I wasn’t marrying Leonardo, so I had no reason to answer him. Leonardo’s expression turned ice–cold. His eyes were filled with
fury.
Just then, Ivan reached out and took my hand in front of everyone, speaking calmly, “I respect Madeline’s wishes in all matters. Whatever she decides is how we will proceed.”
The warmth of his palm steadied my heart.
“Yes, yes! My brother is right! Mom, Dad, Madeline and I already have everything planned out. You just have to wait for our wedding,” Leonardo suddenly interjected. The elders at the table looked at him in astonishment.
Vincent finally lost his temper. “We are discussing your brother’s marriage. Why do you keep interrupting?”
Leonardo remained oblivious. His expression was relaxed. “My brother is getting married? That’s great! We should have our weddings together. It’ll be a grand celebration for the Vittorio family!”
Vincent frowned. “What nonsense are you spouting? There is no ‘together.‘ It is not your time yet! The ones getting married are your brother and Madeline! You don’t have the bearing of a mafia leader at all! Stop causing trouble!”
“Dad, did you just say my brother and Madeline are getting married?”
Before Vincent could respond, Ivan raised our joined hands and looked directly at Leonardo.
“The ones getting married are Madeline and me.”
“This is impossible! Absolutely impossible!”
Leonardo shot up from his seat. Disbelief was written all over his face.
“Leonardo! What madness has taken hold of you tonight? If you don’t get yourself under control, I will throw you out!”
I glanced around the table. Every person seated here was one of the Vittorio family’s deadliest assassins.
In my previous life, I had died at a family banquet just like this.
But this time, it wouldn’t happen. I ran a finger along the rim of my wine glass and deliberately knocked it over, spilling red wine on myself.
“Ivan, I’ve stained my dress. Could you accompany me to get changed?”
Ivan raised an eyebrow at me and stood up.
Inside the room, he gently pressed a hand to my shoulder and chuckled. “You’re still as cunning as ever. And just as adorable.”
His dark gaze was penetrating. He saw right through my little trick.
“I had to. The banquet hall was full of Leonardo’s men. If a shootout starts, it won’t end in our favor.”
+15 BONUS
