2

___Chapter Two __

Bella Jaun

I exhaled shakily as I stepped out of my room in my white floral print dress. I was nervous. All around.

I watched the whole staff making heavy preparation as they ran helter Skelter like some god was in the room.

Standing at the top of the grand staircase, watching as he exchanged pleasantries with my father. Yes, him.

Dylan DiMaggio stood in the center of the hall, speaking in low tones with my father. His presence was magnetic, commanding, as though he owned the room without trying. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with a sophisticated black suit that seemed perfect to his powerful fame.

His dark hair was perfectly styled, the sharp fitted in with his jaw.. His piercing gray eyes were like shards of ice, scanning the room with a confidence that made everyone else seem insignificant.

Yes, that was all I could see.

I stood still as he stared up at me, my breath suddenly seizing. I felt the urge of irritation in me, but then I found myself drooling on his strong hands, his chiseled cheekbones, the way his mouth curved into a smirk as he spoke.

“You’re staring,” he suddenly said, his voice smooth and low, like a predator who had just seen his prey.

My stomach twisted. I blinked, realising I hadn't moved an inch from the stairs since I stood there. His gaze was locked on mine, sharp and never giving up.

“Drooling, actually,” he added, his smirk deepening.

My cheeks burned with anger and embarrassment. “In your dreams,” I said, shooting back at him, my voice echoing through the room as my family raised their heads towards me. I crossed my arm tightly over my chest.

Jaun,” my father called, beckoning me down the stairs but I didn't move, my eyes still locked on Dylan and his voice came again.

“Juan, sit down. Now.” This time, it was more like a warning to me. Because I knew him way too much.

Rolling my eyes, I finally got down and sat stiffly in the chair across from Dylan, avoiding his horrible gaze.

“Shall we discuss the details of the arrangement?” Dylan said, turning his attention back to my father and I scoffed.

As my father and Dylan began to speak, I diverted from them, my mind foaming in anger. They spoke as though I wasn't even there, discussing marriage, logistics, alliances,power moves, things that meant nothing to me but would only dictate the course of my life.

I didn't care anyways. I didn't want to care. All I wanted was to get out of this room, away from this man whom I disgusted with every ounce in me.

My phone buzzed, interrupting my thoughts and as I saw the name flashing on the screen, my heart pounded rapidly.

“I need to take this,” I said abruptly, standing before anyone could protest. Without waiting for any of their permission, I left the room and hurried down up the stairs to my bedroom.

“Matthew,” I answered, my voice shaky.

There was silence on the other end for a moment before his voice came through, sharp and tense. “Jaun. Is there something you need to tell me?”

My jaw dropped and my heart raced at his words. For the first time, he was asking me this question in a tense situation. “What do you mean?”

“You know exactly what I mean,” Matthew snapped, his voice rising. “Your father sent me a message yesterday. A message telling me that you’re marrying Dylan DiMaggio. He even offered to pay me off to disappear quietly. How long were you planning to wait before telling me yourself?”

I gasped at his words, slowly retreating backwards in shock. “Matthew, I…”

“You didn’t even think to call me?” His voice raised with anger and disbelief. “Were you hoping I wouldn’t find out? Or were you just too scared to tell me the truth?”

My stomach twisted in pain. “I didn’t know he’d sent you a message. I was going to tell you. It was a shock to ……”

“When, Jaun? After you walked down the aisle?”

I flinched at his remark. “No! I just... I didn’t know how to….”

But he only cut me off, his voice hard and plastered with frustration. “Well, I am aware of it now. And let me make one thing clear….I’m not just going to stand by and let some mafia thug take you away from me.”

“Matthew, please,” I quickly said, trying to calm him down. “It’s not what you think. I didn’t agree to this. I don’t want this marriage, but my father….”

“I don’t care what your father wants!” He roared over the phone and I shook slightly. “You’re mine, Jaun, and I’m not letting you go. If Dylan DiMaggio thinks he can just take you, he’s got another thing coming. I’ll deal with him myself if I have to.”

“No! Matthew, listen to me,” I pleaded. “You don’t understand what you’re saying. You can’t go up against him. It’s too dangerous.”

“I don’t care!” he snapped. “If he wants a fight, I’ll give him one.”

My heart raced in panic as I paced through the room, biting my hand anxiously. I tried to find the words to calm him, but before I could, the door to my room creaked open.

I turned sharply, my heart beating as Dylan stepped inside. His presence filled the air, his Gray eyes swept over me with amusement.

“I have to go,” I hurriedly said into the phone, my voice trembling.

“Jaun, wait….” Matthew started, but I ended the call even at that, my fingers shaking as I placed the phone down on my desk.

Dylan casually leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest as he stared down at me. “Matthew, huh?” he said, his tone mocking. “The fiancé. I assume that’s who you were whispering sweet nothings to.”

I glared at him angrily. “You’re invading my privacy.”

He smirked and said. “You’ll be my wife in three days, Jaun. Privacy is a luxury you can no longer afford.”

My eyes turned red in anger and I stepped towards him. “Don't think for a second that I'll just roll over and accept this, Dylan. I don't want this marriage, and I don't want you either.” I spat across his face, my hand pointing on his hard abs.

His eyes darkened at my words, the smirk on his face fading into a colder one. “You don’t have a choice,” he simply said. “Your father made the deal. And if you’re thinking about running to your little fiancé for help, I’d advise against it. He won’t survive a fight with me.”

I raised my brows in shock. “Is that a threat?”

“It’s a fact,” Dylan replied, his voice as sharp as a blade. “I don’t lose, Jaun. Not in business, not in power, and certainly not in marriage. You can fight all you want, but in the end, you’ll still be mine.”

My body raced in fury and anger. “You don’t own me, Dylan. And if you think I’m going to just sit quietly and let you control me, you’re delusional.”

He stepped closer to me, his gaze boring into mine. “And if you think you can defy me without consequences, you’re playing a dangerous game.”

I rolled my eyes at him disgusted by his sight as the both of us stared at each other intensely.

Finally, Dylan leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous whisper. “Three days, Jaun. That’s all you have left to resist. After that, you’ll be Mrs. DiMaggio. And there’s nothing you….or anyone else….can do to stop it.”

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving me standing there, my chest heaving with anger and fear.

“DiMaggio? Does that even sound right to you? It doesn't suit me. I hate you.”