Mafia bride

ncing in the breeze. There was something bittersweet about the fall, the reminder that everything changed, even the seasons. And she learnt long ago that change often came at a price. Th

fine. It's just... surprising, that's all. Isabella didn't sound convinced. If you said so, she replied sceptically. Vivienne, it's Alessandro Cruz. He's not some ghost from your past. He's here. And I'm pretty sure he'd love to hear from you. The words hung in the air, thick with implication. Vivienne bit her lip, trying to push the thoughts away, but they clung to her like a thick fog. The man she had left behind was Alessandro Cruz. And now, of all times, he was back. Thanks for letting me know, Vivienne said, trying to sound casual. She wasn't ready to think about Alessandro, not now, not when she had so much else on her mind. Isabella's voice softened, sensing the tension. I'll talk to you later, okay? Just... don't shut him out, Vivienne. Don't make the same mistake twice. Vivienne didn't answer. She hung up the phone and set it down, her mind racing. She wasn't sure what to do with the news. She didn't want to think about Alessandro, didn't want to remember what they had. Not now, not when her whole life felt like it was falling apart. But the memories of him, his smile, his touch, and the warmth of his embrace came flooding back. She closed her eyes, exhaling slowly. She couldn't allow the past to divert her attention. Not now. A flashback of Alessandro and Vivienne's love It had been five years ago, a lifetime ago, it seemed. Vivienne sat on the hood of Alessandro's car, her legs swinging in the air as they parked at their secret spot on the cliffs overlooking the town. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden light over everything. I don't want to go, Alessandro said softly, his voice tinged with sadness as he glanced over at Vivienne. His dark eyes, always so intense, searched hers for something, understanding, maybe. He appeared to reassure her that she would not do what she had decided. Vivienne forced a smile, trying to make it sound casual, like it was nothing. But inside, she felt like everything was falling apart. You have to go, Alessandro. Your family's waiting for you. They need you. He shook his head, his hand gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white. I don't care what they want. I care about you. You're all that matters to me. I'm not going anywhere without you. Vivienne's heart ached at his words. God, how she had wanted to believe him. But she couldn't. She couldn't let herself believe him. The cost was too high for her to bear. They're going to ruin us, she said, her voice breaking. You know they will. Your father... he'll never accept me. I can't be the reason your family falls apart, Alessandro. You have to go. This trip is necessary for both of us. His jaw clenched, his face twisting in a mixture of anger and sorrow. You don't understand. I love you. I don't care w