Chapter 2 Failed Mission

Ophelia’s Point Of View

Shoulder straight, chin up, and a veil over my head. I walked to the altar, a bouquet in my hands; inside it was a dagger.

My heart was banging in my chest for a second—I thought it was going to burst out, but I forced myself to ignore it. The lamps were lit in the church, flowers scattered on the floor, but it did little to calm the anxiety brewing in my stomach.

Two families sat on either side of the church chairs. Everything might look normal, but I knew better—everyone in this room had a loaded gun, waiting for a war to erupt—undoubtedly today blood was going to be spilled, not only Daniel Russo's.

Speaking of him… My gaze found him standing at the altar, a smirk gracing his lips. Sharp jaws, dark gaze, and black hair—he looks like those men from the magazine—it's a pity he's going to die in my hands.

As I reached the podium, he extended his hand towards me. I glared at it for a few seconds before I held on to my dress and climbed on my own.

He chuckled. I tightened my grip on my bouquet, my gaze sharp on him.

The priest started talking, but his words fell into deaf ears—Daniel and I were in a silent, fierce battle, and none of us was about to lose it.

“Do you take Ophelia Moretti as your wife and promise to love and cherish her for the rest of your life until death do you part?”

The words of the priest echoed in my ears more than I'd want. Daniel remained quiet, his gaze still locked with mine. The air was heavy, everyone eagerly waiting for his response.

“I do...” His voice was deep and husky.

My hands trembled. I almost dropped the bouquet, but I forced myself to tighten my grip.

“Ophelia Moretti, do you take Daniel Russo as your lawful husband and promise to love and cherish him for the rest of your life until death do you part?”

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. The question was now on me, but my words were trapped in my throat.

I desperately snapped my attention to my father, begging him to stop it all, but he had a stern expression on his face. My mom didn't even spare me a glance, and my gaze searched for my brother, but he was nowhere to be found.

“Ophelia.. You heard the priest, right?”

My dad shamelessly asked from his chair.

I cleared my throat. “I do...” I forced my words out.

The priest gestured to us on the rings. Daniel was the first to take his and took a step towards me. It was my time to make a move; I gently pushed the dagger above the bouquet so I'd be able to hold it. As Daniel reached for my hand, I closed the distance between us, my dagger now in my hands, ready to stab him.

But in a swift movement, he snaked his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to him; he grasped the dagger from my hand.

The priest gasped, his eyes widening. “What–”

“Utter a word, and you are dead.” Daniel threatened.

I tried to shrug out of his grip, but he wouldn't allow me. I clenched my jaws, rage flushing in my veins. “Let me go,” I muttered.

“Wrong weapon, wifey...” His voice was filled with amusement.

“Impossible... How did you know?” It was probably the most stupid question to ask, but I couldn't help myself.

“Did you really think I'd marry a woman without learning all her secrets?” He muttered curly.

I tried hard to push him away, but he pulled me even closer, our lips now brushing against one another–I hated the jolting sensation rushing through my blood—he's my fucking prey, for God's sake.

“Since you know everything.. How about we also cancel this damn wedding?” My breath was heavy.

“If I didn't want this wedding to happen, we wouldn't be here.” He retorted.. “Now be a good girl and smile unless you want your sister to die today...”

The sound of guns clicking pulled me out of my daze; I snapped my gaze to the chair.. Everyone was standing, guns in hand, their eyes on us.

Fuck! I was trapped.. Obviously they noticed what was happening and my sister… How did he get his hands on her?

I sucked in a sharp breath as I stopped shrugging. “Good girl...” His voice was deep.

I forced myself to ignore him as he took his ring and slid it into my finger. I blinked the tears that threatened to burst out of my eyes as I took the ring and slid it into his fingers.

“I–I now pronounce you husband and wife.. You may kiss the bride!” The priest stammered in fear.

Before Daniel could do anything, the sound of footsteps rushing into the church filled the room, followed by a sound of gunshots coming from outside. The window fell to the ground, shattering into pieces, bullets ripping through the whole church while people averted the bullets and shot back.

Everything was happening fast; I didn't have time to digest everything. I found myself being pushed to the ground, followed by a groan from Daniel as he collapsed on top of me in a pool of blood.

The church turned into chaos, people screaming, shooting, and shouting.

He.. This bullet was meant for me, and he took it. Why? My mind was a jungle of thoughts amidst the chaos happening… Did my dad send those people to come and kill me as a part of his plan B?

My stomach churned as the realization settled in.

“You need to… leave from here!” Daniel stammered, his hand clenched on his arm, which was bleeding heavily.

“Have you lost your damn mind? Why did you do this!” I yelled. I tried to make sense of the situation. He was on top of me, still bleeding as fuck.

“This is your opportunity to complete your mission.” He muttered, his voice low.

This was a golden opportunity for me to finish him off right here and now. No one will notice since everyone was busy shooting and fighting. I needed to kill him, and then my dad's plan would fail