Union Of Death (Secrets of The Famiglia Part 2) novel Chapter 43

“Papa. No, not him.”

My questions are kept in my head as my father gives me a brief story of what happened.

It has been two hours, one hour after my father has arrived. I stand here, looking at a view I once thought I would be doing with a man I love. It was a wish. Knowing my freedom in this life of mine belongs to me is now no more. Did my luck finally run out?

While Marco was busy getting my sister killed, was he planning to be the Capo Dei Capi all along? Was killing his father a power play?

“I might just make an honest woman out of you.” Marco’s words on the roof top, a life time ago appears in my head.

I am staring out the window, my mind filled with those moments I have shared with Marco Catelli.

What do I say? I am his second option, and with him I don’t have a choice any longer, my father is right to say the Shadows can’t help with this.

But still, I say, “Shouldn’t a full Italian be his wife? I don’t think I am enough. I'm not the right fit for Marco. He will never love me.”

"He chose you Aliyana, saying no would insult the Capo and embarrass our family. And Marco is a powerful man, love is for the weak, Aliyana, if Marco marries you, you will have the entire state protecting you, not just The Shadows.”

Yeah, while he tries to take over The Shadows, because knowing him I don’t see him bending to my will for very long.

"It's not the reason Papa, I refuse."

I watch the moon call from the sky, "I have seen Marco, spoken to him. I know he loved Camilla. I am not that, I am different. You said so yourself last week. Do you remember? I like to paint, and study, I kill people, nothing about me screams wife.”

I spin around as my heart feels like an overflowing cup of bowling water. Tasteless, besides for that burn. Marco Catelli is selfish to ask me to do this. He knows that I would have no choice.

As much I want to believe we do have choices, in this case the consequences are so grave that even I can’t refuse.

"You are strong, Principessa, you can keep him safe. You can protect him and give him an heir, and that is primarily what he wants." I look at my father as he walks closer to me and takes my hands in his own.

“Why do the other men wear rings on their pinkies but some on their index finger papa?”

“You were always so observant my child.”

He is so tall, and lost so much, but even he can't turn down such an opportunity. Two daughters married to the Catelli’s was a sign of influence and status.

Yet, a small part of me, thinks of another reason that was supposed to be forgotten. Marco Catelli doesn’t make decisions without a logical reason. His words, his actions, he has put his first decision on the list. A Queen.

I nod in understanding.

There's no saying 'no' to him, we both know that my reservations are for nothing.

There is only one answer, one thing left to do, "Yes, I will marry Marco Catelli.”

My father looks at me with respect and understanding. This is not the life I had planned out.

"He'll be here tomorrow,” My father says.

But I have another plan, "No need, I will see him tonight."

“He is mourning, Aliyana.”

I look at my father, “So am I.”

There is nothing left I have to say to my father, I will marry him, but my father would not use me as a pawn to gain influence in the Catelli family. And Marco Catelli will not get the satisfaction of using me either.