Chapter 3 The Only Escape Is a Cage

CALISTA P.O.V

On a cloudy morning in Chicago, the wind blowing in my face and my mind racing a mile a minute, I married my fiancé's sworn enemy.

"Are you certain about this Romano?" The priest questioned him with disbelief. "I've known you since you were a little boy. Such.. err.. sudden decision is not in your nature at all."

Romano's resolute voice echoed in the near-empty cathedral, "Yes, Father."

"And you child? Are you certain of this?" The priest questioned me. "Yes, Father," I replied, my throat thick with nostalgia.

It was strange to be in the presence of a priest again. I was born into the church, and my family, like many other mafia families, were strong followers of the Christian faith.

As a child, I had a profound love for the church, but my fondness became too much, and one day, over dinner, I blurted out how I wished to be a nun.

My mother's mouth was open in shock, and my father turned beet red with rage. As the daughter and only child of a Capo, I had duties to fulfill, duties that could not be understood by a five-year-old child

After that day, my father limited my access to the church until eventually, I lost all interest. Even after he died, I couldn't bring myself to go back; it was a painful reminder of everything I had sacrificed to be the perfect daughter.

"Very well." The priest gave us a small smile. His brown eyes were warm beneath the spectacles he wore.

"Since you both are certain, let us proceed. As you requested an immediate wedding, we will have to forgo some of the traditional ceremonies. We'll keep it simple."

Romano dipped his chin in appreciation. "Thank you, Father."

I was still reeling to know that the stranger at the bar was Romano Cappellucci. The leader of the Chicago Mafia.

And we were getting married.

I still haven't - couldn't process it.

He hadn't explained much as he drove us here, only that if I wanted to be part of his family and gain my freedom and protection from Matteo, I needed to marry him right away.

There were no other choices for me. No other options, so I weakly shook my head and followed him.

How he had gotten the rings for our marriage, I didn't know. I wasn't paying attention to anything. My mind screamed that I had just traded one devil for a bigger one.

I had made a big mistake by coming to Chicago.

"Romano, take Calista's hand and face me." The priest's words dragged me out of my thoughts.

He took my hand in his.

Romano. Matteo's long-time enemy and my husband-to-be.

My stomach fluttered widely despite myself.

Romano's big, callused hand covered my small one. He squeezed mine, and some of my unease washed away.

"Do you, Romano Cappellucci, take Calista to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?"

I searched his face for a flicker of uncertainty, for him to bail out on me and laugh about this absurdity.

"I do," he replied with confidence.

The priest turned towards me, reciting the same words he had asked Romano

"I do." Romano would protect me from Matteo. I could live a free and safe life in Chicago. I could even be happy again, even though our marriage was as fake as the smile I plastered on my face.

"Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you, Romano and Calista, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

I tensed. We hadn't talked about this. Romano's whiskey-coloured eyes held mine. He leaned forward and cupped my cheeks.

There was an unreadable expression on his face as he brought his lips down to mine and then kissed me.

I could have gone mad when his lips touched mine. He tasted of richness and danger and everything I should stay away from

This was the man I was raised to fear, to hate and I was kissing him on the altar. His ring on my hand.

Romano kissed me deeply and I felt his hot tongue brush over my mouth, seeking entrance; my breathing hitched; just as I was about to open my mouth so he could deepen the kiss further, he pulled back, taking the warmth and sweetness of his mouth away.

"Congratulations Mr and Mrs Cappellucci." The priest chanted.

That was it. Just like that I had become the wife of my enemy. No, not my enemy anymore. He was my savior. I didn't dare imagine what life would Matteo would be like.

Roman led me down the altar. He was quiet in a way that made me nervous. "What now?" I asked

"There would be no meddling in each other's personal affairs." His voice was stoic and hard.

My brows furrowed but he continued without looking at me.

"You have your life, and I have mine. There will be no romantic expectations, emotional support, or shared personal lives. We'll maintain separate lives, you'll be my partner in name only. I will protect you from Matteo and you will stay safe within the Chicago territory"

Something, some fragile hope inside my shattered and I gulped. "What would you gain?"

I hurried to keep up with his long stride even as his face darkened. "You are giving me the greatest protection a Capo can give someone; your name, what would you gain from me?"

There must be some reason why he decided to help me without a wink of thought

Romano's lips tilted to the side, and a smile hovered on his handsome, rugged face. He finally looked at me and the ice in his next words sent chills all over me. "Revenge"

I paused in my tracks just as we reached the doors of the church. Romano stilled too and drew his full height which towered over me

I wanted to ask. To demand what he meant by revenge. Yes, my flash marriage to Romano would be a slap to Matteo's face but revenge?

Revenge for what? For who?

He stretched out his hand before I could voice any word. "Let's go"

I tentatively placed mine in his large ones, and a pulsing sensation spread all over my body. "Where to?"

In the morning light, the amber in his eyes glowed bright. Then Romano smirked, full of cruelty. "I'm going to have my first taste of a long-sought vengeance."

"How?"

Nothing made sense anymore, and my heart raced behind my ribcage. If I thought he had married me to help me, then I was a fool

Romano Cappellucci would not do anything that isn't in his favor. And I had a feeling this was deeper than it seemed.

His smirk slowly faded. "We're going to pay Matteo a visit," He said. "As Man and wife."