My heart pounds against my ribcage as I shakily make my way towards Vincent, my vision blurring with unshed tears. Antonio stands tall beside him, flanked by Vincent's most loyal men. Joey's dark smile sends a chill down my spine as he watches me approach, his small arms clasped behind his back.
Vincent crouches down to my level, his piercing gaze locking with mine. "La mia bellissima Sammi," he murmurs, cupping my face with his large, calloused hands. "Tu sei la mia luce, il mio tutto."
I flinch at his touch, my stomach churning with dread. The Italian priest begins the ceremony, his voice echoing through the ballroom.
"Samantha," Vincent whispers, his breath hot against my ear. "From this day forward, you will be mine forever. There is no escape, no turning back."
A sob catches in my throat. "Please, Vincent... don't do this. I'm begging you."
He chuckles darkly, his grip on my face tightening. "Oh, mia dolce Sammi. You still don't understand, do you? This is your destiny. You were meant to be by my side, to rule this empire with me."
The priest's words fade into the background as Vincent leans in closer, his lips brushing against mine. "Ti amo, Sammi. And I will never let you go."
Tears spill down my cheeks as the reality of my situation sinks in. I am trapped, forever bound to this monster, with no hope of escape. As the priest continues the ceremony, I close my eyes and pray for a miracle, knowing deep down that none will come.
I stand in a daze, my mind clouded with fear and disbelief as Vincent towers over me, puffing on his cigar. His gloved hand grips mine tightly, a possessive gesture that sends shivers down my spine. Father Enzo's voice drones on, the words blurring together until he reaches the fateful question.
"Do you, Vincent Russo, take Samantha St. Onge to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Vincent's eyes bore into mine, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "I do," he declares without hesitation, his thumb caressing the back of my hand.
Father Enzo turns to me, his gaze expectant. "And do you, Samantha St. Onge, take Vincent Russo to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
My heart pounds in my chest, the weight of the moment crushing me. I can feel the eyes of everyone in the room on me, waiting for my response. Panic rises in my throat, and before I can stop myself, the word tumbles out. "No."
The room falls silent, the tension palpable. Vincent's men reach for their guns, their eyes narrowed in warning. I catch a glimpse of Joey's dark smile, his eyes gleaming with malice. Tears stream down my face as I realize the gravity of my mistake.
"I-I mean, yes," I stammer, my voice barely above a whisper. "I do."
Vincent's grin widens, his men relaxing their stances. He pulls me close, his muscular frame pressed against mine. "That's my girl," he purrs, his breath hot against my ear.
Father Enzo clears his throat, continuing the ceremony. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Vincent swoops me into his arms, dipping me low as he crashes his lips against mine. The taste of his cigar mingles with the salt of my tears as I try to push him away, but his grip is iron-clad. The room erupts in cheers, the sound deafening in my ears.
As Vincent sets me back on my feet, I catch sight of a group of women glaring at me, their eyes filled with jealousy and hatred. I shrink under their gaze, clutching Vincent's arm for support.
"My beautiful wife," Vincent croons, cupping my face in his gloved hands. "You belong to me now, Sammi."
His words send a chill through me, and I fight back a sob. He pulls me flush against his body, nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck. I stiffen at his touch, my skin crawling with revulsion.
"You smell divine, my love," he murmurs, his lips brushing against my ear. "I can't wait to have you all to myself tonight."
A shudder runs through me at the implication of his words. My mind races, desperately seeking an escape from this nightmare.
