The Dragos ⬇️

The Bonferronis ⬇️

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Listen to the piano version of "Young and Beautiful" as you read the wedding part because it's absolutely beautiful.

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Day 14 (Arie's POV)

I stirred a bit in the bed and grimaced. Eyes still shut, my hand pressed lightly against my waist where I had been kicked. The pain wasn't as intense as it was before and the aching in my head was reduced too. I raked my hand across my forehead and found a small bandage covering the little wound by my brow.

          "Hi."

          Startled by the unexpected female voice, my lids shot open at once, ready to punch the person next to me, but decided against it when I realized who it was. "Zaya?"

          "Hi, Arie," she chuckled softly. "Didn't mean to scare you."

          "That's fine," I mumbled groggily and sat up with a wince, rubbing my eyes to clear my vision. "It's good to see you." I opened my arms and ushered her in for a hug. "How've you been?"

          "Really good," she smiled as she pulled away and sat back on the edge of the bed. "Sorry for not coming to meet you sooner. I've been promoted to a higher rank, so I have many time-consuming responsibilities. Anyway, enough about me. How are you doing?"

          "Honestly," I sighed. "Life is pretty shitty right now."

          Her brows furrowed as she placed a sympathetic hand on mine and lowered her head. "I heard. I'm so sorry."

          I gave her a meek smile then fell silent, staring into my lap. My eyes welled up with a thin layer of tears at the thought of Fred and how this trip turned my whole life to an absolute shit-show.

          "Sir had asked me to stay by your side till you woke up," Zaya announced, placing a bed tray full of breakfast in front of me. "You need to eat."

          The mere sight of food made me queasy. "I don't have an appetite."

          "That's why you fainted. You're weak right now and need to eat. Sir's order."

          The last thing I remember was sobbing in Leo's arms and nothing more. It wasn't a surprise that I fainted. I hadn't eaten all day worried sick about Fred and then the altercation with the assassin that threw me around like a doll only fueled my pain and exhaustion.

          "I need to brush my teeth first."

          "Of course." Zaya placed the tray aside as Soph slowly walked out from the bathroom.

"You're awake!" Soph let out a sigh of relief and crawled up on the bed next to me. "How are you feeling?"

"Alright." I turned my head toward the windows and witnessed dawn illuminating the city. The first ray of sunshine seeped into the room and lit it up nicely. I would've basked in the sight, but it felt a bit too dull now. "How long have you been here?"

"Zaya, could you give us a moment alone?"

"Of course, ma'am." Zaya bowed a bit and smiled at me before exiting the room.

"So..." Soph took a breath. "I came to your room to check on you after you got back from the hospital, but you weren't here. Wren told me you were seeing his older brother regarding something, so I waited for a bit until Leo carried you here unconscious. We both stayed by your side while Dr. Tan checked you out."

"Oh." I leaned against the headboard and peered at her weary eyes. "Did you sleep at all?"

"Well, I was worried about you, so I was up with Wren's brother for an hour or so I guess. It was really awkward because I've barely ever talked to him and he didn't exchange a single word with me during that time. He just sat in silence watching you as if you were his dying wife," she chuckled awkwardly, but I could sense the curiosity in it. She wasn't a stupid girl. I knew she could sense what we have... or had. "He left and I slept next to you for a couple hours until Zaya came in to watch over you. She and I just stayed up talking then. And she told me how she got to know you and became your friend. What I find funny is that she's your ex's fuck buddy now."

          I huffed out air from my mouth and frustratedly combed my fingers through my hair. "I don't care what they do honestly, Soph. They can fuck, marry, kill. I really couldn't give a fuck."

          "Of course you wouldn't 'cause Gus ain't your ex, Leo is, isn't he?"

          I groaned, burying my face in my palms. I wasn't in the mood for this.

          "I knew it!" she exclaimed. "The moment he was introduced to me as Wren's older brother, I knew I had seen him before with you. But I heard he had a wife of many years and if he was with you, he must've cheated on Verona." I shuddered at her words but kept my face concealed behind my hands. "But Bonferroni men are fiercely loyal, so I thought I was probably mistaken."

A long sigh passed my lips as I looked at the windows once again, not meeting her gaze. "It's too complicated."

Without a word, she gripped my hand and pulled it into her lap. "Is he the father of one of your kids?"

Biting the insides of my cheeks, I tried to hold back my tears and the plethora of emotions and secrets trying to break through. "There's so much you don't know, Soph."

"You didn't give me a chance to know, Arie."

My eyes found the courage to meet hers with a tremor and witnessed a heartbreaking frown twisting her features. I knew I had hurt her with my unannounced leave, so the least I could do was give her something. "I don't have two kids," I gulped then continued. "I have three."

Sophie's perfect brows conformed with confusion. "But you and Ashton told me you had two."

I took a shaky breath, tightly pulling the blanket to my chest for comfort. "The third one is really sick and is hospitalized. And I'm scared to death to lose my baby."

          "Oh, babe." Soph wrapped an arm around me and let me rest my head on her shoulder. "Don't think like that. I'm sure everything will be fine."

          "Soph, I just can't..."

          "You don't have to tell me everything right now." She wiped my tear and laid her head on mine. "I know you're very upset after Freddie's accident, so I don't want to pressurize you." The pad of her thumb brushed over the diamond ring Fred had proposed to me with. "Your kid and Freddie will be alright with you by their side. I'm sure of that. And when you're ready, you can open up to me about everything. You know I'll always be here for you."

My heart ached in despair as my chest tightened. I wanted to tell her everything, but she was getting married into a family that would ruin me if they ever found out about the things I was hiding. Sophie could keep a secret and take it to her grave. I could surely count on her for anything, so maybe one day, I could tell her everything, but right now, I didn't have the will to say anything and I knew she understood.

"Shouldn't you be getting your makeup done right now?" I asked, patting away a stray tear.

"I'm not in the mood for a wedding," she said, forcing me to whip my head up at her. "I know you won't come to the wedding because of Freddie, and I'm not forcing you to. You're sad, and I can't be happy like that. Besides, Wren has been talking about eloping anyway. So, fuck this extravaganza. I'm just gonna be by your side, supporting you all the way."

I frowned. "But this is your dream wedding. Quite literally."

She shrugged leisurely. "It's not a dream wedding without my best friend."

"Hoe," I grumbled then chuckled with her. "You know, I won't be able to see Fred till noon and the ceremony will be done by then, so I guess I can make a stop at your fancy wedding."

"Bitch, you're hurt. I saw the big bruise on your waist when Dr. Tan was examining you. I'm not gonna force you to tell me how you got it. Again, you can tell me when you're ready to talk about it, but I'm also not gonna force you to stand at the altar behind me in pain."

"And if you think I'm going to make you miss your own damn wedding, you're an idiot." I sat up straight and gave her a smile. "You can drink a couple cups of coffee to stay awake and I'll pop some pills to help with the pain. Don't worry about that. Besides, Wren is your lobster."

"Calm down, Phoebe." She rolled her brown eyes then smiled. "He's more like my Chandler."

***

A fully beaded silver dress that almost looked metallic under the fierce lights adorned my body. It was backless with long sleeves that covered my scars from the grazed bullets with different beaded designs. Matching heels added four inches to my height. Wavy strands framed my face while the rest of my hair was pinned in a loose yet intricate bun by the nape of my neck.

          Ashton stood next to me silently like a guard looking over everyone. He didn't leave my side since the moment I stepped out of my room. He was unwilling to let me go anywhere alone, saying that I'd be safe by his side. Although I could kick more ass than him, his gesture was endearing nonetheless.

          I watched Athena sashay toward us slowly, leaving behind the girls she was instructing on how to handle the train of Sophie's dress when she arrived. Her model-like body was adorned in a dress with diamonds sprawled over her upper body and inching down her thighs, coming to a stop in the middle. Her smooth legs peeked through the thin silk material in the front before the diamond beads resumed on the end, circling around the bottom. The sides of the dress flowed with golden layers of fabric and the silver motifs designed on them reflected the light.

"Ashton, I believe you should join the other guests inside now." Athena gave my brother a soft smile which was unlike her.

          Ashton looked at me with no intention to move, but I gave him a nod. "I have to walk down alone, so go unless you want to be the maid of honor."

          "Fine." He pecked my cheek and left the small side room to mingle among the ocean of guests that were filling the Florence Cathedral through another side entrance. It was closed off to the tourists for obvious reasons, but couldn't be held for long which was why a morning ceremony was taking place. The reception would be held in the evening, and by that time, I'd be on a plane, taking Fred's body home.

          "How are you feeling?" Athena asked, taking a quick gander at the ring on my finger.

          "What do you care?" I crossed my arms, concealing the piece of jewelry that would've meant much more if Freddie was still breathing.

          "Because I heard about the ordeal with Freddie Guzman, and I wanted to say I'm sorry." I didn't buy the sincerity behind her condolences. We had been at each other's throats ever since I saw her at the party back in California. Any shred of politeness or kindness from anyone in this dreadful world of criminals felt utterly fake. "Sweetheart, please." She spoke in response to my unintentional scowl. "If I was behind the attack, it'd be much more brutal. I own up to my doings and this wasn't me. Freddie was a friend of many years. He was actually one of the few good ones I've come across in my life and he deserved better than to go like this."

          Deciding to look away, I dismissed the conversation silently, not wanting to discuss this with her any further. "I don't usually say sorry, but when I do, I mean it. You can make whatever you want of it. I'll leave you be." She strutted away into the arms of Eros who escorted her inside the cathedral.

           I turned around and gripped the edges of the tall table on which my bouquet sat. I wanted to run away and never look back, but I had to stay for Soph. It was the least I could do for her after I cut her out of my life without a warning like the others. I should've been there when Rob put his hands on her and caused her to miscarry her baby. I should've been there when she hit rock bottom, but I wasn't. However, I wasn't going to bail on her without a word this time. I was going to watch her get married to the love of her life and be the happiest. She deserved it. And somehow, I'd find a way to keep in contact with her while keeping my distance from the Bonferroni family at the same time.

          "Hello, love." I released a long-held breath at the distinctive sound of the familiar Americanized British accent. The raspiness of his voice and his mere presence soothed my frenzy nerves at once.

I pulled myself together and turned around. "Did you find anything?"

"You should be resting," he said, slipping his hands into the pockets of his perfectly fitted black suit.

"And you should be telling me who ordered the attack," I retorted. Agitation was getting the best of me at this point. I just wanted to know the name of the person who ruined my life, so I could get justice for Fred and eliminate the immediate threat to my kids. If someone was coming after me and already got their hands dirty with Fred's blood, then it was only time before they got to the kids which I couldn't allow no matter what.

"The assassins you killed at the hospital, they had altered fingerprints so we couldn't get anything from that, but we ran their face and other DNA through the system which pinned them both to Russia. So, I believe they're working for Orel Pavlov."

"Cornelia's husband?"

He nodded. "But I don't understand why he'd come after you. There's no way he knows about our past relationship. You were a rumor for even some of my cousins. Only a handful of my people actually knew about us. And they'd never open their mouths."

My face felt numb all of a sudden as a swift chill ran through my body.

"Don't worry," he tried to reassure me. "I'll make sure he doesn't harm you in any way."

"Oh, my God." I laughed to myself in sheer stupidity.

"Are you okay?"

I shook my head and looked at him, bewildered. "I try to do a good thing, but even that blew up in my face and got someone I cared about killed."

"What are you talking about?"

"Cornelia. She was being kidnapped by his men and I killed them to save her, but that came to bite me in the ass now."

Leo shook his head, not fully understanding. "When? How?"

"I need a break." I excused myself immediately and exited the Cathedral from a side exit. Tourists strolled past, taking pictures of the magnificent structure, shopping souvenirs from the small vendors, and enjoying the beauty of the old city. Military cars along with Leo's own guards patrolled the building considering the president was inside with some of the most powerful people.

As an attempt to calm my racing heart and wild thoughts, I took a few deep breaths and fanned away the tears that threatened to fall. I stood at a crossroad, not sure of which path to take. I landed myself in trouble I wasn't sure I could get myself out of. If the culprit was one of Leo's family member, he would've had some power over them as a king, but the one responsible was the leader of another mafia organization in the biggest country on earth. He could have people everywhere like Leo. His armies could be just as extensive and dangerous.

I had been running from this life for over four years, keeping my kids perfectly safe from the shadows of criminals. I was no saint. I was one of them. But I could only run from that world for so long before the past caught up with me, and now it was banging on my head. One way or another everyone would find out about the things I kept hidden. Either I was going to reveal them or they'd come into the light in the worst possible way. I'd rather not rely on the latter. If I wanted to protect them all, maybe it was time I came clean, but I feared the wrath of the most powerful people. The dilemma was tearing my soul apart.

"How could you fucking hide this from everyone?" I heard a voice yell among the hustling wind and the chattering of countless tourists. "You will be literally crucified for this."

I recognized the voice and associated it with Wren, but I was clueless as to what he was on about and with who. I could pinpoint his location behind a military jeep close by, but I couldn't see him or the person he was talking to.

"Don't expect me to be a part of this and aid you," Wren raged.

"But you are a part of this," the man Wren was having the heated conversation with retorted back. The voice was deep, a bit scratchy, but I didn't recognize it.

"Do not put this on me. It was all you and your stupid decision," Wren shouted in anger. I decided not to stay long enough to find out who the person on the receiving end of this berating was. I didn't want to be seen by either one which would possibly land me in trouble again.

I went back inside with a heavy heart just in time to hear the little conversation between Leo and Mike. "I mean, Arie and Verona like each other already. You can never abandon Verona for obvious reasons and I completely get it. You love her, but your heart is still with Arie. And I know both ladies love you too. Just talk to them and see if they'd be okay with this kind of an arrangement. If yes, then you can have both of them by your side. It won't be the first time a king has had two queens."

Leo shifted on his feet and stared at his best friend in bafflement. "Are you fucking high?"

"Man, I'm serious. People do a three-way relationship all the time these days, and I think it's called a throuple. Not entirely sure."

"You've lost your mind," Leo grumbled and looked away, his gaze landing on me along with Mike's. They both parted their mouths like idiots but saved their explanations. Leo pinched the bridge of his nose then gave Mike a vicious glare. "I'm going to fucking murder you."

"Val." Mike immediately stepped away with slight fear and ushered his wife closer. "Baby, let's go in. The ceremony should be starting anytime now."

Leo stood there silently, his jaw twitching with annoyance. "I apologize for what he said."

"Doesn't matter." I walked ahead and maneuvered around him to get to my bouquet of white roses. "Just want this wedding to be over with so I can arrange a funeral for my dead fiancé."

He sighed somberly but decided to remain quiet as Wren trudged into the area from the same door I entered. He disregarded everyone's presence and headed straight for Federigo.

"Father, I wish to speak with you right now." He looked at Amelia and added, "Alone."

"Is someone in danger?" Federigo asked, not moving an inch away from his wife.

"No."

"So it can wait after the wedding."

Wren sighed to his father's response but complied. "Alright, but it's important."

"And so is your marriage." Federigo put a fatherly hand on Wren's shoulder and squeezed. "I have hopes for you, son."

Wren smiled at the word 'son' and nodded. "I won't disappoint you, father."

"Good. Let's go." Everyone lurking in the room left to join the others inside the holy place, including Leo who gave me a gentle nod as he walked away. I was left with Sophie's father, Evelina, Heaven, and Yana as the live musicians began to play. A minute later, Soph entered the room through the side exit and walked in like a queen with her mother as the girls immediately helped her with the train of her dress.

She wore a traditional white dress, but it was big, elegant, and breathtaking in every possible way that I was left stunned and utterly speechless. I heard Athena had designed it, and well, I couldn't deny the brilliance of her craft. A long veil fell over her face and trailed in the back as she walked.

          "Wow!" I exclaimed, unable to find the right words. "I don't know what to say."

          "What do you think?"

          "I think I could marry you right now."

          "Bitch," she chuckled and earned a hard look from her father. "Daddy, please. I'm getting married for the second time. I think I can cuss at this point."

          "Well, I should probably go in now," Nora, Soph's mother, announced and waltzed into the Cathedral as I gripped the handle of my bouquet and got ready to walk down. I stood by the large doors and felt my palms begin to sweat.

Allaire was standing in the back with the cellists, violinists, and pianists where I could see her. She gave me a nod which was my signal to walk. As I stepped into the main part of the exceptionally large Cathedral, the musicians began playing an instrumental version of "Young And Beautiful". The thundering of my heart behind my ribs sounded louder in my ears with each step I took. Thousands of eyes were trained on me, but I didn't dare to look up until I reached the point where the aisle started with rose petals decorating the floor.

With a deep breath, I looked up and pushed the tension away, replacing it with a small smile. It was quite a long walk to the altar with close to a hundred rows on either side of the aisle with guests filling each seat.

          Eyes on me moved as I made it to my destination without a mishap. The pope stood at the top of the few steps by a long table with Wren while I remained by the bottom step. Benches were built in a wide circle around the altar where immediate family sat and I felt awkward standing by myself until Leo stood by the bottom step on the groom's side, claiming his role as the best man. The corner of his mouth quirked up slightly for me before our attention was pulled to the bride down the aisle.

Everyone rose to their feet and watched Zachariah escort the most beautiful bride who had a smile larger than ever. I took s gander at Wren who was beaming with misty eyes. He looked up at the dome and shook away the tears before turning his gaze back to the love of his life. I couldn't believe this man was the same as the one from all the years ago. The drastic change in his behavior and personality was truly remarkable. He changed for the better.

Soph passed her bouquet to me as her father handed her over to Wren. The pope began the ceremony in Italian as soon as the couple held hands. Everything he said went right over my head and I didn't bother to even try to understand.

Seeing them get married made me truly happy, but it also stung tears of pain in my eyes. Fred and I were supposed to be in that position one day, but it was never going to happen now. I was never going to get married. I didn't have the energy to even try to find solace in another man when I tried to do so for years with Fred after Leo and I parted. And when I finally decided to leave Leo in the past and create a life with Fred, everything went to shit. I hastily wiped the tear that tumbled down my cheek and caught Leo's saddened gaze.

"Are you okay?" he mouthed.

I nodded, looking away and meeting Verona's kind eyes for a few seconds. She gave me a soft smile as usual but also frowned at my somber mood before I turned my attention back to the couple getting married.

The time for the vows came after several minutes of the pope talking. Soph went first. "You already know about all of my vows because I've made them to you before, but I will say it again for everyone to bear witness to my undying love for you." She took a breath and began. "I will love, cherish, and take care of you every step of the way as long as I shall live. Even in death, I wish to go with you because imagining a life without you in it seems dull and absolutely pointless." Soph's voice grew brittle and wobbled with emotions. "You're my ray of sunshine, my safe place, and my sanctuary. For you, I'd endure all the pain in life. I will always stand by your side as your wife, your best friend, and the mother to you kids. I love you very much and I'll continue doing so till the day I stop breathing."

Wren bit down on his lip to control his tears before he blew out a long breath. "You said everything I wanted to say."

"Even the mother part?" Soph asked, causing us all to laugh.

"Except that." Wren smiled and stepped closer to his bride. "Sophie, I owe you my life quite literally. Before I met you, I was in a place that was ruining me and I did things I'm not very proud of. I never thought I could have someone love me the way you love me, but you walked into my life and changed me for the better. Everyday I strive to be the better man for you because you make me want to be. You make me believe in myself like I never have before, and I will forever be grateful for that."

"Oh, baby." Soph wiped the tear that slipped down Wren's cheek and I couldn't help the welling up of my own eyes at the love emitting from them.

"My father called me son and my brother is proud of me for the very first time because of the effect you have on me. If it wasn't for you, I'd still be in a hole I couldn't escape, but you pulled me out and made me look at the beauty of life which makes me fall in love with you every single day."

          "Oh, you're gonna make me ruin my makeup," Soph sniffled then chuckled. It was the same reaction from everyone. Sniffles and chuckles.

          "I love you so much, baby," Wren said.

          "I love you too."

          The couple exchanged wedding rings before the pope spoke up again. Wren and Soph's eyes were intact on one another the entire time with unbreakable smiles on their lips. I knew for a fact Soph would have the most amazing life with a man that loved her so much. They completed each other perfectly like a puzzle.

          Halfway through the pope's another long speech, Wren's eyes flickered above, his face growing pale at once. "Arie, duck!" he shouted and I did so without questioning, dodging a literal bullet as he pulled Soph away from the line of fire. Panic erupted at once. Wren immediately abandoned his bride and went for Leo. "Brother!"

          It was happening again. Time slowing. Noise ceasing. Heart dropping. Blood running cold. A bullet cut across the air and sharply pierced right through Wren's chest as he tried to push his brother out of way. Every face I saw lost all color as men gathered around us to create a human shield.

          Wren fell in Leo's arms as I tried to pull myself out of the shock. Soph and I rushed to their side and dropped to our knees. Blood sputtered out from the gaping hole in Wren's chest.

          "Cupola (Dome)!" Leo yelled, removing his suit jacket and pressing it down onto his brother's wound to prevent blood loss as Leo's men fired shots. "You'll be fine, brother."

          Men closed in tightly on the five of us, including the pope who pulled out a gun himself, shooting up at the person responsible.

I tried to assess the wound as efficiently as I could. The bullet missed the heart guessing from the location, but the loss of blood would kill him surely if not rushed to the hospital soon.

"Wren!" Soph cried, removing her veil and trembling viciously as she cupped his face and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "Baby, please. Stay with me."

A single tear streaked down the side of Wren's face as he forced a smile forth despite the pain and put a bloody hand by Soph's stomach. "I-I love you."

———————————————————

I'm not even gonna ask this time... you probably hate me even more. 😭

Well, Arie got three kids. You think she told Sophie the truth or did she lie?

Kudos to those who guessed that Orel was behind Freddie's attack!

Who was Wren arguing with before the ceremony? What were they fighting about?

Sorry about Wren. I know some of you grew to like him in the second book even if you hated him in the first book. I know I began to love him and it pains me to hurt people I adore. But I gotta do what I gotta do.

Do you think he'll survive the bullet?

Who could've been behind this attack?

What's gonna happen next now?

Thoughts on Verona?

Leo?

Or Arie?

Further comments and questions are always welcome ❤️

HIT ME WITH THE THEORIES!

If your theories are very elaborate and big, message them to me personally. I'd love to know your conspiracy theories.

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Much love ❤️
~Reet