Mafia's Enigmatic Marriage

chapter 7

Aaria Emerson

Two days later,

Life used to be fun when people didn’t exist.

Yeah, that’s the point. 

But now, it's Friday night, and instead of being curled up in my bed in my new bedroom, I find myself sitting in a black SUV. I'm all dressed up in a olive green full sleeve bodycon dress that reaches just above my knees, and my feet are killing me in the high heels I'm forced to wear to impress that jerk who probably won't even spare me a glance. The bruises on my body  still ache, but it seems like looking good is more important to my father than my comfort or pain.

I clutch my mini purse tightly and gaze out of the window while my father sits beside me, deep in conversation with Derrick, who's in the front seat. In another SUV behind us are my mother and siblings, all headed to attend a dinner hosted by Alexander Laurent, my father's enemy and soon-to-be father-in-law.

I know this dinner is just for show, a way for my father and Alexander to discuss their business interests and plans. Honestly, I didn't want to be part of this charade, but when does anyone ever ask for my opinion? Besides, I've never seen my father so nervous and on edge before. Tonight, he's genuinely terrified, constantly reminding me to behave and not do anything to upset Alexander. It's not like my father at all, which leads me to believe that Alexander must be someone who scares the living daylights out of everyone, including my father.

My father's voice interrupts my thoughts as I turn towards him.

"I'm telling you for the very last time, Aaria, behave yourself and don't cause any trouble there. When Alexander gets upset with someone... that person doesn't see the sun the next day," he says, his tone deadly serious.

As if you're any less, Father. 

"He might be cruel or dangerous, Father, but to me, no one can match the level of inhumanity and heartlessness you carry," I said, looking at him with a stoic expression. He simply rolled his eyes and resumed his discussion with Derrick.

Soon, we reached the Laurent mansion, which was a surprising sight for my eyes. It wasn't just a mansion; it was an entire estate, divided into three different sections, each with its own massive mansion and surrounded by guards with guns in their hands. One wrong move and they wouldn’t hesitate to shoot us.

Two Guards dressed in all black and armed with guns approached our car, confirming our identity before opening the gate for us. As our car entered, I watched as the lights along the path automatically turned on, illuminating the place. After a short while, the car stopped, and we all stepped out, unable to stop looking around in awe.

The estate stretched over more than ten acres, and everywhere I looked, there were guards ready to respond if anyone made a wrong move. We were about to proceed further when we were stopped by a guard.

"Weapons aren't allowed," he stated, eyeing the guns carried by our guards.

My father looked at Derrick, who shook his head as if they had a silent conversation. My father hesitated, and just then, a strong voice cut through the air, making us turn in its direction.

"Don't worry about your safety, Mr.Emerson. You're in Laurent’s territory now. Your safety is our responsibility," said a man in his late fifties, standing tall at the entrance of the main mansion, which was larger than the other two behind it. He had salt-and-pepper hair that was neatly styled, and his eyes seemed to pierce through us as he took a puff from his cigar.

His gaze scanned all of us before settling on me, causing me to flinch slightly. There was something unsettling about his eyes; they seemed devoid of any soul.