Song above for the Chapter: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" Cover by Luke Evans

FEDERICO

I hope my face doesn't show how little sleep I got last night. I couldn't stop looking at the pictures Elenora gave me; she's the most beautiful woman, inside and out. She captured her ethereal beauty in the photos but also the innocent yet sensual sides of her.

The sunset is giving the clouds over the city skyline a gray-blue hue merging in contrast with the flaming orange pink rays of the sun. We have a perfect view from the event hall.

I glance over my shoulder when the photographer tells me Elenora is ready and leads me out to the garden area to wait at the top of a bridge. A small stream runs under it. I take a deep breath of the cool crisp air and adjust my tie, waiting for my love.

The photographer takes a few pictures of me before she tells me Elenora will walk up behind me and place her hand on my shoulder but instructs me not to turn around until she tells me.

I stand there anxious yet excited and then the sound of her heels reaches my ears as she walks up the bridge. Elenora rests her hand on my shoulder and I instantly smile. She squeezes my shoulder and I place my hand over hers not able to resist the chance to touch her. The photographer clicks away as we stand there for a few more minutes.

"Okay, turn around Federico." I keep holding Elenora's hand and begin turning and I'm blown away.

I will never forget how she looks at this moment. Her eyes shine with tears as she smiles. My eyes trace over the beautiful dress she's in. A satin white cloak covers her bare shoulders and I lower the cap over her head to see her long hair down in soft waves.

Her makeup is light and enhances her beauty. Her hand wipes at my face. "You're crying, Federico," She whispers.

A half laugh-half sob escapes from me. "You're so beautiful." I bring her into my arms. "This dress, your hair, your eyes, everything. You take my breath away, Elenora."

"I couldn't wait to see you, Rico." We lean into each other, keep our heads close together. I pull away and my eyes fall to her tempting lips, and then her soft brown eyes.

"I love you."

"I love you, Rico."

My eyes move to her lips again. "Am I allowed to kiss you?"

"Yes," The photographer answers for us and we both laugh. I hold her face as I press my lips to hers in a soft kiss.

We stroll around the walkways, standing and posing where the photographer directs us.

"Okay we got several great shots. Let's have you retouch your makeup, Nora." The photographer adjusts Elenora's cape and her hair. "We have about a half hour before the ceremony begins."

Elenora bounces on her toes. "It's almost time!" She exclaims and I laugh as I bring her hand to my lips.

"I'm going to offer apologies now because Luna is on the hunt for her next short lived romance with some of your cousins, or even your men."

"As long as they steer clear of Gabriel, Renzo, and maybe Smiley everyone is passable," I inform her.

Clara comes running to us. "Hurry! We don't have much time to retouch your makeup." She sounds stressed.

"Clara, it's fine we don't need to rush." Elenora rubs her arm to comfort her.

We hear a whistle and Domani walks toward us with Ciccio and Mostro. "Damn, Nora you look amazing!" Mostro says awestruck.

"You're the most beautiful bride," Ciccio gushes, too.

Elenora blushes. "Thank you, you guys are sweet, but I'm sure you'll think the same of your future brides when you two decide to settle down."

"You look stunning, Clara," Domani compliments her.

"I don't feel stunning. I'm sweating and anxious and I'm not the one getting married. Don't ever do this to me again, Nora," Clara states, fanning herself.

Elenora laughs as she hugs her friend. "I don't plan on doing this again unless Rico turns out to be an imposter or something."

Clara and Elenora are the only ones to laugh. "Guys, I was kidding, sheesh! You all need to lighten up." Elenora chuckles.

The guys eye each other as nervous laughter comes from them. Clara grabs Elenora by the hand. "Okay, we gotta go!"

Elenora rushes back to give me a soft kiss. "I'll see you soon."

"Soon."

"Are you dying for a smoke?" Domani asks, lighting up after the girls hurry back inside the event hall.

"No, surprisingly I'm not."

"Let's get some pictures of you and your groomsmen," The photographer says.

"Where's Luca?" I ask.

"He said he was running behind, but would be here for the ceremony," Domani tells me.

"Alright, well, let's do this." Mostro and Ciccio move away.

"Come in picture guys."

Ciccio and Mostro look at each other. "You sure, Boss?"

"I'm not going to ask again." They hurry and stand in the frame.

After a few pictures, the photographer leads us back to the event hall. "Let's get some of you and your Aunts and other family."

When we enter the building, Rosetta smiles as she stands next to me to take pictures. "You're sure you want to go through with this, Rico?"

"I love her, Zia."

She scoffs under her breath. "You had no right to change the plan, Rico. But remember we all reap what we sow."

I face her disregarding the photographer. "What the hell does that mean?"

She smiles. "The truth always comes out unless you're willing to pay the price of keeping it in the dark."

I don't have time to respond before the wedding planner starts ushering us into the ceremony room. I take deep breaths, trying to get myself to calm down and Luca comes rushing in.

"Sorry I'm late." He stands next to me as my best man, followed by Domani.

Nora's mother and a few of her aunts hug and kiss me before they find their seats. I narrow my eyes when Gabriel and Renzo walk in, but more so at the fact that Angela is with them. Domani is watching them as well. My Zia looks back at me lifting her shoulder with her eyebrow arched after noticing them, too.

Music begins playing and little Maya walks in, tossing rose petals down as she makes her way down the aisle; she grins at me, and I wink back at her.

Each of her sisters make their way down next, followed by Clara. Everyone stands as the lights dim and the chandeliers shine a little brighter and then I see her.

We don't look away from one another as her father leads her down the aisle. Tiziano stops before the altar and kisses her face, whispering something in her ear before turning to kiss both sides of my face. "Love her the way she deserves."

"I will." He reaches for my hand and places her hand in mine.

The priest begins the ceremony and then he turns the time over to us to say our vows. I face Elenora and take a deep breath as I take her hands in mine.

"Elenora Maria, I give you this ring as a symbol of my never-ending love for you and with it I pledge everything that I have, and everything that I am to you. I give you my heart and promise to always keep yours safe. I promise to make you laugh every day and make your dreams come true. I will put you above all else and promise to be my best for you." I slide the band I had made for her and then slip the engagement ring next. Her eyes shine as she smiles back at me.

She turns to Clara who hands her my ring. "Federico Antonio, with this ring, I promise to give you my life, all of my love, and to accept everything that you are. And while I may not obey you," She smiles at me as a few chuckles ripple throughout the congregation. "I promise to always listen to you and hear you. I will share all of my secrets and keep yours. I promise to choose you and us above anything and anyone else." She slips the finger over my finger and the feeling of completeness comes over me as I smile back at her.

The priest addresses me. "Federico, do you take Elenora to be your wife, to love and cherish for as long as you both shall live?"

" I do."

"Do you, Elenora, take Federico to be your husband, to love and cherish for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

The priest closes out the ceremony and I hold her face as I kiss her, hoping to convey how happy she's made me but also the love I have for her.

After, we make our way back down the aisle. Guests and family congratulate us. The photographer has us pose for a few pictures alone and with each of our families and then a few more with both our families combined.

I strategically avoid Renzo and Gabriel as much as I can, taking notice where they are at all times. I catch Angela's eyes a few times but she always looks away.

The DJ announces our first dance, and I take Elenora by the hand, leading her to the center of the room and we begin our first dance together as husband and wife.

"Did you pick this song?" She asks.

"Clara asked me to pick a song that I feel best describes how I feel about you. And to be honest there are too many to name, it was a bit overwhelming, but then I remembered how you looked the first night I saw you." I smile. "How you stood out among the rest, and not just because you bowed to me." She tilts her head back laughing before burying her face in my chest.

"And I will never forget how I felt the first time I kissed you and this song says it all perfectly."

"I told you you're a romantic, Federico."

"You made me into one, mia patatina." We gaze into each other's eyes before I lean my head against hers. "You've made me the happiest man today, amore." (my little potato, love)

"We'll see if you still feel happy in a year. They say the first year is the hardest and you're no peach, Federico."

"You're no dream housemate either, baby."

We both laugh and another song begins. Tiziano approaches asking to dance with Elenora and I dance with my Zia Rosetta.

"It's a lovely wedding, Federico. But I hope you know what you're doing."

"I know exactly what I'm doing, Zia."

She doesn't respond for a moment, but then she says, "I need to show you something."

"Right now?"

"Yes. However...I'll wait until things settle down then you Domani can meet me out in the hallway."

Someone taps my shoulder. "May I cut in?"

"Vivienne, it's good to see you. I'm glad you were able to make it. This is my Aunt Rosetta."

"Pleasure; you have one handsome and upstanding nephew." Vivienne shakes Zia's hand.

"He was a handful as a child but he's turned into a great man; one who honors his word and fulfills all of his familial obligations," Rosetta responds.

I give her a heated glare knowing full well what she really means before I face Vivienne and begin dancing with her. "You both look so happy, Federico." She tells me as I guide us across the dance floor.

"I didn't think I was worthy of being happy for a long time, but she makes me happy, " I confess.

"The truth is, we make our own happiness, but other's definitely influence us in how we see ourselves and how we feel. Be good to each other." She pulls me down and kisses my cheek as the song ends. "Now, I'm not saying you have to rush, but I'm not going to be around forever and I would like to see all the cute babies you two are definitely going to have."

I chuckle. "I'll get right on that—with Elenora's approval of course." She winks at me as she walks away.

"Rico papi, que guapo te vez!" Ruben rushes towards me and engulfs me in a hug. (you look so handsome!)

"Thanks Ruben." I pry myself out of his death grip and clap his shoulder.

"I've been waiting to give my girl a hug, but everyone keeps hogging her. But I can't blame them; my girl is fire today," Ruben comments and Elenora happens to glance our way and she hurries over to us.

"Ruby Tuesday!" She laughs as they meet in a hug. "I'm so happy you're here."

"I wouldn't miss this for the world, girl! I love this dress, it's so perfect for your figure! And who did your make up? I love it!"

She laughs and they begin talking animatedly. I take the opportunity to get Domani's attention and gesture for the others; they head out to the hallway.

"I'll be right back amore."

"Okay, don't be long, we're cutting the cake soon!"

"I'll hurry."

I finally make my way into the hallway after several people stop to congratulate me including Big Mike from the bar, and Serafina.

"What's going on, Boss?" Ciccio pushes away from the wall when he sees me.

"I'm not sure, Rosetta said she needed to show me something," I tell them. We turn a corner and find one of her main bodyguards outside a door. He holds the door open for us and we walk in. I'm surprised to see Renzo and Luca are in here as well.

"What the hell is this?"

"Your wake up call, Federico. You pulled an audible without discussing anything with the family about the change in plans, solely because you fell for your enemy's daughter." Rosetta straightens in the chair she's sitting in.

My blood begins to boil. "I know you weren't onboard, but you ultimately gave me your blessing," I seethe.

"I consented hoping you wouldn't rush into this circus of a wedding."

I step forward. "It was your wedding planner who gave us the timeline!"

Rosetta waves her hand in the air in a dismissive attitude. "Semantics."

She leans back into the chair again. "You seem to forget it was me who ran the family until you were of age, Federico. I carried the responsibility on my shoulders and raised our empire from the dead after your father, Alessio was killed. Your focus the last few months has been skewed. You lost the alliance with the Gallo's because of your connection to Tiziano's daughter."

"The Gallo's betrayed me! And her name is Elenora!" I shout, breathing heavy as my anger begins to take over.

"I don't give a fuck what her name is, Rico. And I'm sure when she sees this she's going to wish you never say her name again." She turns a laptop on the desk and hits the play button on a video.

The sounds coming from the video are clear and distinct as the moans and groans fill the room. The blood drains from my face when I see Angela and I together. "As you recall, you had suspicions that something was slipped into your drink the night of your bachelor party but I was well aware of it, considering I orchestrated the whole thing."

Renzo grabs the laptop, anger taking over his face. "What the hell is this Rosetta? This wasn't the agreement. Angela wouldn't betray my brother..."

"Again? Are you sure about that?" Rosetta's face splits into an evil smirk.

"What the fuck are you playing at Rosetta? And what agreement, Renzo?" Domani moves forward, but Renzo pulls his gun out aiming it at him, which causes Mostro and Ciccio to pull theirs out, too.

Rosetta laughs. "Men always think everything is solved with guns, but I think I proved to you all just now, I can bring anyone down without ever pulling the trigger."

My vision blurs with anger as things start to click into place. I look at Luca and the guilt on his face is clear. "You betrayed me, Luca?"

"You betrayed yourself, Federico," Rosetta's cold voice responds as I keep staring at Luca.

His sorrowful eyes meet mine. "I didn't have a choice, Rico, please forgive me. She has information on my father that would—" Rosetta's guard punches Luca to keep him from talking further.

Rosetta sighs as she stands and leans against the desk. "Yes, it's true. Luca was an unwilling participant but it would not have happened without him. He laced yours and Domani's drinks. Gabriel and Renzo have always held a grudge against you because of Angela, so it wasn't hard to convince them to help, but...I may have tweaked the original plan. Gabriel was drinking recklessly so I had him drugged, too." She shrugs at the glare Renzo throws at her.

"I had a few men take Gabriel home while Renzo and Luca took both you and Domani back to the hotel." She pauses as she observes me. "And...to be honest you were too out of it to do anything with the stripper we paid."

My eyes snap back to her. "But the video..."

Renzo stands in front of Rosetta. "You said it was going to be one of the strippers at the club who would be with Rico."

She ignores him as she looks back at me. "The video is actually of Gabriel with Angela, though it helps you resemble each other, the darker lighting helps cover most of his face add a little special effects and some voice overs and whala! A pretty convincing sext tape, yes? Angela was the one who came up with the idea to take pictures considering how out of it you were." She opens a file and I don't have to get closer to see that I am in the pictures with Angela. I may be passed out, but with both of us being naked it wouldn't be hard to conclude what happened.

"But I had to cover all my bases in case she backed out. Angela has no idea of the video and neither does Gabriel." She smiles.

"What do you have on Angela?" I grit out of my clenched jaw.

"Nothing of your concern, nipote." (nephew)

Renzo takes a step towards her but her guards hold him back. "You're fucking my brother over with this bullshit, Rosetta!"

Meanwhile, the same thought keeps replaying in my head—more like screaming in my mind; I should have told Elenora.

"I know what you're thinking, that you should have told your amore when you had the chance, and maybe if you do now, she'll still believe you," Rosetta shrugs. "But do you really believe she'll listen to you Rico, when she hears Angela moaning your name?"

"What do you want?"

"End this charade. Tell Tiziano who we really are and return the favor of destroying his family like he did ours. His daughter, while innocent, is no different than your mother, Rico. An innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of this world we are a part of."

"She's been through enough, she doesn't deserve this." My hands are clenched into fists.

Rosetta stands and walks around the desk to stand in front of me again. "You should have thought of that before you made this marriage real, Rico. You will finish this before the night is over."

I reach for my gun and aim it at her head. "You don't give me orders."

She leans forward so the gun touches her head. "Pull it. I would take a bullet for you even if you're the one pulling the trigger. That's how much I love you, Federico. But I assure you, your problems will not die with me. I gave instructions to have your little sex film, while fake, to make it out to the public should anything happen to me, including the pictures. Word will spread faster than you'll know what to do. Not to mention all the high profile people who are here tonight."

She hands the laptop to her bodyguard. "You pulled this all together yourself, remember? Now you just have to see it through."

"You call what you're doing love? For me?" I stare at the woman who raised me, who now seems like a stranger. "How is destroying me in the process, destroying Tiziano?"

She walks toward me and stops when we are shoulder to shoulder.

"We reap what we sow, Rico."

***