him go.

"Fine...do it. But I will divorce that woman in three months. That's it..." He got the stairs down and Matteo was quick to walk to Grace who shook her head looking at him, "How could you Matteo?" and, left after her son too.

"If you think it is hard for us to manage this mess. You are wrong. You know Cristiano. I am his grandmother. You better leave too." Olivia Campbell told Mr Larson and he left fuming in anger.

"Who do you have in mind, Matteo?" That granny asked and I could only imagine how hard it must be for Cristiano.

"I have an assistant who is indebted to Cristiano and will never take advantage..."

Does it sound familiar? Hell yes.

"What is the guarantee?" Granny asked,

"She is the granddaughter of Christine. And, you know better that genes matter. She is tall, beautiful..." They were talking about me. How could they? There was no way I could do this and more than anything I wasn't fit to be Cristiano's bride. I love him but not...

"Why does it matter, Dad? It's not like we want her for..." And, Olivia was quick to raise her hand.

"You don't know what your dad is doing here. He is getting rid of Camilla forever."

"Dad..." And, before Ava could say something I intervened.

"I don't think it's a great idea. I get that I owe him a big time but it doesn't mean..."

"It's time for the payback. You are doing a favour to him. Can you do that or not? We don't have time, honey." Granny asked and Matteo was quick to add.

"Look...I hope you get me. I hate this too, darling. But I can't trust any assistant. They will be greedy for money..."

"And, why do you think I won't..." I replied and knew I couldn't do this.

"The only fact that you are denying this offer is enough. I will give you five million dollars. And, you can donate them to the same charity your grandmother used to. Do this for the poor orphan kids. Look...we are someone who knew your grandmother. She was a great lady. And, we too won't just let any woman stand beside Cristiano."

"You are doing it for only three months. Why do you think it matters who marries him..." I tried to reason, "Once you are a family to Lucca's. You are family forever. There is no expiry..." Matteo said and I don't know why I looked at Ava. But she was glaring at her dad now. I don't know why but I knew I will do anything for Cristiano. Even if he wants to end this marriage I won't trouble him. But that can't be guaranteed if they marry him to someone else. They will for sure take advantage of this family.

"Say yes or not...so, we can..." Ava sounds impatient. I knew they didn't even know me. Matteo was quick to shake his head. "It's fine...I..." He trailed off and looked exhausted. "Are you fine?" Olivia asked and I walked to Matteo too. How there will be a lot of people outside passed my mind too but I gulped hard before nodding. "I will do it..." There was no thank you or anything when Olivia Campbell told Ava almost mechanically. "Get her the wedding gown. She should be ready in fifteen. Look at her face. It doesn't need a thing. She is pretty..."

"Give me half an hour at least. She is going to be Cristiano's bride." And, my heart dropped instantly. But at that very moment, I felt a firm hold on my hand. "I will always be there for you, Emma. Just know you can trust me. From this day on, no matter what...you will be a family." And, I smiled. Wondering if he will say the same words when he will get to know who my parents were. But I only passed a bitter smile before nodding.

"Don't worry, Mr Lucca. I will pull it off...all professional." I don't know why but I had to give him assurance given how tense he seems. And, more than anything I had to tell myself I could do this.

The next chapter will be up soon,