Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“There you go. It’s going to me fine. Once the wedding is over, we’ll have some cake and ice cream, and we’ll get to know more about each other before we take you home.”
“Home?”
“Yes, you will be coming home with us. Michael and I live together. Our brother Nico lives with us when his not playing football. Wait, you were raised in the States. He plays professional soccer.”
“Oh, yes. Michael has told me about the soccer player. He is your twin. You are the doctor and computer genius. Michael said you won’t mind if I read your schoolbooks.
“I am most excited for that. I like to read and learn new things. I didn’t realize I would have to leave Nonno tonight,” I reply.
“Oh, honey. Yes, you will be leaving with your husband. Will you be okay with that?”
“Yes, I will have to be. It is how Michael will keep me safe. I will do my part. I can do this.”
“You are a brave girl. We will be friends. I can see why Michael wants to do this. I just want to wrap you in my arms and keep you safe myself.”
I take a deep breath. “I am ready for the veil, please. Yes, I would like your help. Michael is waiting.”
Annabella gives me a big smile. I like her smile. Yes, she will be someone I can trust.
I am ready. I can marry Michael.
Michael
I stand here at the altar with my brows threaded. I was not expecting Symphony to look like this. She is going to make such a beautiful woman in a few years.
Her eyes are gorgeous, so big and bright. Her lashes are insanely pretty. Her face is flawless.
For the first time, I’m beginning to question myself. Saying I do and living a life outside of my marriage feels wrong, but can this marriage ever be more than just in name.
As Symphony goes from looking me in my eyes to looking anywhere but at me, I’m not sure this is the right thing to do. However, this is the only way to keep her safe and preserve her right to the Trovati family name.
After tonight, I will be named Don Trovati’s successor. Well, the son of the former Don Donati will be named his successor. I will not be announced by name.
It is our hope that everyone will assume I am Uri and fuck off. In a few years, this will all be forgotten. Don Trovati is in good health, and I pose no threat of taking his seat for now.
With any luck, Don Trovati will live a long life, and his brother will die or hide away until it’s time for me to take the seat. In the meantime, I will keep Symphony safe.
“I do,” Symphony says as she looks me in the eyes and holds my gaze for the first time today.
I come out of my thoughts. This is what needs to be done. I have taken the target off her back and placed it on mine. Well, they might come for Uri, but that would be a mistake.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
I look down at Symphony and she’s blushing furiously. I chuckle and pull her into a hug, kissing her forehead. She wraps her arms around me and hugs me, melting into me like I’m her safe place.
“It will be okay,” I murmur, knowing I’m speaking the words for myself more than anything.
CHAPTER 9
The Gift
Symphony
A year later …
I’ve been getting into fights in school. Uri and Michael have talked about homeschooling me. It would be easier, but I would be isolated.
Michael doesn’t want that for me. However, my temper and the incidents are drawing attention. It’s not my fault. The girls at school are mean to me.
I try to ignore them, but some days, I’m too overwhelmed to block them and everything else out. I’m never the first to hit. They are the ones who put their hands on me.
I have learned to defend myself, so I do. Can anyone blame me for that? I just hate making Michael angry and he gets really angry when I get into fights.
“Symphony, come and sit. It will be okay,” Annabella says from her seat on the couch.
I’ve been pacing since I got home. I haven’t been able to calm down, no matter what I try. My nerves are all over the place and I’m overwhelmed with anxiety.
I start to walk on my toes as my nerves get the best of me. I did beat Sandra down pretty bad. She picks on me the most.
After my first six months of being married, I wanted to be different. I stopped tearing out my hair and asked Annabella to help me cut my hair off so it would grow back evenly. Sandra has made fun of my honey-brown fro whenever she gets a chance. She and her friends are always teasing me.