Sophia buried her face in the pillow, weeping after they returned home. Everyone had known about her arranged marriage to Alex since she was a child, but no one had dared to reveal it to her until now. Beyond Henry and her parents' commitment to Alfonzo's deal 24 years ago, there was an underlying fear of backing out. They were all terrified that the mafia leader might erupt in rage and hold a grudge against their entire family.
The wedding is set in two weeks. Alfonzo's trusted associates handled all the arrangements. The ceremony would be kept private, as per Alex's request.
"You've already surprised me enough with this sudden wedding, grandfather," Alex said.
"All I ask is that you honor my request for privacy. Our enemies are constantly watching us. If they learn that the de Jonghs are aligning with your eldest granddaughter, it could be used against us to harm those we care about. Once the marriage is complete, they'll be considered part of the family, and family is something we fiercely protect. Keeping this as private as possible until we manage the situation is the best way to shield them from danger."
"As expected, you're thinking several steps ahead of everyone else," Alfonzo said, nodding with approval.
"You've made a compelling case, Alex. We'll ensure the wedding remains as private as possible. For now, only a select few will be informed about the marriage."
The wedding was held privately at Van Leeuw Manor, attended only by immediate family and trusted associates. Alex felt somewhat relieved by the limited guest list, while Sophia remained emotionally overwhelmed.
As the ceremony concluded, the priest declared, "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you married. You may now kiss your bride."
Both Alex and Sophia stood in stunned silence, taken aback by the unexpected request to seal their marriage with a kiss.
The two women stood, staring at each other, the cheering of their audience fading into a deafening silence between them. Alex slowly approached Sophia, causing her heart to pound uncontrollably, as if it might burst. As Alex's face drew nearer, Sophia froze and closed her eyes in anticipation. Alex gently leaned to the side and placed a soft kiss on Sophia's cheek. Relieved, Sophia exhaled deeply, grateful that Alex had avoided her lips.
"You're legally mine now."
Alex whispered, after pressing a soft kiss to Sophia's cheek.
Sophia felt frozen, unsure how to respond. Her eyes, when she finally turned to face her, met his with a mix of confusion and apprehension. There was an intense, almost predatory glint in Alex's gaze—one that conveyed ownership and a firm assertion of dominance. The silent tension between them was palpable, leaving Sophia to grapple with her feelings and the unsettling reality of their new relationship.
The wedding reception was a blur of drinking and chatter among the guests. Sophia remained seated, detached from the lively atmosphere, while Alex moved between conversations with guests and frequent checks on her phone. This was not the wedding Sophia had dreamed of—a magical, fairy-tale event where she would be swept off her feet and sealed her commitment with a romantic kiss. Instead, the reality of the day was a stark contrast to her dreams.
As the night deepened and the guests began to leave, Sophia remained seated in a corner as her family approached her.
"Dear, please take care of yourself and visit us when you can."
Jessica, her mother, said, her voice choked with tears.
Sophia suddenly realized that being married meant she would have to live with Alex, far away from her family. The thought had never occurred to her until that moment. Overwhelmed by the realization, she broke down into hysterical sobs, grieving the loss of her family and the prospect of starting a life with a stranger she barely knew.
The car ride from the manor to the PC building was marked by an uneasy silence. Sophia sat in the corner of the backseat, while Alex occupied the opposite side. Both women's thoughts remained inscrutable as the vehicle made its way home.
The Phantom Circle (PC) building stands 18 stories tall. The first 14 floors are dedicated to the mafia's operations, while the top four floors are reserved for the penthouses of Alfonzo's grandchildren. As the eldest, Alex occupies the topmost floor. In addition to the main elevators serving the building, a private elevator in the basement provides direct access to the top four floors, accessible only to Alfonzo's four grandchildren and their immediate family.
"Use this key card for accessing the penthouse," Alex instructed, handing it to Sophia.
"You're not permitted to use the building's main elevators for this; it could draw unwanted attention. Instead, use the private elevator in the basement."
Sophia took the key card and nodded in silent acknowledgment.
The vehicle came to a halt in front of the PC building, and Alex exited without a word. Jared then drove the car to the basement to park and guide Sophia to the private elevator.
As Sophia stared at the elevator screen, watching the numbers ascend to the 18th floor, she was struck by the penthouse's breathtaking view. The interior was decorated in sleek black and grey. The living room greeted her warmly as she stepped inside, with a state-of-the-art kitchen to the right and a dining table that offered a stunning view through the massive sliding doors. A staircase led to the second floor, but Sophia, exhausted, opted to collapse onto the living room couch to rest her feet.
Sophia hadn't realized she had fallen asleep on the couch. When she awoke and checked her phone, it was already 3 AM. A blanket had been draped over her while she slept, likely a gesture of comfort after the emotional and exhausting day. She quietly fetched a glass of water from the kitchen and returned to the couch. As she sipped the water, her gaze fell on the sliding door that framed the expansive night sky. Lost in thought, she pondered what the future might hold for her next.
The ray of sunlight stirred Sophia from her sleep, and she sat up on the couch, startled to see a woman in the kitchen.
"Sorry, miss, I didn't mean to scare you," the woman said, introducing herself.
"I'm Lisa, the housekeeper. Would you like some breakfast?"
"It's okay," Sophia replied, still a bit disoriented.
"I'm not hungry yet. My name is Sophia. I'm– I'm Alex's– uh–"
Sophia hesitated, unsure how to introduce herself. The reality of her marriage to Alex hadn't fully sunk in, and with the marriage being kept private, she wasn't sure if Lisa was aware of it yet.
"It's perfectly fine, dear," Lisa said reassuringly. "Boss Alex informed me that you're her wife. Congratulations on your wedding! Don't worry—I'm aware of your situation and have signed an NDA to ensure privacy."
Sophia smiled, feeling more at ease with Lisa's presence.
"Where is Alex?" she asked.
"Boss Alex left at 5 AM to handle some business," Lisa replied. "I'll be here until after dinner, so if you need anything, just let me know."
Sophia just smiled weakly and rested her head again on the couch, feeling too drained to eat or move. Her exhaustion was palpable as she closed her eyes, seeking a brief respite from the whirlwind of recent events.
"Your things are already in your room. If you need more time to rest, I can show you to your bedroom whenever you're ready."
Lisa offered gently.
As Sophia lay there, the weight of Lisa's words began to sink in. The realization hit her sharply: she might be sharing a bedroom with Alex. The thought of sleeping next to someone she had only recently met, with whom she had a hasty and unplanned marriage, and who was involved in the mafia, stirred a deep unease within her. Her mind raced with questions and concerns, and she felt a shiver at the thought of facing the unknown.
YOU ARE READING
"Mobbed by Matrimony" (wlw)
Romance"Let go of me right now, or I swear I'll scream!" Sophia's voice quivered with escalating frustration and fear. "Go ahead, do whatever you like, Sophia. Just remember, we're married-I own you!" Alex replied coldly. Sophia's fear surged as she proc...
