Scarlet Vows: Trapped in the Mafia's Embrace

happiness. The diamond ring on her finger caught the light, sending tiny rainbows across her cream-colored walls. "Perfect," she whispered, touching the ring. Three more days until Christmas Eve, w

ia nodded proudly. Papa's tree business made him popular with rich families who bought giant Christmas trees every year. He had connections everywhere. "Speaking of your father," Luca lowered his voice, "I asked for his blessing yesterday." Alessia gasped. "You did? What did he say?" "He cried." Luca grinned. "Then he hugged me so hard I thought my ribs would crack." Their food arrived, steaming and delicious. Alessia twirled pasta around her fork, happiness bubbling inside her. "Three more days until we announce it," she said. "Christmas Eve will be perfect." Luca's phone buzzed. He frowned at the screen. "Sorry. Work." While he typed a response, Alessia watched families outside the window. A little girl in a red coat pressed her nose against the glass of the toy store next door. Someday, that would be her daughter, she thought. Her and Luca's children would have Christmas traditions just like the ones she grew up with. "Isabella's coming home today," she told Luca when he put his phone down. His fork paused halfway to his mouth. "Is she? How long is she staying?" "Through New Year's," Alessia sighed. "I hope she's in a good mood." Luca nodded. Everyone knew Isabella could be difficult. "Maybe she's changed," he suggested, but didn't sound convinced. After lunch, Luca walked her to her car. Snowflakes started falling again, landing in his dark hair. "See you at dinner tomorrow night?" she asked. "Wouldn't miss it." He brushed a snowflake from her cheek. "I love you, Alessia Rossi." "I love you too," she whispered, rising on tiptoes to kiss him. As she drove home, Christmas music playing on the radio, Alessia couldn't imagine being happier. She had everything-a wonderful fiancé, a loving family, a beautiful home, and her favorite holiday approaching. The Rossi house glowed with Christmas lights when she pulled into the driveway. Through the front window, she could see the massive tree Papa had picked out, covered in ornaments collected over decades. Tomorrow they would finish decorating it. Alessia stepped inside, stamping snow from her boots. Voices drifted from the kitchen-Papa was back with Isabella. Taking a deep breath, Alessia plastered on a smile and walked toward the kitchen. She hadn't seen her sister in months. Maybe Isabella had changed. Maybe this Christmas would be perfect after all. She paused in the doorway. Isabella sat at the kitchen counter, blonde curls perfect despite her long flight. She wore a designer outfit that probably cost more than Alessia's monthly pay from the bookstore