Cara’s POV
“So we do not just live for today…” Adonis said, rounding up his speech, “We live for tomorrow, too. People say do not be stuck in the past; we’re not. We’re just bringing a part of it that we never want to forget.” He placed his hand against his heart, the raw pain in his eyes betraying his composed self.
“My brother would forever be remembered for his tenacity and courage in the face of trouble. He made this happen.” He gestured all around, referring to our family. “And that’s why I’ll step down with one last word.”
Adonis’s eyes met mine, and I gave him a smile of encouragement. This was the moment-the highlight of his speech. The words we’d been practising for days. He was going to say them…
“I love you, Luca Romano. Rest on.”
The atmosphere was sober, not tearful as I expected, but at the same time, we’ve all shed a handful of tears during the last few weeks; I didn’t think anyone had more in stock.
Weeks had passed since the raid, and now, under the Italian sun, we laid Luca to rest. The news of his death hit us hard. Between his father-a man who I met for the first time about two weeks ago-and Cecelia, I didn’t know who took it harder.
It turned out he had texted her to see if she had returned safely while we were at the hospital and told her about Adonis’s condition.
She and Jacob had decided to come as emotional support, bringing Matthew along, and they just happened to arrive while I was on the phone with Freddie.
She cried for two days straight, passed out on the third, and was admitted for a week, yet it didn’t make her mourning easier. Jacob was… more supportive than I thought. He didn’t feel jealous, or if he did, he did well not to show it and was there for her all through.
A part of me suspects that he knew she was still in love with Luca, but that was a matter for another day.
I glanced at my father; he refused to sit with us all, standing beneath the shade of a tall grape tree. He was one of the many people Adonis had sworn forever allegiance to.
He, after all, killed Diavolo. It wasn’t an easy fit, or so I heard, yet he did it. As predicted, news about Adonis being a bastard child began floating around after his death, and it seemed like he’d told some of his men, who used it as a weapon during the fight.
All we had to do was bring out the proofs, and it disbursed faster than it came.
Lives were lost… Many… I pitied Tina and somehow felt for Sarah also, but it was comforting to know this great restructure would strengthen the foundation of our family.
My husband… was fine. I mean, the surgery went well… faster than I thought it would. From Doctor Bruno’s report, he was going to be sent home after being monitored for 2 to 4 days if no complication arose.
However, it did.
A minor infection, he called it, but I was fed up with the drama. A minor infection that took over a week to heal?
Still, the end was all that mattered, and I couldn’t be more than grateful that it was all over.
He didn’t take the death well, not that I expected him to-they grew up together. I only knew Tina for a few years, and we weren’t that close yet I felt sad about her death.
I guess it is what it is.
So when my husband approached me saying he wanted to communicate how he felt exactly during his speech, I knew I had to help him. It was his way of honouring his friend and brother. He wanted the world to know how awesome Luca was.
We’d intentionally waited till all was settled, and we moved back to the Italian home before his funeral was conducted.
What better place than the home he protected?
Did I mention how proud Adonis was of me? We can safely say I’m no longer his soft Bel… I’m now his ‘forte bella regina’ (strong beautiful queen).
We didn’t lose any of our properties or the mansion itself, but we both agreed that moving back home was best.
Loud applause resounded around me as he returned to my side. He took my hand in his as he sat, listening to the last of the priest’s words.
The funeral was finally coming to an end, and from the look on everyone’s faces, I knew tonight’s small reception wouldn’t be a sad one. We were definitely going to laugh over drinks as we reminisced about the deceased memories.
A picture Cecelia and I had personally chosen, one where he had his tongue out, and his left eye in a wink, was raised, and the priest announced.
We couldn’t find one where he wasn’t smiling. He was that kind of person, so we thought,
Why don’t we remember him for who he was?
“Forever in our hearts, Luca Romano.”
We rose, bittersweet smiles on our faces, “Forever in our hearts, Luca Romano.”
A thick arm wrapped around my waist, carefully pulling me into his chest, and I snuggled closer. There was nowhere I’d rather be.
And this is the truth.
My name is Cara Camilla Rodriguez-Bernardi. Daughter of Spanish mafia king Miguel Rigruduez and wife to Italian mafia heir, Adonis Alejandro Bernardi.
In a few days, I would officially be the queen of the Italian mafia as I celebrate one year of being this handsome man’s wife.
I have learnt a lot and definitely am not who I used to be. Life has its ups and downs, and moving forward, there was no assurance that we wouldn’t face more challenges, but I was ready.
I am strong. I am tenacious. I am resilient. This is my revenge, and I wholeheartedly submit to my maf-
Oh shit!
Adonis froze, “What is it?”
Did I say that out loud?
I looked up at him, then behind. The cheers had quieted as they all turned in shock to see who cursed at a time like this.
My cheeks flushed, and I signalled to the puddle that had formed on the ground.
“I think my water just broke.”
I knew I was forgetting something important…