𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 || 18+

8 | 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐎𝐟 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐤 & 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚

"Mamma mia," my cousin Orazio exclaims, his voice tinged with delight as he savors the pasta. The dish, a rich tapestry of flavors, speaks volumes about Aunt Luna's culinary prowess. Though her skills in the kitchen are often hit or miss, this pasta, with its luscious sauce, is a testament to her occasional brilliance. Her touch in this dish transforms the mundane into a delightful feast, and tonight, it's a hit.

As I sit around the long dining table with my cousins, aunts, and uncles, the room hums with a warm, convivial atmosphere. The clink of cutlery and the murmur of conversations create a backdrop of comfort and familiarity. The pasta, steaming and aromatic, seems to elevate the evening's charm. I glance around, noting the lively chatter and laughter that fills the air.

My attention shifts to Luca, who is casting frequent glances towards the entrance. He seems to be waiting for someone. Just as I'm about to inquire about the missing member of our gathering, the sharp, rhythmic click of high heels on the polished tiles draws my attention.

Turning my head, I see Viviana Valentino making her entrance into the dining room. Her presence instantly captivates the space. She is dressed in a delightful baby pink dress, its snug fit accentuating her figure while the fabric flares gracefully from her waist to mid-thigh. A charming white bow cinches the dress at her middle, adding a touch of whimsy. Her golden blonde hair cascades down her back in a lustrous wave, and a delicate pink ribbon adorns her head like a headband, complementing her outfit perfectly.

Viviana, at 27, is the youngest sibling of Luca and the cherished daughter of Uncle Giovanni and Aunt Luna. Her arrival brings a sense of youthful exuberance and warmth to the room. As she takes her seat next to Luca, he envelops her in a heartfelt embrace, his arms tightening around her in a way that speaks volumes of their deep bond.

"Bro, I can't breathe!" Viviana laughs, her voice light and melodious, though her tone carries a hint of playful exasperation.

"I missed you so much, Vivy," Luca murmurs, his face glowing with an unmistakable joy.

"I can feel that, bro, but loosen up a bit," she responds with a gentle laugh, her eyes twinkling with affection.

Luca's face beams with a wide grin, his happiness palpable. It's no wonder. Viviana has always been more than just a sister to him; she's been his strength and solace, a constant light in his moments of darkness. She is the one who has always been there to understand him in ways no one else could, his personal beacon amidst the trials of life.

In return, Luca has been Viviana's steadfast protector. As a newborn, she would sleep peacefully under the watchful eye of her older brother, who would stay awake, guarding her cradle with an intensity born of pure love. His concern for her was all-encompassing; even the smallest scratch on her delicate skin would drive him to the brink of madness.

The bond they share is profound and unbreakable. Observing their relationship over the years has revealed a connection so deep that it seems to transcend the usual familial ties. They are each other's champions, willing to go to any lengths to protect and support one another. It's a relationship forged in love and loyalty, and it's a privilege to witness their unwavering devotion.

As Viviana finally releases Luca from her tight hug, she turns to me with a penetrating gaze. Her eyes hold a mix of sympathy and curiosity as she asks, "I heard you're arranged with one of the Bratva members, temporarily."

I take a measured sip of water, feeling the cool liquid contrast with the simmering tension. "You heard right," I reply, trying to mask my discomfort.

Viviana's gaze sharpens as she probes further. "And what do you think about this temporary measure?" She emphasizes the word 'temporary' with a raised eyebrow, her tone a blend of concern and disbelief.

I shrug, attempting to sound nonchalant. "What's there to think about? It's a business arrangement. I don't have to live with her forever. It's just temporary."

Viviana fixes me with a steady, almost pitying look. After a long pause, she finally says, "You're an idiot."

Uncle Giovanni, who has been listening intently, chimes in with a dry chuckle, "That he is."

His agreement is not surprising. The marriage to Galina Federova, a Bratva member, is something he has openly disdained. Given his long-standing feud with the Bratva, his disapproval is both expected and unwelcome, especially when my own anxiety about the situation is already high.

The true weight of the situation sinks in. This isn't merely a matter of personal discomfort; it's a delicate alliance between the Russians and Italians after decades of estrangement. The last alliance was forged out of necessity over a longstanding dispute. Now, the stakes are higher, and the possibility of a bloodless resolution is fraught with uncertainty.

Despite the business nature of this arrangement, it is essential to maintain appearances. My goal is to navigate this charade with as much grace as possible. I am determined to be a decent husband, if only to uphold the illusion for the benefit of both families. This is not a pursuit of love but a commitment to ensure that Galina and I can coexist without conflict.

I contemplate seeking advice from Uncle Alessandro, who has experience navigating the complexities of love and marriage, and perhaps even Uncle Giovanni, who has personal insight into love matches. Yet, the prospect of forging a genuine connection is not on my agenda. My primary concern is ensuring that Galina feels secure and unafraid in my presence. Given her interactions with my Uncle Giovanni, I am hopeful that she will find me less intimidating.

Is it too much to wish for a measure of understanding and peace between us? Or am I simply overwhelmed by anticipation?

Compounding the stress, the recent murder of the Camorra underboss looms large. The case offers little in terms of evidence-just a Joker card and a knife left at the crime scene. This latest crime threatens to tarnish our reputation, turning us into a source of ridicule among other families. The possibility of a serial killer adds to the tension, but the lack of motive is even more troubling. Are they aiming to dismantle the Italian Mafia entirely? The Rozenzia Mafia family is equally distressed, adding to the cold war with the Cartel.

As we remain in the Capital, the impending engagement ceremony weighs heavily on my mind. I am constantly reminded of Galina Federova, the woman who will soon become my temporary wife. Her reputation as 'inappropriate' is a mystery I am eager to unravel. Understanding her better might offer insights into how we can navigate this complex, though temporary, union with some semblance of harmony.

☆☆☆

What do you think of Viviana?

The bond between Viviana and Viktor?

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𝐌𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐜 - @𝐣𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬_
𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.