Bound To My Mafia Stepuncles novel Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Arias’s POV

The sky was still dark when I arrived at the wedding venue. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of fresh flowers and morning dew. It should have been peaceful, but instead, I felt a weight pressing down on me. Today was my mother’s wedding to Victor, and I had been here since dawn, making sure everything was perfect. Not that she would notice.

The garden was beautiful, decorated with twinkling fairy lights and rows of white roses. Golden chairs were neatly arranged, and a soft melody played in the background, adding to the dreamy atmosphere. Guests had begun arriving, dressed in their finest, their laughter ringing through the air. I wished I could disappear into the shadows.

By the time my mother and Cassandra arrived, the ceremony was about to begin. They looked perfect, as always. My mother was glowing in a fitted ivory gown, her long, dark curls styled to perfection. Cassandra, in a stunning red dress that hugged her curves, looked like a goddess. Her golden hair cascaded in soft waves, and she wore red heels that clicked elegantly against the stone path. 1, on the other hand, felt like an outsider in the black dress Gloria had practically forced me into.

It was a square–neck gown with twisted detailing at the waist and cape–like sleeves that flowed as I moved. The slit on the side made me feel exposed, and my mother’s earlier comment about it not suiting me played in my mind. I had styled my hair in a sleek bun, added a gold bangle, and wore a dainty necklace, but it didn’t make me feel any better.

The ceremony started, but I barely paid attention. My mother and Victor stood at the altar, holding hands, exchanging vows and promises they wouldn’t keep. I had seen her go through marriages before, each one starting with hope and ending in disappointment. Why would this one be any different?

I watched as Victor looked into my mother’s eyes with an expression of devotion, but I had learned long ago that love in our world was more about convenience than feelings. Their voices blended into the background as I stared off at the horizon, my heart heavy.

The moment the ceremony ended, I turned away, heading toward the reception area. The tables were covered in white and gold linens, candles flickering in the gentle breeze. The smell of rich food filled the air, making my stomach turn. I had been too busy to eat all day, but I had no appetite.

As I reached for a glass of champagne, my mother’s voice cut through the noise. “Aria, stop looking so miserable. You’re ruining the mood.”

I turned to her, blinking. “How exactly am I ruining the mood of over a hundred people by not smiling?”

She sighed, brushing an invisible speck off her dress. “This is an important day. Try to act like you’re happy for me.‘

I clenched my jaw, swallowing the words I wanted to say. Instead, I nodded stiffly. She smiled, satisfied, before walking off to entertain guests. I downed my champagne in one gulp, the bubbles stinging my throat. It did nothing to wash away the

bitterness.

Cassandra was nowhere to be seen, likely off charming someone with her beauty. She had always been the perfect daughter, the one who fit into my mother’s world effortlessly. I had long accepted that I would never be like her.

Feeling suffocated, I turned back to the bar, ordering another drink, As I lifted the glass to my lips, the air in the garden suddenly shifted. A hush spread through the crowd, and Lheard the faint murmurs of guests.

Curious, I turned around–and nearly dropped my drink.

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Chapter 8

It was them.

Matteo and Enzo.

But this time, there were three of them.

My heart stuttered in my chest. I blinked, thinking I was imagining things. But no, there they were, standing at the entrance like they owned the place. Matteo, with his signature smirk, Enzo, as cold and unreadable as ever, and a third man who looked just like them–but different in a way I couldn’t quite place.

The new one had the same striking features–the sharp jawline, the piercing blue eyes–but his presence was even more intense. While Matteo radiated playful charm and Enzo exuded authority, this one was pure mystery. His gaze swept over the crowd, pausing on me for just a second longer than necessary.

I felt trapped under their stares. What the hell were they doing here?

Matteo’s lips curved into a lazy smile as he strolled forward, completely unfazed by the attention they were drawing. “Well, well, well. Fancy seeing you here, little star.”

you doing here?”

I gripped the glass in my hand. “What are

He placed a hand over his heart dramatically.

Can’t a man crash a wedding without being interrogated?”

Enzo rolled his eyes. “We’re not crashing. We were invited.”

I frowned, my stomach twisting. “By who?”

Before they could answer, my mother’s voice rang out again, all charm and warmth: “Ah, Matteo, Enzo, Dante! I’m so glad you could make it.”

Dante. So that was the third one’s name.

I stared at her in disbelief. She invited them?

Dante nodded politely, his expression unreadable. “Congratulations, Linda.”

She beamed at him, then turned to Matteo. “I was beginning to wonder if you’d show up.”

Matteo smirked. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

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