Broken Vows

...Fears...

Chapter 1:

"Congratulations Mr. Russo, our family is finally united by this marriage. i'm so happy." Robert Romano exclaimed enthusiastically. Happiness can be seen dripping from his wrinkled face.

"Me too. Mr. Romano." Augustus Russo now his in law replied laughing heartily. He extended the glass of red wine to cheers.

"Cheers. Hahahahaha." they both clinked their glass. " i hope our children to live a happy and prosperous wedded life, so is the business relationship between the two family." Mr. Russo added.

"Amen." Robert agreed, clearly understanding his friend's words.

AUGUSTUS Russo was his business partner and his high school friend. They both knew each other very well and supported each other on every situation and problems. They were sworn brother.

Getting his eldest son Chris Romano married to Russo's daughter was one of the biggest goal of his life. He always liked Gabrielle Russo for his son. that's why from an early age of his son he always tried to play matchmaker between them and now all his efforts has successfully paid of.

Robert excused himself and went to find his wife Anna. Many guests greeted and congratulated him on his way out. There were many influential people and business associate and their friends and family members were present.

The wedding venue was bustling with people. The atmosphere was quite cheerful and people were in joyous mood. Every tiny detail were given utmost attention to make this wedding wonderful.

Chris decided to have the wedding near beach resort they owned and Gabrielle agreed, it was a fine idea but he was worried that no storm ruins this auspicious day.

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Gabrielle pov:

My palms are sweating heavily and my heart is beating at an unusual pace, right now i'm a nervous wreck and why should I not be, it's my freaking wedding day. My mother,aunt,bridesmaid, wedding coordinator, makeup artist, boutique manager, stylist,etc, they all are currently present in my room to make me feel less jittery, but to be honest they are only making me more and more nervous. i'm starting to have second thoughts.

am i making the right decision??

Even the relationship i had with my soon to be hubby was total friendship, he was my senior in  school. This marriage is arranged by my father, but it's okay since i don't have a lover or any crush. Isn't it??

ugh!!!

Isn't it too early to get married. For god sake i'm only 20, how can i get married so early i don't even understand the w of the word wedding rest assured the other things.

Yup....... I've decided i can't do this i have to talk to my Mom before i lost this new found courage.

I pushed aside the hair stylist and the makeup artist, who were doing experiments on my face for last three days, to get the perfect hair and makeup. I should have known then only that i was not ready for this big change in my life yet.

"Mom." my voice was low but she still heard me over all the noises made by so many people present in my room. She always know when i need her or call her, she's the best.

" Yes sweetie, do you need anything.... is the makeup not to your liking or are you hungry? yes you must be hungry i will get you something to eat........"

"Mom listen, i don't need anything." i stopped her ramble, she can be very talkative when she's concerned or worried. " i just want to have a little conversation with you." i told her softly before glancing at others. " in private."

"I understand." she replied and turned towards the crowd and clapped her hands, getting all the attention she can from the others.

"OK ladies, i know you all are here to help Gabe get perfect ready and it's less then three hours before the wedding and you can't leave her now......... but as a mother i really need a last mother – daughter moment, so if you all please excuse us for a moment." she delivered her speech effortlessly. That is one thing i admire a lot about my mother, she's so confident and can handle any situation effortlessly like right now if not for her explanation there would be definitely a chaos on hearing to leave the bride at this time. When she's not even fully ready and having second thoughts.

Everyone left and my mother locked the door from inside. She came nearer to me resting her butt on one of the chairs after so many hours of standing up continuously.

"Well now tell me what is bothering you." she asked softly holding my hands in hers.

At this gesture i couldn't control my emotions and cried out loud.

"What happened Gabrielle, tell me child. Are you feeling nervous. Oh of course you are feeling nervous. OK stop crying."she dabbed my tears away cautious enough not to ruin my already done makeup.

"Mom i think....." i paused feeling unsure how to tell her.

"You think." she prompted me.

"I think we should cancel this wedding. Mom i'm still not ready to get married, i know what this wedding means to both of the families, but can't we just postpone it to next month or better yet next year. Please mom i cant do this, i'm scared." i hurriedly completed my rant and looked at my mother to be welcomed by her stoic face not shocked or horrified but cold expressionless face.

She released my hand and stood up pulling me along with her. She pulled me to the nearest window and opened the blinds. The window faced the wedding venue. I saw hundreds of people swarming inside out. Media people can be seen everywhere recording every detail. In a word it was busting lively. I glanced at my mom and she looked straight in my eyes.

"Gabrielle i may sound like an evil stepmom right now. Not supporting you on your decision but this is a thing which is not decided by you or by me from the beginning. Now at this point it's impossible to back out. You know your father very well, his close relationship with Romano Your one decision can ruin everything we have build all these years trust , love, friends everything. Can you bear to humiliate your father and your in laws like this." she paused briefly, " i'm not going to stop you but I'm also not going to support you. Rest is up to you. You can leave or stay, besides i don't think so Chris is going to give you a hard time, both of you know each other from senior high he's not a total stranger. Gabrielle it's not that difficult." she cupped my face and kissed my both cheeks before leaving the room.

The moment the door closed my knees gave out and i fell on the ground supporting my back by the wall,for few minutes i just stared at the ceiling. I felt hopeless and helpless. From the very start i knew what was going on, i allowed it to happen, going with the flow and not once  showing my objection because i was aware of the difficulties and problems my family was going to face, but what about me my insecurities, my doubts why should i sacrifice myself to strengthen a business relationship.

But can i run away from the responsibilities my family had put on me?

The knocks made me snap out of my thoughts. Standing up on my legs i moved towards the door.

I've made my decision.

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