Chapter 281: Chapter 65 Wedding Day Reckoning

Gemma’s POV

After Dominic left, I remained in bed, contemplating my next move. Perhaps forgiving him at Ivy and Caleb’s wedding would be the perfect symbolic gesture to restart our relationship with the Thorne family’s blessing.

The sudden beep of my phone interrupted my thoughts. I reached for it on the nightstand, unprepared for what awaited me. An unknown number had sent a photo that felt like a dagger to my heart—Dominic with his arms wrapped around Elza, wearing the exact same clothes he’d had on when leaving my house earlier. The background revealed they were at the Social Union parking lot, one of the family’s underground gambling establishments. Today. Right after seeing me.

Rage bubbled up inside me. That lying, cheating Capo! After everything we’d been through, after all his blood oaths and declarations of protection, he’d gone straight to that mafia princess. I was done shedding tears over him. Instead of crying, I made myself some tea, returned to bed, and somehow managed to fall asleep despite the storm of emotions inside me.

The next morning, I woke with determination. I got ready quickly, packed my things, called a taxi, and headed straight to Ivy’s house under the protection of Thorne family security. My first act of independence was turning off my phone completely.

It didn’t take long before Zoe’s phone started ringing.

"What do you want, man-whore?" she answered bluntly. Dominic was calling, predictably. "Yeah, she’s here. What did you do this time?" She paused, listening. "Oh, you don’t know? Well, then keep not knowing. But listen carefully, today is Ivy and Caleb’s wedding, so behave yourself. When Gemma wants to talk to you, she will." She hung up and turned to me. "Spill it, Gemma."

"There’s nothing to spill, Zo. Let’s focus on Ivy’s wedding," I forced a smile that felt like it might crack my face.

Ivy stepped in, her authority as the Don’s wife evident in her tone. "Is this how you consider us your family? I already feel terrible that you’ve gone through so much alone in this dangerous world. Are you going to keep shutting us out?"

"Oh, Ivy..." Her words broke through my defenses.

I ended up telling them everything—how I’d been ready to forgive Dominic until that damning photo arrived in my messages. I showed them the evidence on my phone.

Nora studied it carefully. "Don’t you think you might be jumping to conclusions just like Dominic did with that setup his father orchestrated?"

"But the photo is right here, Nora," I argued. "There’s nothing to doubt."

"But he also had a photo of you with his father that wasn’t what it seemed," Lila pointed out gently. "These family betrayals run deep."

Ivy leaned forward, her experience with mafia politics evident. "Gemma, in my experience dealing with rival families and traitors, that trio of snakes lies, deceives, invents, and does anything to grab what’s ours. I recommend you investigate before making any decisions."

"I just think the girls are right," Ruby added, "but you need to stay alert with that snake Elza hovering around your Capo." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Zoe, always practical with her intelligence network, offered a solution. "Gemma, here’s what we’ll do. I’ll ask the Social Union manager for the security footage right now. After the wedding, we’ll sort this out. But think about it and don’t rush. Dominic’s a ruthless killer, but the way he’s been about you, I don’t believe he’d fall into temptation."

I nodded reluctantly. "Alright, you’re right. But now, let’s focus on what’s important today..."

The rest of breakfast passed peacefully under the watchful eyes of Thorne family guards. We headed to the wedding venue, a fortified estate that could host a proper mafia celebration. Watching Ivy’s excitement was beautiful. We helped each other with makeup and hair, laughing and enjoying the special day.

My dress was stunning—bright orange with lightweight fabric and a flowing skirt that featured a daring V-neckline, delicate straps, and a thigh-high slit. I paired it with elegant black strappy sandals that completed the look perfectly. The hidden security detail blended seamlessly into the background.

When we finally emerged into the garden, the men were already lined up waiting for us, looking imposing in their tailored suits that concealed their weapons. Zoe immediately slipped into her organizational mode, directing everyone into position with military precision.

"Little June, come here," Zoe called to Lila.

"Yes, general!" Lila replied with a playful salute.

"Oh, I like that!" Zoe laughed. "I might want to be called that more often." We all joined in her laughter. "Let me introduce you—this is Daniel Martinez, the detective who found Max and now works exclusively for our family. Remember him from the office?" She positioned Lila in front of a tall, dangerous-looking man whose badge meant nothing compared to his loyalty to the Sterlings.

"Y-ye-yes," Lila stammered, her face flushing crimson.

"Perfect!" Zoe declared. "He’s the newest member of our exclusive circle and will be your partner today."

She nudged Lila toward Daniel, bringing them uncomfortably close. The contrast was striking—Lila petite and delicate, Daniel towering and broad-shouldered with the predatory grace of a trained killer. But despite his lethal presence, there was something undeniably attractive about him.

Following the introduction, Daniel turned his charm to maximum, causing Lila to blush even more intensely. He immediately claimed her, placing her hand on his arm with a possessive yet gentle touch that spoke of his protective instincts.

While arranging everyone, Zoe commented on the height difference between Daniel and Lila. To tease them, I offered to switch partners with Lila. Dominic immediately scowled with territorial aggression, but Daniel firmly refused my offer without a second’s hesitation.

As Zoe continued organizing and explaining protocol, Dominic leaned close to my ear. "You look stunning, nightingale," he whispered, placing a soft kiss just below my ear.

"Don’t get too familiar," I hissed back.

"What happened, Gemma? I thought things were working out between us," Dominic asked, genuine confusion and hurt in his dangerous green eyes.

"That mafia princess happened!" I replied through clenched teeth.

"What?" He seemed genuinely bewildered, his hand instinctively moving toward his concealed weapon.

"Now’s not the time. After the wedding, I’ll refresh your memory," I snapped, earning only a resigned sigh in response.

The ceremony was breathtaking—every detail executed flawlessly under the protection of Thorne family soldiers. Throughout the reception, Dominic shadowed me persistently, his imposing presence deterring anyone who might approach, refusing to leave my side despite my best efforts to create distance.

"It’s no use, Gemma," he declared firmly, his voice carrying the authority of a Capo. "I’m not letting you go, I’m not giving up on you, and we are going to talk."

"Dominic, this isn’t the time or place," I protested.

"I don’t give a damn! Whatever happened today, I want to know. And you better tell me before I throw you over my shoulder and carry you out of this wedding." His voice betrayed his growing frustration and barely contained violence.

"Don’t you dare!" I warned. "Let’s sit down. I want to eat and drink something."

We joined his mother at her table, surrounded by other high-ranking family members and their women. Dominic went to fetch me some food, his movements fluid and predatory even in this social setting. As we ate, Bee entertained us with stories about her recent charity work—the perfect cover for laundering family money.

Xavier appeared suddenly, his presence commanding immediate attention as he requested Dominic’s immediate attention on family business. With obvious reluctance, Dominic excused himself. Once he was gone, Bee leaned toward me with a cautious expression.

"Sweetie, I don’t like to meddle in family affairs, but Nadia mentioned to me what happened," she said carefully, her voice carrying the wisdom of a woman who’d survived decades in this dangerous world. "But I’d like to tell you something."

I found myself intrigued. What could the mother of a Capo possibly know about the shadows that threatened our relationship?