Twisted Fixation

『 Chapter 73 』

Yuri slept throughout their travels, with Giancarlo not leaving her side. She only woke up when the pilot announced that they had already arrived in Sicily. They are in Palermo, to be exact, and based on Favio, it would take approximately half an hour before they arrived at the Costa family mansion, which is located in Mondello.

"You will love it there, Yuri. Mondello is a beautiful coastal town with stunning beaches and charming architecture," Giancarlo said, smiling at her.

If their situation was normal, she could've eagerly looked forward to exploring the town and spending time on the beaches. However, given the circumstances, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She wondered how long they would have to stay in Mondello and what awaited them at the Costa family mansion.

She is finally in Giancarlo's territory, surrounded by his family. The people who don't believe that she is a perfect match for him. And given the fact that they do not have his family's approval to marry her, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she would be treated like an outsider. Not that she would mind, but she wonders if the baby inside her stomach would also be treated the same way.

The thought of her unborn child facing rejection from Giancarlo's family made her heart ache.

"Yuri, I apologize for not telling you in advance, but it's Nonna's birthday and they're currently having a party. Once we have arrived there, it's not just the family that you are going to meet but also some close family friends and business associates."

Yuri's eyes widened as the severity of the situation sank in. She looked at herself and almost had a heart attack as she realized she was still wearing her casual attire.

"Oh my god, you could've told me that! We need to go somewhere first so I can change into more appropriate clothes!" she panicked, but the Costa siblings assured her that it was not a big deal.

"I am quite sure that their judgment about you will not change regardless of what you wear, so do not bother anymore," Valentina said, which made her feel worse.

Giancarlo pulled her into an embrace and kissed her forehead. "And you look beautiful no matter what you wear. Just make sure that you are not going to be separated from me. Do I make myself clear, mia cara?"

Yuri nodded her head half-heartedly. She wanted to trust Giancarlo, but if she would not make an effort to at least dress properly, then for sure his family's opinion of her that she wasn't good for him would only be reinforced.

"I guess it's just me right now who is worried about Signorina's feelings. Giancarlo, I do not mean to step on your toes or question your judgment, but appearances do matter in certain situations. Let Yuri decide what she feels comfortable wearing. She is going to meet your family. It may not be something relevant to you, but for her, it could be a source of anxiety or insecurity. There is a boutique nearby that we could go to for her. They do not accept sudden walk-ins, but I am certain that it's not supposed to be a problem for you."

Giancarlo's gaze lingered on her, silently seeking her agreement with Favio's suggestion. Yuri nodded shyly, and the mafia boss apologetically squeezed her hand.

"I was being shortsighted. I did not consider that you might feel uncomfortable facing my family with such clothes, so I apologize for not thinking about your feelings. Although you really looked beautiful already," Giancarlo whispered to her, but she smiled reassuringly, letting him know that she understood.

Once they reached the boutique, she was greeted right away by a staff who was helpful and knowledgeable about fashion trends, and being naturally beautiful, Yuri did not have a hard time choosing the perfect outfit.

It was a blue sleeveless dress that came with a silver belt to accentuate her waist. The dress had a flowy skirt that would elegantly sway with her every step. It doesn't look majestic, but it exuded a subtle elegance that perfectly complemented her natural beauty.

She was then brought to a parlor, where a skilled hairstylist and makeup artist awaited her. They carefully studied Yuri's features and discussed various options that would enhance her already stunning looks. After a thorough discussion, they decided on a soft, romantic updo with loose curls cascading down her shoulders.

Yuri knows that it is a futile attempt to impress Giancarlo's family, but she still wanted to present herself in the best possible light for the sake of not hearing words that could piss her off. Usually, when a person arrives poorly dressed in a formal setting, the first question usually asked by the people around them is how that person was raised by their parents. She did not grow up rich like Giancarlo, but her parents taught her the importance of making a good impression and showing respect.

"How do I look?" she asked once the make-up artist had finished applying the final touches. Giancarlo reached for her hand and kissed the back of her palm.

"Stunning as always. Now I am thinking that some of the bastards there later would try to steal you away from me."

She rolled her eyes at that. Of course, that's impossible when a non-Italian woman like her was not even welcome there in the first place.

***

Yuri imagined the Costa estate as just a mansion surrounded by the Mediterranean, but what she is seeing right now could even be considered a village already. And from what she was told, everything that her eyes could see was owned by the Costa family.

The vast expanse of land extended far beyond what she had anticipated, with sprawling gardens, a private beach, and even a small harbor for their yachts.

After all, they were not called the gods of Sicily for nothing but rather because they truly ruled over this magnificent domain.

"Sei finalmente arrivato," (You've finally arrived) said a cheerful Italian man who greeted them as they stepped out of the car. Yuri smiled at the man, who looked at her with awe.

"You must be the woman my brother has been talking about. It is finally nice to meet you, Signorina. My name is Lorenzo."

"This is my little brother, Signorina. He would also be guarding you during our stay here. It may not look like it, but he is actually reliable," Favio said, clapping the back of his brother.

Yuri smiled when Lorenzo snorted at his brother. "I passed the bar examinations last month, fratello. You are not the only one whom Mama is proud of anymore," Lorenzo retorted in a bragging voice that made Yuri laugh.

"Oh, I am so sorry, Signorina. But yes, just like my brother said, I will be your trustworthy guardian during your time here. You can count on me to ensure your safety and well-being."

"I already appreciate it, Lorenzo. I hope we can get along together during my stay here," she replied warmly, and Lorenzo also smiled in return.

Giancarlo then joined in the conversation, and he started to speak in Italian. At that moment, Yuri noticed how Lorenzo's expression turned serious as he listened intently to Giancarlo.

She promised herself that once they get back to the United States, she will start studying Italian so that she can understand and be a part of conversations like this. Although Giancarlo did not ask her to do that, she still thought that doing that would be great, especially since she was going to marry him, who is Italian.

"Aside from my family there, there might be some people who might make you uncomfortable, but no matter what they say, you will only believe in me. Is that clear, Signorina?"

She nodded at that, but she is curious about who those people are that Giancarlo is referring to.

Hand in hand, they resumed walking around the estate. People automatically bowed their heads as they passed by, showing respect to Giancarlo and acknowledging his presence. She doesn't know whether Giancarlo has noticed it too, but people are looking at her with curiosity and whispering.

But despite feeling uncomfortable, she decided not to let it bother her.

From where they are, she can already see the party being held at the center of the estate. The music was loud, and laughter filled the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. Her grip on Giancarlo's hand tightened, but he gave her a reassuring smile.

"I won't let anybody disrespect you, especially now that we are here in my territory."