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Maybe that was why the Miones had agreed to the marriage. Perhaps they thought it would turn the rumors more favorable or finally drag the attention away from their daughter who now lived with the enemy Capo in Las Vegas.
Even if that option wasn’t really an ego booster, it was better than the alternative: that Danilo blackmailed Samuel in some way. I loved my brother, but he could be ruthless.
I sighed and closed my eyes. It didn’t stop my thoughts from whirring, but eventually, I fell asleep.
I’d chosen the more festive of the two dresses that I’d brought. A berry-colored floor-length cocktail dress that accentuated mywaist and covered my legs. I was still shy about them even though they apparently weren’t different, albeit less muscled than someone who used them for walking. A small origami four-leaf clover I’d folded this morning sat beside me in my wheelchair, hidden under my skirt. I hoped it would bring me luck today. I wasn’t very superstitious in daily life, but I liked to use additional luck bringers for special occasions. I’d also hidden another four-leaf clover in the inside pocket of Danilo’s jacket. Knowing him, he’d need all the luck to make his marriage to Sofia work.
The home of the Miones wasn’t accessible, but they’d installed a temporary ramp so I could reach the front door. The open doorways, spacious rooms, and smooth marble flooring allowed me to move easily through the mansion. When I entered the living room by Danilo’s side, my eyes immediately sought Samuel, hoping for something that would ease my worries, but he didn’t look my way. He was in conversation with his father and seemed oblivious to my presence. I was impossibly nervous—not just about talking to Samuel but also about everyone’s reaction to the announcement.
As usual, he looked incredibly good in a dark blue suit that brought out the blue of his eyes even more. I tried to imagine seeing those eyes gazing upon me with love, but the image always distorted before it could fully form.
When it was time for our announcement, my stomach was knotted. Danilo gave me a brief smile before he and Mr. Mione addressed the guests.
Mr. Mione cleared his throat, then clanged his knife against his wineglass. “We have another announcement to make. Danilo, would you?”
I could see the confusion on Sofia’s face and cringed inwardly. I really wished Danilo had talked to her before, but I didn’t feel like it was my place to do so.
“It is with great honor that I’d like to announce that our families, the Miones and the Mancinis, will further our bond. Samuel will marry Emma the same summer as my wedding to Sofia takes place,” Danilo said in a festive tone.
I held my breath, feeling my cheeks heat under the sudden attention.
Samuel stepped up to my side, gave me a quick smile that was tense and definitely not joyful, then lightly touched my shoulder. A pleasant shiver passed through my body at the contact. Samuel smelled wonderful, and his fingers felt warm and strong.
The reactions of the people in the room ranged from open shock to utter disbelief or even blatant incomprehension. Only Mom looked absolutely delighted.
Soon, the first people came over to congratulate us. While Dante and Valentina and even Anna and Sofia seemed honest, soon other guests appeared before us that had trouble hiding their true emotions. I could see their astonishment over the announcement. Some looked almost displeased as if this bond went against their belief system. I forced my face to remain pleasant and accept their congratulations as if they weren’t fake. I didn’t dare look up at Samuel, embarrassed by people’s demeanor that he certainly must have picked up on too.
I even picked up the occasional tidbit of whispered conversation.
“It’s a shame.”
“He’s such an attractive man. What a pity.”
“Maybe they’ll pay a surrogate, or he’ll get a mistress pregnant.”
The last one made my eyes burn with unshed tears. I risked a glance up at Samuel. His hand still rested lightly on my shoulder, but he hadn’t said anything. He narrowed his eyes at a couple who didn’t hide their disapproval of the announcement,causing them to lower their faces at his silent reprimand. It made me feel a bit better.
He leveled his gaze on me. His expression was emotionless and completely controlled. “Are you all right?” he asked quietly.
“Of course,” I said quickly. I didn’t want him to think I was soft and breakable, even if I often felt that way at moments like this.
He gave a terse nod, his eyes slanting to the next couple of congratulators.
The Miones approached us when the attention shifted back to Sofia and Danilo. They smiled at me, but while Ines looked genuinely happy, Pietro seemed more restrained. “Congratulations,” Ines said and bent down to kiss my cheek and hug me lightly. She was a woman who still turned many heads with her shiny blond hair and elegant appearance.
“Thank you, Mrs. Mione,” I said softly.
“Please call me Ines. We’ll be family in two years.”
I flushed and nodded. Pietro shook my hand. I hadn’t really expected a hug from him. I knew him as a restrained man. “Call me Pietro.”
“Thank you,” I said again. I wasn’t sure what else to say. I still hadn’t processed what had happened. Ines gave Samuel a warm smile, but I also caught a hint of worry in her eyes. Was it because of me?
“I hear that you participate in an organization that raises money to help other people with disabilities?” Ines asked.
I was surprised she knew. I never talked about it, mainly because people didn’t show any interest in my life after my accident. I nodded. “Yes. We also created a support group for Made Men with disabilities.”
Pietro and Samuel exchanged a look that made it clear they thought it unnecessary. Many men were too proud to consider seeking help for any problem. But quite a few Made Men lostlimbs, their vision, or the ability to walk or hear. It was a dangerous life, after all, and many considered themselves less of a man when they were disabled in some way. Suicide wasn’t uncommon among men after such a tragedy. Some still favored death over what they considered living an unworthy life. As a young woman, it was difficult to make an impact on these men, but we had a pastor who led the meetings.