The Dragos ⬇️

The Bonferronis ⬇️

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Day 12 (Arie's POV)

After sliding the second diamond earring into my lobe, I sighed and rubbed my sweaty palms together. Nervousness didn't even come close to describing the miserable condition my heart was in. It was racing, jumping in fright, dropping. It may as well pulverize in my chest because it was doing me no good.

The entire day yesterday was spent in dread. I had myself locked in my room and just wished no one visited me. Although I just wanted to run after the conversation with Verona, I couldn't do so knowing Athena would make sure I didn't. She did say she had another surprise for me and I wasn't sure if I was ready for it. What else was she going to throw at me?

I was expecting her to show up in my room, but she didn't and neither did anyone else—other than Ashton and Soph, of course. I was just crossing my fingers hoping Leo denied Verona's request. She loved Leo so much and I couldn't take her husband even though she was willingly giving him to me on a silver platter. Despite what I felt for Leo, there was no way in hell I was going to build my castle of happiness on the ashes and debris of someone else's sacrifice.

After what I had learned about Verona, I had developed a kind of adoration for her that Athena talked about. Gosh! The respect I had for her now had rocketed. I looked at her as someone I deeply admired and I couldn't crush her happiness, and I knew Leo wouldn't hurt her or ever abandon her which was reassuring. She'd be happy and safe with him. Besides, I couldn't leave Freddie hanging. I was not going to be one of those stupid girls who was going to give up on a good man that I already had in my life and go after an ex who had a wife regardless of the opportunity. However, I hated my own guts for thinking of a future with Leo for even a split second. I felt like a dirty rat from the sewers.

I had to think of the bigger picture here again which was the safety of my family. I was not going to risk it by diving back into this mafia world. My kids were my priority and my relationship with Fred was safe and healthy for them.

"Ready?" Ashton rubbed my back, flashing me a lazy smile through the long mirror. "You look good. Soph picked that out?"

I hummed.

One of the dresses Soph forced me to pick back at the castle for this party wrapped around my body like an airtight sealed bag. It was mesmerizing to the eye and would definitely attract a gander or two which I didn't want. The red wine color extended throughout the outfit. Beads of the same shade heavily covered the netting over my breasts, waist, and down the middle portion over my thighs and legs to hide all of my privates behind the thin material. The beads on the off shoulder long sleeves did a good job hiding the recent flesh wound on my arm along with drawing beautiful patterns on the tulle that flowed down behind me like a gown. And my hair rested to one side in small, intricate curls that the hair stylist put it in.

          "Ready?" Ashton asked, buttoning up his black suit jacket.

"Nope."

          "Good! Let's go."

Hooking my arm around his, we walked out my room together and down to the lobby where we met up with Soph who was ready to take everyone's breath away with her astoundingly beautiful burgundy ball gown. It was definitely made with heavy satin fabric and crystals spiraling around.

"Nice leg, hoe." I motioned at her lower limb that peeked out the slit of her gown.

"Nice coochie, bitch!"

As if I had a mini heart attack, I looked down in a panic and immediately covered myself down there before realizing the bitch played me. "I hate you."

"I'll be the one hating you if you get me any more late to my own party. Get your asses in the car now."

We did as she asked and were immediately driven to the second Ferroni hotel across the bridge where the big fancy party was being held. The security outside that hotel was tight with guards covering every inch of ground to protect the family and every guest. The line of cars was miserably long, and it took a few minutes for us to reach the front and exit the vehicle safely. A few guards guided us in personally and escorted us to a mini empty banquet hall off to the side where Wren and Athena were waiting. Great!

"About time," Wren huffed and came forward to give Soph a sweet kiss on her red lips. After giving me and Ashton a nod of acknowledgement, he fixed his posture and straightened his spine to exude power like the rest of his family. "Everyone is waiting for us. Let's go."

As I began to walk behind the couple, Athena halted my footsteps. "Arie, would you be a dear and wait? We should talk."

Although I wasn't in the mood, I motioned Ashton to move along and stayed back myself. When the coast was clear, I asked, "Why didn't you tell me Verona knew?"

Athena chuckled inwardly. "It'd be no fun then," she said, typing away on her phone before she finally gave me her full attention. "Federigo and I are the only ones who knew about Verona's sacrificial intentions. And Eros, of course. The others in the plan were only helping me to get you here to talk to Leo and put him at ease. They all thought Verona was clueless about your past relationship with Leo and kept their mouths shut. Now you know everything." Picking up a flute of champagne from the table beside her, she took a sip and eyed me. "Is your answer still no?

"What kind of woman do you think I am?"

She shrugged. "You tell me."

"I'm not taking Verona up on her offer, and that's final."

She set the glass down and rubbed her palms together. "Very well, then."

I shook my head, not expecting her to end it there. "That's it?"

"Look, Arie." Her heels clacked on the marble as she strutted closer to me like a supermodel. "As we know, you and Leo are still in love with each other, thanks to a little security camera." Of course! "But neither one of you will pursue anything because of your respective partners." She sighed through her nostrils. "I can force you to do many things, but not this considering the other guy is stubborn too and won't let go of Verona because of guilt which is understandable. So, the only way is to kill Verona."

I gaped at her in sheer bewilderment. "Tell me you're kidding me."

"Don't get your panties in a bunch." She rolled her eyes. "Verona is a friend and has earned my respect rightfully so. I was just trying to give her what she wanted." Her shoulders elevated in a subtle shrug as she pouted a bit. "Too bad my plan didn't... work."

"I've got it," Allaire interrupted us as she strode into the small hall with a rectangular velvet case in her hands. "Hello, Arie. You look lovely."

"You too," I complimented her back. She wore a black gown like Athena, and undoubtedly, they both looked stunning.

Allaire opened the case and revealed a dazzling diamond necklace that was probably worth a couple hundred thousand. Athena picked up the beautiful piece of jewelry and admired it for a brief second.

"Lift you hair," Athena said.

"Huh?"

"Lift. Your. Hair," she enunciated each word. "I can't say it any slower."

Still unsure with her advancement, I nicely raised my hair and allowed her to hook up the latch behind my neck.

          "Better," she mused, making sure not a single thing on me was out of place. "Much better."

          "What is this?"

          "It's a gift for all the trouble I've given you, and it looks quite splendid around your neck."

          Athena was being nice without any agenda? It was hard to believe. "Really?" I questioned her intentions with a cocked brow.

          "I don't throw out compliments just like that, so you're welcome." Her finger pushed back a single loose strand that fell over her forehead as she hoisted her chin and held her head high. "Shall we?"

          Refraining from saying anything, I walked beside the ladies down the hall, getting closer to the sound of the sophisticated music that played soothingly. My palms got sweatier around my little clutch and my heart jumped with the thought of seeing Verona and Leo after the last conversation I had with the woman. I just had to avoid them, keep myself calm, and keep a good amount of distance between us.

          "Oh, and I'm sorry to hear about your miscarriage." Athena cleared her throat but didn't spare me a glance. Her features were at rest as always, not a single smidgen of emotion surfacing. "If I wasn't too preoccupied with my own dilemma that day, I would've figured out the cause of your flailing mood swings and the emotional phone call you made to Leo, and I would've never let you come on the rescue mission with me."

          She opened up the conversation and ended it just as quick. I remained silent and kept striding. I could've said something snarky in return, but I had no desire to do it right now. My mind was already occupied with other things to form a comeback. Besides, she did help me get to my brother whether or not it was her enemies that got him in that situation. Ashton had a habit of drinking and passing out, and he just happened to pass out at the wrong place. In hindsight, I realized it was a bad day for everyone.

Turning into the final hallway, I saw the large double doors that opened to the ballroom before we entered the party area. The music encapsulated me and threw me into the world of the elites who wore suits of the highest price and gowns and jewelry made to perfection. Everyone looked their best and exuded class that almost intimidated me. Almost.

          Raising my chin, I pushed my shoulders back and looked around. Multiple ornate Corinthian columns stood tall and proud on both sides of the room. Waiters moved through the crowd with drinks and little delicacies that you'd only get in the most expensive restaurants. The chandeliers hanging from the ceiling lit up the entire ballroom and made the diamond jewelry on the women sparkle. I could spot a lot of famous faces. Actors, singers, and definitely politicians.

          "Many of the famous faces you see have worked under the Bonferroni empire at one point and others are allies or friends," Athena pointed out.

          "There are so many people here." It was a bit overwhelming.

          "Just enjoy yourself, Arie." Allaire flashed me a warm smile. "They're all either busy making business connections or setting up the time to shag."

          "Not reassuring," I mumbled under my breath and scanned the room for Ashton and Soph. I just wanted to stick close to one of them and get through the night without any trouble.

"I almost forget." Athena forced me to turn to her with the subdued excitement in her tone. Although very subtle, it was still unsettling. "Your final surprise."

"Please don't." Knowing her, she was going to drop the bombshell she called a surprise on me regardless. If it turned out to be anything like the one with Verona, I would dig my own grave and bury myself alive.

"You'll like this one. Turn around."

Oh, God! I was expecting Verona or Leo to be behind me and I didn't want to move an inch, but I couldn't stand like a statue forever. Turning around slowly, I laid my eyes on the grinning man, my jaw almost hitting the floor immediately.

"Fred?"

"Missed me, precious?" His smile broadened, his green eyes twinkling as they met mine.

"Wha-" I walked toward him in tiny steps, unable to believe my eyes. "Oh, my God. Wh-What are you doing here?"

"Can I get a hug first?"

          "Yeah, sorry." I chuckled awkwardly before wrapping my arms around his neck and embracing him. He slightly lifted me off the floor as usual and tightened his hold on me, warming me against his suited body. The heat from him eased my frenzy nerves and made me relax a bit.

          "I've missed you so much, precious."

"I missed you too." I pulled away but held onto his hands. A part of me was elated to see him, but I couldn't show that emotion effectively on my face because, at the same time, I was beyond petrified. Was he a pawn in Athena's plan too? "But how-"

"I had a photo shoot for Ms. Estle's magazine. They're doing an article on me. I didn't tell you because I wanted to surprise you here. It was a last minute thing."

"But when did you even get here?"

"Yesterday morning. I wanted to come see you first, but I had to shoot, and Ms. Estle was kind enough to invite me to the party today where I could surprise you."

My teeth clenched together as I faced the woman who had a smug smirk planted on her face. "Enjoy the evening, you two."

Turning on her heel, Athena strutted away with Allaire and mingled with the others, leaving me with dreadful thoughts of what she had planned next.

***

"Talk about the shittiest vacation ever," Fred remarked harshly as he drank the alcohol from his glass. He was beyond infuriated with the little gunshot ordeal I faced and gripped onto his glass tighter until his fingers were almost pale.

"Freddie," I sighed and laid my hand on his calmly which prompted him to ease his anger a bit. "I'm fine. The person responsible has been taken care of."

"Been taken care of?" he wondered with scrunched brows that drew lines on his forehead.

This was way harder than I had planned out in my head. Whenever I wanted to rant, Harry was my go-to person. Fred came second. I would just lay in his arms and talk to him because he listened well. Since I couldn't share all the I wanted to with Harry over the phone, Fred was my savior now. He already knew about the cruel phase in my life that involved the dangerous people. Well, not entirely, but enough to get the gist. And this should've been easy, but it wasn't.

"People here aren't necessarily... nice?" I spoke with uncertainty in my tone. "I mean they are-"

          "Assholes?"

          "Dicks, and..." I took a deep breath, thinking of a way to put things out in the right manner. "Remember I told you about the father?" Another long stretch of air chilled my nostrils as I inhaled. "Ana's dad?"

"Yeah. They were involved with the bad guys, right?"

I nodded. He was aware I was acquainted with dangerous people once, but didn't know it was the actual mafia.

He leaned back in his chair as he came to the realization of what I was implying. His green eyes stared at me rather dumbfoundedly. "Ana's dad is here?"

I nodded again.

"And so is-"

"Yes," I cut him off abruptly and rubbed my sweaty palms together on the silk cloth that covered the round table Fred and I were sitting around. "They're all here."

He rubbed the worry lines on his forehead and shut his eyes for a few seconds, trying hard to digest it all. "Did you come here knowing they'd be here?"

"Look, Sophie really is my best friend and I've told you that. I didn't really know she was getting married into that family. I just wanted to get the wedding over with so I could come back home. Trust me."

"Of course, I trust you, precious." He cradled my hands in his over the table and gave me a reassuring smile. "But it's clearly not safe here for you. You got shot at, for crying out loud. I have a flight to New York tomorrow. Come with me. Let's go home. Even the kids miss you."

I chuckled. "I talked to them this morning and none of them miss me. They're having a blast with the new pup."

He let out a little laugh but didn't avert the topic. "I mean it, precious. Don't risk it. I'd literally die if something happened to you."

My heart warmed but also sank at the same time at his words. "Nothing will happen. I'll be flying home as soon as the wedding is done. If I leave before that, it'll irk some people and they will try to find me. And if they do, they'll get to the kids which I can't allow, and you know that. I can't let them know. Not when everything is a mess."

          "I just want you to be careful. That's all."

          "I know." I smiled and scooted my chair back. "Well, are you not going to offer me a dance, Mr. Guzman?"

"Ah, my apologies!" He immediately rose from his seat and buttoned his suit jacket before extending his arm out for me. "Will you do me the honor, m'lady?"

"Why yes, kind sir."

We chuckled and headed toward the dance floor—hand in hand—where the others were swaying to the slow music played by the live jazz band. We moved to it effortlessly, talking and laughing with one another as we usually did. Even though we were still on a break from our romantic relationship, none of this felt awkward because he was my best friend above all. Pure-hearted, kind, and humble with a beautiful soul.

A sudden clearing of the throat interrupted our chat and grasped our attention. My heart leapt when I saw Leo standing beside us with a reserved smile on his face. He wore a black suit that fit his structured body perfectly. His hair was pushed to the side and set nicely. Not a single thing on him was imperfect. His impeccable appearance spoke of his high caliber.

          "If you don't mind, I'd like to steal Ms. Noelle for a dance."

          "Sure," Fred answered before I had the chance to refuse the offer. I couldn't even meet Leo's gaze, let alone dance with him when my heart kept breaking. "I'll be right here."

          After Fred placed a gentle kiss on my cheek and walked away, Leo offered me his hand and I reluctantly gave in. Our fingers interlocked like a perfect puzzle, radiating the warmth to one another while my other hand rested on his broad shoulder and his snaked to the small of my back.

          He shifted me close until his familiar scent invaded my nostrils and my soul itself. My knees screamed to give out, but I held myself up and kept my composure, looking everywhere but at him. Following his lead, I swayed quietly, peering at the other dancing pairs over his shoulder.

          "I can't look that bad for you to not even spare me a glance."

          Sighing, I stared at Federigo who twirled Amelia by her finger. "Did you have anything in particular to talk about? I can't keep my date waiting." My fingers were beginning to sweat due to the close proximity between us. I could almost feel his breath brush my forehead faintly.

"Of course!" he exclaimed, his tone calm and formal. "I just wanted to say that you look breathtaking."

My wretched heart skipped a beat and my stomach clenched in pain. His words were like a bittersweet jab to my chest. Bitter because of what transpired recently and sweet because it opened a few pleasant memories of the past.

Without meeting his ocean-like eyes, I smiled into the distance and looked at Vince who was conversing with Evelina. "Someone once told me I looked great in red."

He chuckled. "I think I may know who that someone is."

"I'm sure you do."

He spun me lightly on my heels and pulled me closer until only a couple inches of air separated our bodies. "I wanted to talk about what Verona said to you the other night."

"I refused her offer," I blurted out immediately. "I hope you did too."

"Of course, I did."

"Good." As we kept dancing, I noticed numerous eyes gawking at us. They were all looking for gossip and they were getting some with the dance which riled me up inside. Everyone loved a fucking show, especially Leo's cousins. I narrowed my eyes and shot them a dirty glare which made some of them look elsewhere instantly.

"Verona was adamant, but I made her see that you had a life none of us were a part of and she couldn't force us together."

"And you would never leave her either," I added.

"You already know that."

          With his thumb tracing along mine, his arm around my waist squeezed me closer to him by a fraction. I gulped and swallowed my saliva down to wet my parched throat. Releasing a shaky breath through my nose, I attempted to calm my emotions that were spiraling into a tornado inside me.

          "Just give me two minutes of your precious time, then you can enjoy yourself with the footballer."

          "Two minutes," I agreed.

          "Thank you." We moved to the sound of the saxophones, trumpets, and trombones playing a beautiful piece. The singer's raspy voice was a delightful treat to my ears. "I had a chat with Freddie."

"What?" My eyes immediately shot up to his, urging a chuckle out of him.

"Don't worry. It was just a casual talk about work and life."

"And?"

"And," he inhaled through his nostrils, "I think he's a great guy."

I gazed into his eyes, looking for anything to contradict his statement, but all I saw was sincerity. "Yeah?"

He nodded. "He's the better man, Arie. And he's obviously madly in love with you by the way he keeps looking at you."

I chuckled, my eyes meeting Fred's across the dance floor. "I know he is."

Leo and I fell silent for a few seconds as I looked back at him. A soft smile spread across his lips and greeted me warmly. After the horrible events occurred during our time in the country, I hadn't seen him smile like this; so pure, lighthearted, and genuine. It was evident that the stress he carried around wasn't as large anymore.

          "You know, I was always worried about telling Verona about my past with you. Tried to do it a couple times, but she didn't want to know because she already knew. Astor told her during her captivity." His lips pursed at the mention of that bastard's name as my mood dulled. "I thought I was keeping our past relationship a secret from her and that burdened me, but now it's all gone. I have one less thing haunting me now."

I gave him a kind smile. "I'm truly glad to hear that."

          "After leaving things the way we did four years ago, the talk we had really put things into perspective, so thank you for that, love."

"Now we can part on a good note," I said.

"Without a doubt," he agreed,

Despite the smile on my face, my eyes began to well up. I laid my head on his chest and continued dancing, not letting him see the pool of tears accumulating. My heart was breaking, but at the same time I was happy we were in a better place. Unlike the previous time, we were going to end this the right way with mutual understanding and respect for each other.

          "No matter what Verona says, don't let her go." A tear snuck down my cheek and plummeted on his suit, seeping into the fabric at once. "She's too precious and she needs you more than anything."

          "And I hope you have the best life with that footballer, my love." I felt his lips press against my head for a quick second and vanish as quickly. "I believe the two minutes are up."

          Pulling back, I cleared my throat before Leo wiped the moisture under my eye and offered me a sympathetic smile. He found out despite my attempt to hide my tears. Holding my hand, he escorted me toward Fred who watched us with a tight-lipped smile.

          "She's all yours." Leo gave me away to Fred as someone would do at an altar. "Take good care of her. She's one of a kind."

          He flashed us both a smile before walking away without looking back. I stood there quietly, tracing his steps with my sinking heart. In two days, I'd go back to my world where he felt like a figment of my wild imagination, breaking all connections with everyone here. Even leaving Soph behind once again. It was going to hurt to leave, but this wasn't my home. My home was in California with my kids, Ashton, Fred, Harry, and her mom. They were my family. And this was just a crazy vacation that I hoped wouldn't come haunting me later.

          "Arie?"

          "Huh?" I jerked myself out of my absurd daze and looked up at Fred.

          "Are you okay?"

          "Yeah. Sorry." I shook my head a bit. "I just need to use the restroom. Excuse me."

          I strode out the entrance of the ballroom immediately and hiked down the hall toward the ladies' room. After swinging the door open, I went ahead and gripped the counter to support my weak body that wanted to give out.

          Don't cry. Don't cry. I chanted it over and over in my head, trying hard to keep my tears from betraying me, but I couldn't stop one from escaping.

          "Are you alright?" a lady asked.

          The treacherous tear of mine was immediately wiped away by the back of my hand. "Yes, I am. Thank you." Yanking a soft tissue from a box, I patted it under my eyes and glanced up through the mirror. A woman was standing by the door like a guard before I fanned my eyes over to the lady close to me who happened to be Soph's older sister. "Cornelia, right?"

          I had only seen her once and it was four years ago at the cemetery when we lowered Aunt Wendy's casket.

          She gave me a nod and washed her hands, not meeting my friendly gaze. "And you're Arie. My sister's maid of honor."

          "You can claim the position if you'd like to," I chuckled to cut the unknown tension in the air. I could sense her uneasiness which left me wondering.

          "You probably deserve it more than I do," she retorted, wiping her hands a bit hastily. "I'm not the best sister."

          "And I'm not the best best friend here either."

"Guess we both don't deserve the position then." She glanced at me quickly and that was enough to get the wheels turning in my head. "I'll see you around."

As she strutted toward the door, I stopped her immediately with a hand around her arm. "You're the girl I saved at the park two weeks ago."

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Yay or nay? Nothing much happened but I hope you guys enjoyed it. ❤️

Do you guys know any good adult historical romance on wattpad?

Didn't think I'd be able to get this chap out today but yay! We got it done.

What are your fav TV shows?

Who's surprised to see Fred here? Could his appearance be a part of Athena's plan or just a harmless photo shoot?

Did you guys enjoy the little dance scene between Leo and Arie? What did you guys think about it?

Could Cornelia really be the girl from the park who was getting kidnapped?

What's gonna happen next?

Thoughts on Verona?

Leo?

Or Arie?

Further comments and questions are always welcome ❤️

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Much love ❤️
~Reet