3 years earlier
"Xaviar! Why do I have to keep my eyes closed" I questioned as he led me to God knows where
"it's a surprise"
"well incase you've forgotten, you gifted me a million dollar diamond necklace and earings this morning. Isn't that enough surprise " I questioned as we came to a sudden halt
"You can open your eyes now bambina" Xaviar said placing a kiss to her cheek
I stood in awe as the blindfold was taken off
"oh my goodness!!"
we were standing in the middle of what seemed like a ball room, it was dimly lit by a sophisticated chandelier.
I turned away from Xaviar to feed my eyes on the sight before me, the chandelier had an antique but modern look. It had incandescent light bulbs which had arrays of hanging crystal prisms to illuminate the room with refracted light. it also consisted of multiple lamps which withheld candle lights in it.
"Layla, do you remember the first day we met?"He said gaining my attention
"of course! Like I can ever for---" the sentence I had intended on saying was long forgotten by now
My boyfriend was on a knee before me holding a little box, within it lay the most beautiful ring I had ever set my eyes on. It was the largest internally flawless fancy vivid 59.60-carat pink diamond ring.
This definitely had to be a dream
"I love you so much bambina and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. It'll be an honour to have you as my wife. Please be Mrs me?"
I was shocked and rooted in place, my hands flew up to my face as tears of joy slipped out. I had always dreamt of the day Xaviar would ask me to be his wife.
I stared at the blue eyed hunk of man Keeling before me, his shoulder length hair held up mesily as always. When we begun dating I never expected us to get this far but then love kicked in and made everything perfect.
"Uhm.. So??" He asked unsure
"oh my God - -I'm sor-ry.. Yes! Yes!! Xaviar of course I'll marry you! I'll definitely marry you!!" I screamed in happiness
"you didn't think I would give you a diamond necklace and earnings with a ring " He slipped the ring in my finger before pulling me in for a kiss. The feeling of his lips on mine was one I could never get tired of
"CONGRATULATIONS!!!!" The sudden noise made me pull away from Xaviar. It was so loud I swear I felt my soul leave my body
people began trooping into the room filling it up almost immediately. Admits the crowd I caught site of our both families conversing together. That was indeed a sight to behold as they didn't get along well.
"Layla!!!!" Kay screamed approaching me, her arms pulling me into a hug immediately.
"I'm so happy for you babygirl!"
When my bestfriend eventually let me go I realized my fiancé had wandered off to talk with his guys.
"You can't even imagine how much happiness I feel right now " I gushed out showing off the huge rock on my finger
"I'm definitely going to be your chief -brides -maid!"
"It's not like I have a choice bestfriend!" I chucked
" You're finally getting married to the love of your life. But I must say he's quite a catch. I mean look at him, he's rich, extremely good looking, young, did I mention wealthy!?!?" She teased making both of us burst into laughter
it was as if Xaviar had heard our inside joke cause the moment we had calmed down from our laughter fit, we locked eyes and he gave the most breath taking smile which instantly made my knees get weak.
After few conversation on different people here and there, My parents made their way to me making Kay excuse herself saying she had to enjoy her night.
"Congrats dear!"My mom held me in her warm embrace.
"I must say I'm highly surprised on this development " She added
no one had expected our relationship to turn out this intimate
"you have our support and blessing " my father finally said
"Thank you so much" I spoke placing a kiss to both their cheeks
about an hour went by and elegantly dressed people moved around chatting, eating and drinking away. My feet began aching as a result of the heels and as much as this was a congratulatory party for me, I needed to go home before I got crippled.
I kept saying thank you and giving smiles at our guests who congratulated me as I took slow strides to the large table where dinks were kept. picking up a cocktail glass,I took a sip of the refreshing drink.
"what are you doing here alone?? Not having fun at your party "Xaviar questioned,his arms wrapping around my waist from behind
"my feet is killing me!"I whined like a child
" we could leave now princess" He suggested
"yes please!"
" Before that,you need to meet my family. They've been asking of you "
"What! Why!?!" My drink was now abandoned on the table
"come on baby. How bad can it be " by now he had turned me around to his face, finger tips caressing my cheek
" you know your family don't like me, well except for your dad. I don't want to cause any scene this evening babe " I tried reasoning with him as my gaze met the frenzy pile of paparazzi taking pictures of Xaviar and I from outside
"My sister and dad have left already. Come on tesoro. Mom is waiting "
I knew I couldn't decline meeting with his family after all he got along so well with mine but that was because my parents weren't as rude as his family.
"There you are!" A petite blonde female said walking up to us.
Speak of the devil and she appears.
"we were about coming to meet you " Xaviar said pulling me along to meet her halfway
"I'm sure you were son" she patted his cheek. Even her smile seemed so strict
"Good evening ma" I said offering a forced smile
"Have you been avoiding us Layla?!" She pointedly asked, a scowl appearing on her face immediately. It was so obvious this woman hated me
"Uhm n-no ma'am. I've just been too busy attending to the guest "
" Too busy for your husband's family??" She shook her head in total disapproval to my weak excuse. That was enough to shut me up
"I never expected your relationship to get this far. I mean isn't marriage going to far Xaviar?!! " She turned to her son
Xaviar pulled me closer to him, eyes staring at me in total admiration
"I love her so much mom. I can't bare to loose her "
" we can all see you're fond of her "
I didn't miss what she had done there with her sarcastic words, replacing her son's love for me as a mere fondness
"well you have our blessings young lady " her eyes raked through me
"I -I t-tha--"
"She doesn't speak???" She sternly cut me off before I could complete my pathetic words
"She's just exhausted mother" Xaviar said in my defense
"take care son. Your father and sister are waiting outside " She placed a quick kiss to his cheek
"Goodnight ma" I said to which she ignored before walking away.
____________________
Three weeks had gone by and the wedding preparations were going along well.
Xaviar's mom was in charge of the decorations which meant I had to be meeting with her along with our decorating personel. Somehow she had managed to let me slide through everyday without her hateful comments but I could swear I caught her giving me cold, irritated glances once in a while.
Mother and I were In charge of the Catering services and in all honesty, everything was going accordingly without a single ounce of stress. I couldn't wait to see how our chef and caterers delivered on the awaited day.
This whole preparation thing was quite eventful and fun at some point but much to my disadvantage, I hadn't spent time with Xaviar. Infact I hadn't even seen him for once in these three weeks. We mostly spoke on phone or through texts and I was sincerely sad about that.
I still couldn't believe I was engaged to the love of my life Xavier Lucasino.
These last two years with him have been beautiful and worthwhile.
When we met we were a lot younger and lousier having no worries in the world except stealing kisses from each other and living our best lives. Now Xaviar had morphed into a handsome responsible man who owned and managed lots of Lucasino family establishments but all those were a charade as the family secretly indulged in Mafia activities. I was very much aware of this, that still couldn't stop me from loving Xaviar with all my heart no matter how dangerous that might seem.
you couldn't make a list of the wealthiest Italian family without the Lucasinos coming in first or second, that was to show the extent of their wealth.
"still don't like any of these???" My bestfriend asked taking a seat on the couch beside me.
The wedding was in a week and I still couldn't find a suitable dress.Kay and I had been roaming through various shops for two weeks now looking for a wedding dress I'd actually love all to no avail.
it had become a significant issue that Marla, Xaviar's mother had to get involved. four fashion designers recommended by her were currently in the living room of the apartment I shared with Kay, different limited edition of wedding dresses lay scatterd around but still no one met with what I wanted.
"look at them carefully Layla, they're all really beautiful " She spoke calmly trying to get me to finally pick a dress.
A knock at the door drew our attention from the issue at hand
"It's open!!!" Kay yelled
seconds later and Diego or should I say Xaviar's beta as we liked to call him walked into our apartment. Xaviar and Diego's friendship goes way back as his family is also a part of the Lucasino mafia empire. Diego was his right hand man and second in command.
"Well what's Mr hotshot doing here?" I couldn't miss the googly eyes my bestfriend was making at Diego
he smirked
" I'm here for Xaviar's wife "
"it's not official yet!" I didn't feel comfortable with that title atleast not yet
"Xaviar mi ha chiesto di portarti a casa.dice che è importante "
(Xaviar asked me to bring you home. Says it's important)
"but I'm not done with the dress fitting " I protested
"it's fine I can handle it. Don't keep hubby waiting " Kay said. I consider myself one of the luckiest girls alive to have such a genuine and free spirited bestfriend. It was obvious she was happy at my union with Xaviar
"Thank you so much" I peppered kisses on her face
"Ewwww Diego get her off me!!!!" She joked pushing me away, the three of us were laughing at this point
rising from where I previously Sat, I made my way out of the apartment with Diego leading the way. A Bentley continental GTZ Zagato was parked up front,the driver already waiting at his position.
Diego opened the door to the back seat
"Thank you" offering a smile, I said and got in.
After making sure I was okay, he opened the door to the passenger seat and got in.
The driver offered a pleasantry before roaring the engine to life and the journey to Xaviar's home begun.
about twenty minutes later, I could spot the front gate to the Lucasino estate.
This was one of the biggest Estates in the country as it accommodated about 200 houses.
the gates were opened and we drove in, the car stopped at the drive way of Xaviar's mansion, a guard who was already awaiting my arrival opened up the door and I alighted the vehicle.
"Good afternoon ma'am Mr Lucasino is at the master bedroom " He spoke as if reading my mind. Giving him a slight nod I made my way into the house I was so familiar with.
Assending the fleet of stairs, the guard from before followed right behind me. Taking a turn at the hallway, I walked to the door of his bedroom
knocking just once, I opened the door and walked in, the guard standing protectivly outside as I shut the door
"Xaviar!" I called out but was met with an erring silence.
My gaze fell on his bed which was neatly dressed showing he hadn't been in the room, also the slight sent of his Cologne in the air assertained my thoughts.
A package wrapped up in pink on the creasless bed caught my attention and I moved closer seating at the edge. I picked up the letter placed beside the gift.
"Mi dispiace non esserci stato durante I preparativi per il matrimonio. Ti ho fatto un regalo, spero che ti piaccia "
(I'm sorry I wasn't there during the wedding preparations.I got you a gift,I hope you like it) I looked through, reading it's content. At the bottom edge of the letter the initials XL were engraved.
Picking up the gift, I hurried pulled off the pink wrap in a bid to see what Xaviar Lucasino had gifted me. When the last gift wrap was off I held in my hands the most beautiful wedding dress
How did he know I had problems picking a dress?
"so? Do you love it tesoro?" He inquired. I hadn't even heard him come into the room. Immediately my eyes meet his figure walking towards me, I could clearly see stress written all over him. His hair was held up mesily with few stray strands falling on his face.
"Bambina?? I asked a question " He placed a kiss to my forehead before sitting besides me
"of course!! Xaviar i-its beautiful " I clung to him
" Thank you for everything babe. For all these beautiful things you keep gifting me with "
He let out a chuckle
"you don't need to thank me tesoro, È mio dovere come tuo marito "
(Its my duty as your husband) he said before pulling me in for a kiss