All I saw before my eyes was her. The sun was shining, and her brown hair reminded me of the moment when, as a child, I would pull her by her braided pigtails. I didn't know why she was coming to the altar, why her smile was trembling, why there were tears in her brown eyes. Reality hit me when I saw her sit down in front of me, her hands trembling. I was going to kill the one who did this to me, who forced her to be here. I saw her gaze turn to my father, and all my blood turned cold. He didn't know what had happened between us, having the impression that all these years we had been friends, if I may say so.
When Rosalie walked next to me, my soul screamed. I felt something break inside me, and Bianca's gaze undressed me, leaving me without any walls, no masks. Her sharp words still echoed in my mind, and my wife's loving smile made me sick. I knew I wouldn't give her what she wanted, and I didn't intend to. There would be an ocean between us, and nothing would make me want to be with her, not when the woman behind her was the one I loved.
I saw her staring intently, the priest waiting for me to say "I do," my lips saying those words like a prayer for the future. Rosalie's red lips touched mine, but no shiver ran through me. It was platonic for me, but for her it was a victory. The mafia prince had found his match and she had been the chosen one, the lucky one.
When we turned to our families, I saw how red rose petals were everywhere. My new wife knew that I hated these flowers with all my heart because they reminded me of the moment of Bianca's torture, of the blood that I was unable to stop flowing. When she found out that she would attend the wedding, she did everything possible to take her place, to become her. She knew who I loved, and when I put on her wedding ring, I saw that they were the rings that Bianca had drawn when we were little. And now I remember when I told her that I would give them to her at our wedding, only that in years to come, they would be on another woman's finger. The coldness in Bianca's gaze confirmed to me that she had not forgotten what had happened between us, that she still could not erase the past. As much as this hurt me, the beautiful parts still remained deep in my soul.
*
The room Rosalie had chosen for the after-party was packed with guests, and my wife couldn't keep her hands off me. I was like a mannequin to her, and I knew that if I made a bad move, her family would raise their guns on me. And that couldn't happen since not all the guests were part of our world, we were taking too much of a risk. Another hour until midnight and I would be taking the first plane to the States. Rosalie can do whatever she wants, it's none of my business as long as her bodyguards don't bother me.
As I loosened my tie, I saw Bianca dancing next to a man whose name I didn't know. I wasn't told she would be coming with anyone, and that was driving me crazy. His hands were on her waist, and another man was admiring her luscious curves. She was laughing and smiling with him, dancing as if it were the last waltz. Dancing was always the only moment for her when she forgot about everything and let herself be carried away by the music.
My mind went on autopilot as I pulled away from Rosalie. The footsteps were carrying me towards Bianca, and my heart was pounding at its peak, hearing her in my ears. I heard her telling the stranger to leave, and the desperation inside me was screaming so loudly that when I got closer to her, I said what came to mind.
- The evening is not over yet. The guests will stay for the last event of the evening. It's a shame you came all the way here not to stay until the end.
Seeing that Bianca wouldn't let go of him, I signaled the DJ to change the song. I knew I had to have this moment, to explain how I felt, and this was my only chance. When she left this room, the spell would break and I would lose her forever.
- If you don't mind, I'd like to take Bianca to a dance. It's our favorite song, isn't it, my doll?
- I don't think it's appropriate to be so close to me, Aleksander, Bianca said sharply, trying to escape from my arms, but I pulled her towards me, pressing her to my chest, holding her captive. What doesn't desperation do to a man in love, right?
- I don't remember a single moment when you cared what others thought.
- Do I have to mention that you never knew me? she said in a cold voice.
- No matter how hard you try to make me suffer, you won't succeed. I won't let you leave me like you did today after you gave me the photo of us. Even though there's a wedding ring on my finger, she's not the woman who stole my heart and who never gave it back to me.
- If you think you love me, you're kidding yourself. I could never love you, not after everything you've done to me.
- How many times do I have to tell you that I didn't do anything to you? he said through his teeth, squeezing my waist.
- You're a fool if you think I'll have faith in you. You're just a black spot in my life.
- Don't say things you'll regret later.
- I won't….
- Aleksander, a squeaky voice was heard. Honey, you didn't introduce me to this girl, who is she? My hands were still around her waist, and when she saw how close my wife was, Bianca pulled away from my arms. A chill gripped me and I knew my time was up.
I cleared my throat and turned to Rosalie.
- Rosalie, this is Bianca Antonelli. I told you about her.
- Oh yes! You're the one who stole my husband's heart, she said with a cold smile, while all of Bianca's expressions froze.
- I don't know what he told you, but we don't know each other personally. We just work in the same field.
- Honey, you don't have to lie to me. It's been a long time since then, plus you were little kids. Now, my husband only has eyes for me, don't you, honey?
I saw the light in Bianca's eyes go out and there was nothing I could do to keep her. I had to keep playing this game until I left and even if I didn't want to hurt her, I couldn't help it.
- It's true, I told her, kissing her cheek, her sweet scent enveloping me. It wasn't the citrus scent I was used to, and that broke my heart once again.
- Mhm, Bianca cleared her throat. Sorry to interrupt, but my partner and I have to get to the plane. We can't stay any longer due to security concerns and we have to go home. Thank you for the invitation and congratulations, once again!
And so, the light before my eyes disappeared, and Rosalie fainted in front of me. I caught her before she fell to the floor, and as her hair touched my nostrils, the sweet scent reminded me of a poison I knew well. Sweet, slightly spicy, lethal, that she no longer knew, except for me and her. My little doll had poisoned my wife. And that was going to cause me a lot of problems.