Ellis and Vittorio walked together towards the ballroom of Amorielle Mansion.
"I hope you're happy, Don Vittorio. After all, that's what matters, right?" Ellis asked as she adjusted herself to receive greetings from the attendees.
"Of course, I'm happy, my dear. After all, now you're my wife, and I'm sure we'll make a great couple," Vittorio replied with a smile.
"We'll make a great couple on paper, Vittorio. But that doesn't mean we have any real connection," Ellis said, unable to hide her disdain.
"Oh, my dear, you know I'm a businessman. This marriage is just a beneficial arrangement for both of us. No need for feelings..." Vittorio responded.
"Yes, I know that. But it doesn't mean I can't be disappointed for not choosing my own husband," Ellis said, shrugging her shoulders.
"Who knows, maybe I can make you change your mind about me, my dear," Vittorio smirked.
"I highly doubt that, Don Vittorio. Very much," Ellis rolled her eyes.
"Your lips say that, but I know you felt something when we kissed, don't deny it," Vittorio said, looking at Ellis, who blushed almost immediately.
"I'm glad I managed to fool even you, Don Vittorio," Ellis pretended not to care.
"Stop calling me Don Vittorio, Ellis. We don't need to be so formal now that we're married," Vittorio reminded her.
"Oh, sure, Vittorio. Then, what do you want me to call you?" Ellis asked, faking a smile.
"I don't know. Something that represents me to you," Vittorio suggested. "By the way, I already have one for you."
"Oh, really? And what would that be?" Ellis asked, curious.
"Donna," Vittorio replied as he slid his hand down Ellis' back, causing her to turn towards him. "La Donna della mia vita."
"Oh, yes, that sounds very sweet, if only I knew Italian," Ellis remarked. "You know, I think I already have a perfect nickname for you too..."
"What would that be?" Vittorio asked, smiling.
"Vitinho," Ellis said, faking a smile at her husband.
"Vitinho?" Vittorio repeated, frowning as he watched Ellis walk ahead of him. He continued walking, saying seriously, "That's too childish. It doesn't sound good. Why don't you choose another one?"
"No, I think it's perfect for you," Ellis replied mockingly. "It's a funny nickname because you're all big and tough, but have such a small nickname."
"Ellis, please, stop teasing. I know this marriage is just an arrangement, but let's at least try to be civilized," Vittorio requested, annoyed, as he held Ellis by the arm.
"Fine, Vitinho," Ellis agreed, taking a deep breath while receiving a stern look from her husband. "Sorry if I'm being unpleasant. But you have to admit, it's hard to be romantic and sweet in a marriage I was forced to accept, or else my husband would put a bullet in my brother's head, now your brother-in-law."
"I know," Vittorio admitted, shaking his head. "Know that it wasn't the way I wanted things to be resolved."
"And what was the way you wanted things to be resolved?" Ellis asked, curious.
"I wanted to make you want to marry me," Vittorio revealed, looking at Ellis, who was surprised by the response.
"Okay, but how do I make myself want to marry you
when all of this is because of a debt?" Ellis questioned. "How could I possibly desire that? There's no chance."
"I know, that's why I had to resort to Plan B," Vittorio said with a hint of sadness. "Although Plan A was much more interesting."
"Whatever, Vitinho, it's too late now," Ellis said, shrugging her shoulders.
The two of them stopped in front of the grand doors of the ballroom, which opened simultaneously as they were announced:
"A round of applause for Vittorio and Ellis, Mr. and Mrs. Amorielle."
The scene was magnificent, with impeccable decorations and guests eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newlyweds. As they entered the ballroom, they were greeted with applause and warm congratulations from the guests.
Ellis tried to smile, but couldn't hide her disappointment in marrying Vittorio due to the contract. Vittorio, on the other hand, seemed satisfied and confident, as if he had just won a great victory.
The newlyweds strolled through the ballroom, greeting their guests. The room was filled with members of the Italian mafia, dressed in their finest suits and dresses. Ellis looked around, observing the opulence of the event and the intimidating presence of the guests.
"Ellis, allow me to introduce you to some of the most important families in our organization," Vittorio said, with his arm around her waist.
He led her to a group of men standing by the side of the room.
"This is Enrico Turin, the head of the Turin family," Vittorio said, pointing to a tall man with gray hair and piercing blue eyes. "And this is Lorenzo Gerevini, the leader of the Gerevini family," he continued, introducing a short man with a full mustache and dark eyes.
Ellis shook their hands, feeling nervous in their presence. She noticed how everyone seemed to study her carefully, assessing whether she was truly worthy of being Don Vittorio's wife.
Vittorio then took her to another group of men, introducing her to Vito Barletta, Giovanni Cordopatri, and Luigi Gallo. Each of them had their distinct physical features - Vito was bald with a scar above his right eye, Luigi had a thick beard and a prominent nose, and Giovanni was tall and muscular, with a shaved head and a thick neck.
Each leader had their unique physical characteristics, but they all exuded an air of power and authority. Ellis was surprised by the number of families and the wealth and influence they possessed. She felt grateful to be accepted into this exclusive world but also intimidated by the responsibility that came with being Vittorio's wife.
As they moved through the crowd, Vittorio continued introducing her to other families - the DiMaggio family, the Lombardi family, and the head of the Gattone family, Eleonora's father.
Stefano Gattone was a robust, muscular man with an angular face and a square jaw. His gray hair was styled back in a classic Italian fashion, and he had piercing green eyes that seemed to look directly into your soul. He was dressed in a tailored black suit, with a high-quality white shirt and a silk tie that matched the color of his suit. A pair of black alligator leather shoes completed his look.
"Congratulazioni per le nozze, don Vittorio," Stefano said, kissing Vittorio's cheek. His voice was deep, husky, with a heavy Sicilian accent.
"Thank you, Stefano," Vittorio replied with a slight discomfort. He glanced at the table, searching for the face of his ex-fiancée among them, something
that did not go unnoticed by Ellis. The mafioso smiled and then turned to his bride. "Ellis, this is Stefano Gattone, one of our closest family friends. Stefano, this is my wife, Ellis."
"Pleasure," Ellis replied, practically being pulled by Gattone, who also kissed her cheeks. "Okay..."
"The pleasure is mine, signora. By the way, molto bella..." Stefano said, turning to Vittorio. "Non è più bella di mia figlia. Che, tra l'altro, sarebbe un'ottima moglie, non crede, Don Vittorio?"
"Perhaps..." Vittorio replied, nodding his head with a smile, which made Ellis smile as well, even though she didn't understand what they were saying.
At that moment, the two mobsters could have been plotting her demise, and the young woman would never know. I need to learn Italian, Ellis thought, while forcing a smile at the two of them.
"Maybe... if she hadn't slept with my enemy..." Vittorio continued to Stefano, who widened his eyes. "By the way, where is she?"
"Behind you."
Vittorio turned around, followed by Ellis, toward the voice of the Gattone heiress, accompanied by none other than Tommaso Grecco.