The bakery air, once thick with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar, now brimmed with a tense silence. Nadia caught red-handed with an identical invitation and felt a hot flush creep up her neck. Elena, her playful smile replaced by a frown, stared at the two envelopes in Nadia's hand as if they were ticking time bombs.
"There's… an explanation," Nadia stammered, her voice betraying her growing panic. "It's a case of mistaken identity, that's all. You know it is the courier's service mistake." Nadia shrugged her shoulder playing it cool.
The young woman, visibly relieved, extended a hand to take the envelope Nadia held. "Thank goodness! You wouldn't believe the trouble I had finding you."
Elena, ever perceptive, noticed the woman's nervous glances towards the bakery door. "Trouble?" she inquired, her tone gentle.
The woman's smile faltered. "My… employer forgot to mention the address. Silly me, I thought it would be common knowledge."
Elena's brow furrowed. Employer? This wasn't just some random invitation, there was more to it. What trouble has her friend gotten herself in?
Sensing an opportunity to deflect suspicion, Nadia chimed in. "See? Must be a mix-up. Happens all the time."
She forced a smile, hoping to dispel the awkward tension. However, Elena's gaze remained fixed on the invitation clutched in the young woman's hand.
"Who is this Nadia Petrova, anyway?" Nadia finally asked.
The woman fumbled with the envelope, her voice barely a whisper. "She's… the fiancée."
Fianceé? The word hung heavy in the air, adding another layer of mystery to the already puzzling situation.
Before Nadia could question further, the bakery door swung open, revealing a burly man in a dark suit. His eyes scanned the room, landing on the young woman.
"There you are," he rumbled, his voice devoid of warmth. "We need to leave. Now."
The woman's shoulders slumped. "Of course," she mumbled, turning towards Nadia. "Thank you for your time, and for almost clearing up this mess."
Nadia could only nod, her mind racing. Fianceé? Mafia boss? The whispers and rumors about the Russo estate suddenly felt all too real.
As the young woman and the bodyguard exited the bakery, Elena crossed her arms, a concerned glint in her eyes. "Nadia, that was…"
"Strange?" Nadia finished with a weak smile.
"Beyond strange," Elena emphasized. "What about the invitation you were holding? Where did it come from?"
There was no point in lying anymore. Nadia recounted the events of the previous night, the magazine article, the chilling invitation, and her moment of impulsive curiosity. As she spoke, Elena listened intently, her face betraying a mix of disbelief and growing worry.
"The Russos?" Elena exclaimed when Nadia finished. "Nadia, you can't be serious! They're dangerous people!"
"I know, I know," Nadia said, sinking into a chair and burying her face in her hands. "It was a stupid idea. But now I'm curious, and I can't seem to shake the feeling that this might be more than just a mistake."
Elena sighed, her artist's temperament clashing with her protective instincts. "Curious about what? Getting involved with the mafia? Nadia, they're not some glamorous Hollywood stereotype. They're ruthless, they're violent…"
"Perhaps," Nadia interrupted a spark of defiance igniting in her eyes. "But what if there's more to it? What if there's a story behind this invitation? A story that needs to be heard?"
Elena stared at her friend "Nadia you can't be serious?"
"Elina what if this wasn't a mix-up?" Nadia asked.
"Let's say, this isn't. What are we going to do? What can we do anyway? You are just a baker and I am an artist." A flicker of understanding dawned in Elina's eyes. She knew Nadia wasn't one to shy away from a challenge. Her kind heart and inquisitive nature often led her down unexpected paths.
"Alright," Nadia finally conceded, a hint of resignation in her voice.
"Whatever it is you can't do this alone. The Russo are not the ones to be messed with. Promise me you won't do anything that can potentially harm you."
"Yeah."
"Promise me," Elina asked in a loud tone.
"Promise."
"You know I don't have anyone else beside you in this world, I can't even bear the thought of something happening to you."
"I know." Relief washed over Elina. Having Nadia by her side, even if it meant Nadia disapproved, was a source of immense comfort.
"Together," Nadia agreed, a determined glint in her eyes. She would do this even if it meant making a false promise to her friend.
The two friends locked eyes, the unspoken agreement hanging heavy in the air. The invitation on the counter, no longer a mere curiosity, now represented a rabbit hole, a path leading into the unknown, the dark and dangerous world of the Russo mafia.
Despite the risks, a fire of determination burned within Nadia. She had to unravel the mystery, to find out the real reason behind the invitation, even if it meant venturing into a world far removed from the comforting warmth of her
YOU ARE READING
Mafia's Accidental Bride
RomanceNadia's life was a symphony of flour, sugar, and the contented sighs of satisfied customers. Her bakery, "Flour & Fancy," was a haven of warmth. One rainy afternoon, a misplaced invitation shattered the tranquility. Addressed to "Nadia Petrova," it...
