The morning of the wedding started with noise all over the mansion. Servants carried flowers, trays of food, and decorations back and forth. Isabella stood in her room, staring at the white dress hanging by the closet.

Giulia came in without knocking. “You’re still not dressed? The ceremony starts in two hours.”

“I know,” Isabella said quietly.

Giulia walked over and stroked the fabric of the dress. "It's gorgeous. People would kill to get to wear something like that."

Isabella fixed her with a flat look. "Then let one of them wear it."

Giulia snickered. "Too late. Everyone's already here."

---

Sofia arrived after Giulia left. She sat on the bed, her fists clenched. "Bella… you don't have to do this. You could run."

"Run where?" Isabella asked. "You know as well as I do we wouldn't get far."

"I just don't want to see you stuck with him forever," Sofia interrupted, shaking her head.

Isabella sat beside her. "It's not forever if I don't think about forever. It's just today."

"That's not how marriage works," Sofia said.

Isabella wrapped her arms around her and sighed. "I'll be okay. Don't worry."

---

Later, Bianca entered the room holding a small box. “This was mine,” she said. She opened it to reveal a simple gold bracelet. “Wear it today. For luck.”

Isabella hesitated before taking it. “Thank you.”

Bianca smiled faintly. “Dante may be harsh, but he is not careless. You’ll be safe with him.”

Isabella didn’t answer.

---

Her belly had tightened by the time she fastened the dress. Her face was brushed by the veil as she went down the stairs. The hallway was crowded with guests, murmuring voices, faces observing her every move. Some of them smiled, some others whispered behind their hands.

Marco stood by the front, talking to two men in suits. He looked at Isabella and nodded once, as if to approve.

The music started. Isabella's heart pounded. She clutched her bouquet so tightly her fingers throbbed.

She walked down the aisle slowly. Each step was a struggle. Dante stood waiting at the end, his face peaceful, his eyes fixed only on hers.

When she was before him, he took his hand and wrapped it tightly around hers. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles, his lips warm against her skin.

"Breathe," he breathed so that she alone could hear.

She didn't answer.

The priest began the vows. "Do you, Dante De Luca, take Isabella Romano—"

"I do," Dante said without hesitation, his voice steady.

Isabella's turn. The priest looked at her. "Do you, Isabella Romano, take Dante De Luca—"

Her mouth was parched. She looked at Dante. His eyes didn't waver. Finally, she breathed, "I do."

The priest nodded. "You may exchange vows."

Dante did not hesitate. He clutched her hand tighter. "I promise to protect you, no matter what it takes. You'll never be alone. Not so long as I live."

His words were bitter and sharp, but the way he spoke them was what held her chest.

She shook when she replied. "I… I promise to stay at your side."

The rings were placed on. The priest declared them husband and wife. The room erupted into applause and whispers.

Dante moved close in and kissed her cheek softly. To the guests, it was acceptable. To her, it was a warning.

---

The reception started soon after. Food and wine tables filled the hall. Music played, and laughter circulated. Isabella sat stiffly at the long table beside Dante.

Giulia raised her glass. "To the groom and bride!"

The guests all clapped. Isabella forced a half-smile and took some of the wine.

Sofia sat nearby, watching her sister worriedly. She leaned in closer. "Are you okay?"

"I'll get through it," Isabella said quietly.

Marco placed a hand on Dante's back. "You've done great. The families will note strength today."

One of the visitors, a man from another clan, leaned forward and told him, "She's beautiful. Better than I anticipated."

Dante's eyes flashed to him, cold. "Mind your manners."

The man smiled hastily and looked down at his plate.

Isabella squirmed. Tension hung in the air, but no one was foolish enough to challenge Dante again.

---

Hours passed. The guests ate, drank, and mingled. Isabella excused herself for a moment, walking toward the garden doors just to get some fresh air. Sofia followed.

"You're doing all right for yourself," Sofia whispered.

"I'm pretending," Isabella admitted. "That's all I can do."

Before Sofia could answer, noise at the front of the hall. Shouting, and then the slam of doors opening.

Isabella froze. Dante's men involuntarily went for their guns.

Guns-wielding men stormed in. Adrian was among them, his face twisted into a sneer, the gun held aloft.

"Congratulations, Isabella!" Adrian thundered across the room. "What a beautiful wedding. Too bad it won't last."

Chaos struck as guests screamed and cowered. Dante stood up, unflappable even then, his hand poised above his gun.

Isabella's heart pounded as Adrian pointed the gun right at Dante.

"This..."Adrian yelled, "is the start of war.".