Bound by Blood and Law

Chapter 2: The Wedding

Amara was no stranger to opulence, but the grandeur of the De Luca estate was something else entirely. The ceremony had been arranged with breathtaking speed, a testament to the efficiency with which Matteo De Luca operated. In just a few short days, her life had been turned upside down, and now, she found herself standing in front of a mirror in a lavish bridal suite, preparing to marry a man she barely knew.

The dress she wore was a masterpiece of delicate lace and silk, perfectly tailored to her figure. Its elegance was undeniable, but as Amara gazed at her reflection, all she could think about was the chain it represented—a golden shackle binding her to Matteo and the life he would drag her into.

The suite was quiet, save for the soft rustling of fabric as Serena adjusted her own dress in the mirror beside her. Amara's sister had insisted on being her maid of honor, a surprising move given their often strained relationship. Serena had thrown herself into the wedding preparations with enthusiasm, though Amara suspected it was less about sisterly love and more about being at the center of the latest family spectacle.

"You look stunning," Serena said, her voice carrying a note of genuine admiration as she smoothed out a wrinkle in her dress. "Seriously, Amara, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were excited about this."

Amara forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "You know me better than that."

Serena shrugged, her expression light. "True, but that doesn't change the fact that you look incredible. And so does this dress, by the way. I'd kill to have something like this."

"It's beautiful," Amara agreed, though her voice was distant. "But it doesn't change anything."

Serena glanced at her, her playful demeanor fading. "I know this isn't what you wanted, but maybe it won't be so bad. Matteo's... well, he's not the worst choice Dad could've made."

Amara met her sister's gaze in the mirror. "Serena, he's a mafia boss. That's not exactly a glowing endorsement."

"I get it," Serena said softly. "But maybe you'll find a way to make this work. You're strong, Amara. Stronger than any of us. If anyone can handle Matteo De Luca, it's you."

Amara wanted to believe her, but the knot of anxiety in her stomach wouldn't loosen. She hadn't even had the chance to really know Matteo, and yet here she was, about to tie her life to his in a ceremony that felt more like a business transaction than a celebration of love.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and Serena moved to open it. James Carter stepped inside, his sharp eyes sweeping over his daughters. He was dressed in a tailored suit, exuding the same air of power and control that had dominated their family for as long as Amara could remember.

"It's time," he said, his voice carrying the weight of finality.

Amara turned to face him, her expression carefully neutral. "I suppose there's no turning back now."

James walked over to her, his gaze softening slightly. "You're doing the right thing, Amara. This marriage will secure our family's future. Matteo is a powerful ally, and with you by his side, we'll be stronger than ever."

She nodded, though her heart wasn't in it. "I hope you're right."

"I am," he said firmly, before offering his arm to her. "Shall we?"

Amara took his arm, her movements stiff, and together they left the suite, Serena trailing behind them. The walk to the grand hall where the ceremony would take place was short, but it felt like an eternity. With each step, Amara's resolve wavered. This was not the life she had envisioned for herself, yet there was no escape from it now.