Page 62 of Tragic Empire

Good! Matteo caused a bit of a ruckus when he announced he wouldn’t be returning to Empire next semester. He refuses to go without me, and won’t be swayed. He wants to stay home and help me and Dmitri with the twins.

Jade

But Dad and Apollo eventually relented and agreed not to push. It’s not like Empire graduation holds that much weight in The Outfit, anyways. It’s mostly just tradition.

I smile at Matteo’s undying show of love and loyalty to Jade. And she’s right about what graduating from Empire Academy means. To some syndicates, it’s make or break. You either finish, or you’re disowned and thrown out on your arse. But to families like the Morettis, blood is more meaningful than any sort of tradition.

And it isn’t like Matteo truly needs more training to survive, he’s likely been a formidable man since his early teens. Dante Moretti isn’t the kind of man who leaves preparing his children entirely up to strangers. He would have taught them all various skills from a young age. Fighting, weapon handling, the ways of business, and more.

Ana

Good for him. Good riddance to that blasted island, I say. I wouldn’t mind never going back.

Empire isn’t all bad, but it puts me on edge. I don’t trust strangers, and at a college of any kind, you’re surrounded by them. When that college is full of mafia heirs, heiresses, and soldiers, it only adds to the possible dangers.

Jade

Well…

Jade

I hope you wouldn’t mind coming back for a wedding? Dmitri and I are thinking about having our ceremony there.

My heart leaps with an excited beat. Oh… that would be gorgeous! Empire Academy is seated on a secluded forest-like island, and the land itself is beautiful. Its black sand beaches, tall dark trees, and foggy air makes it feel more like the Pacific Northwest than any kind of tropical paradise. A wedding there would be lovely.

Not to mention significant for Jade. She would have likely never met Dmitri without attending Empire. And if she did somehow cross paths with the Russian heir one day, they wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see one another intimately. Their families wouldn’t have allowed it. Dating him in secret, sneaking around the campus, that’s how their love story began, and having a wedding there would only make it all the more special.

Though they’re technically married on paper, they haven’t had an official ceremony. And of course, I would never miss my best friend’s big day. I’m getting excited jitters just thinking about it.

Ana

That’s a wonderful idea! Of course I would go back for you. You name the date and I’m there.

Jade

Phew! I was hoping you’d agree to be my maid of honor? Honestly I wanted to ask you in person with a cute little gift or something, but I’m too impatient! I’ve been itching to ask.

My cheeks pinch in a smile.God, she’s too cute.

Ana

I’d be honored, Jade. You were by my side for my wedding, and I’d love to do the same for you.

Jade

Ugh, I’m gonna cry. I’m so excited!

Jade

We don’t have a date yet, but you’ll be the first to know when we do. I’ve got to go wrestle Cesar away from Matteo, I do not trust how quiet they’re being right now!

I snort whilereading the message. Matteo is probably plotting world domination with the six-month-old, talking to him like he can truly comprehend.I worry about the days when Cesar is finally able to walk and talk. He has his uncle’s love for mischief sparkling in his eyes already.

Ana

Good luck! Talk soon, xx.

I’m thinking about tossing my phone to the side when I bite my lip in contemplation, my thumb over the Instagram icon. I haven’t updated any of my socials since getting married, and I’ve been purposely avoiding them. I know news of my marriage will have gotten out—Dante asked Jade to post pictures so I didn’t have to, after all. But I haven’t sought them out, wanting to steer clear of any outside reactions.