2018
Nina broke out in cold sweat as time ticked by. Today was the fated day that marked her to become part of the Gallucci family. It was almost time for her to stand at the altar.
She let her eyes wander down as she looked at the reflection of herself. Her snow-white wedding dress accentuating how pure she was. Her dark-brown hair in a low updo with the veil falling down from it and her ring matching with the bouquet she held. Nina placed her hand on her chest and tried to control her breathing.
It's fine. I'll be fine. I can do this.
Nina kept her feelings bottled up. She felt like collapsing and screaming from the top of her lungs but didn't. She couldn't. The young bride would do as she was expected to. She had a certain image of herself to keep up and it drained her energy.
"You look perfect, Nina." Her mother's eyes glistened with pride as she held onto her arm.
She forced the corners of her lips to tip up. "Thank you, Mamma."
"You're handling this so much better than I did on my wedding day." Evelyn let out a short laugh. "But you've always been so composed, mature and all. You're doing great. I'll go and get your father."
Nina was split in two listening to her mother. On one hand, she was glad there weren't any cracks to be seen in her mask. Her emotions weren't on her sleeves. On the other hand, no one knew what she was like on the inside. She never had a shoulder to cry on.
"Nina, look at me," her aunt Noemi said with a concerned look. "I get it. I understand."
Those simple words made tears well up in the bride's eyes. Noemi cupped her niece's face to stop her from crying.
Noemi continued, "I understand but I know you are strong. You have to believe in yourself and come out on top, Sweetheart."
Her aunt's words of encouragement meant more to Nina than she could've hoped for. Even if it was just a little bit, she felt the weight on her shoulders had become a tad lighter.
"You always know the right thing to say." Nina pulled her aunt in an embrace. This was the last bit of comfort Nina would get in a while.
"Noemi!"
Nina and her aunt turned to see who invited themselves in the room. It was her uncle by marriage, Rino Esposito, who came to get his wife. His arrival was unwelcome in Nina's mind. The old man would always look at her for much longer than was appropriate.
"What are you still doing here? I'm over there waiting, and here you are making me wait. We have to get to our seats. Now!" Rino snapped at his wife.
"I'm-"
Nina stopped her aunt from speaking further by squeezing her hand. "You need to go. I'll be fine. Papà will be here soon anyway."
Where her caring aunt once stood was now her father. He rubbed his hands together and had an eager look on his face. He waved her to come over, sparing no words. It was time for the ceremony to start.
Nina linked arms with Carlos and the two made their way toward the aisle. The moment the bride and her father entered, everyone stood up. The cathedral was packed with men, women and children from both families. New Orleans on the left side and Chicago on the right. On both sides, this union was the talk among people for a long time. Today, it was finally going to be realised.
Nina gulped as she felt all eyes on her. Curious, jealous and cold stares were fixed on the Sciacca bride. Therewas no avoiding the evil eye. Her pulse raced, yet, she still managed to walk gracefully down the aisle. Before she knew it, her father left her side and gave the flower bouquet to the maid of honour.
Luciano held out his hand for Nina which she obliged to take. She made sure her grip was firm enough to stop him from noticing her light shaking. Nina's composed appearance made Luciano look with intrigue at his bride.
The bishop began, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and woman in holy matrimony."
Nina shifted her gaze from the priest to Luciano. A navy blue tuxedo and his hair styled back. The colour of his eyes were striking. He looked the same as he did when they first met, except for one subtle change. One naked to the eye if you looked at him from a distance.
The marriage officiant resumed his speech. Meanwhile, Nina refocused on the scar above Luciano's left eyebrow that ran to his temple. Her gaze on him didn't go unnoticed. Nina's brown eyes met his dark grey ones, making her briefly look away.
Nina got a quick glance at the guests sitting on the front row. An elderly man with ash-grey hair and a cane beside him. He looked harmless, but Nina had no doubt he was the Don of The Chicago Outfit. Next to him sat a much younger person with black hair. His appearance was similar to Luciano's.
He does have a brother if I'm not mistaken.
The young man sent a wink in Nina's way. A bold action she didn't expect. In Nina's mind, no one in their right mind would risk behaving in a way that could be seen as flirting by others. The only person Nina knew was the man with dirty-blonde hair, Nero D'Angelo. The consigliere who had come to her home once before.
By the time Nina and Luciano had to exchange vows, an eery sense of calm swirled inside her. The bride and groom both came out with a strong and confident 'I do'.
"Repeat after me," the bishop said.
"I, Luciano Nicolò Gallucci, take you Nina Eleanora Sciacca to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part." Luciano's expression didn't reveal a single thing as to what he felt.
Nina did the same. "I, Nina Eleanora Sciacca, take you Luciano Nicolò Gallucci to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."
The bishop asked the groom and bride to place a ring on each other's finger. Luciano first and Nina second. Nina's lips parted slightly at the golden ring Luciano got her. It had a small marquise cut diamond attached to it; nothing like the engagement ring he got her a year ago.
"By virtue of the authority vested in me under the laws of the State of Louisiana, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
No matter how many times Nina told herself this would happen, it didn't stop the loud beating of her heart in her ears. All of her attention was on Luciano as if he was the only other person in the cathedral. After the removal of the veil, Nina felt his hands cupping her face and braced herself for what was to come. He showed no signs of going easy on her and went in for the kiss. Nina could feel herself flush under his touch.
"So far, this has been the only genuine reaction I've gotten out of you," Luciano said in a low voice so only she would hear him.
For a second, Nina could've sworn there was a hint of amusement to be seen in his expression. She didn't know how to respond to him and didn't get the time to do so as applauds erupted from the guests. The newlywed couple turned to face them. Nina showed them a courteous smile and Luciano a tight-lipped one. Nina looked over at her family and saw her parents' avid clapping, her brother who stared daggers at Luciano and her aunt Noemi and cousin Rosaria who only seemed to clap along because it was mandatory.
After all of the guests got out of the cathedral as tradition asked and stood right outside the building, Luciano and Nina followed. Luciano took hold of his wife's hand and walked down the aisle toward their families. The second the newlywed were out, confetti was sprinkled on them. It was supposed to signify the love and happiness between Nina and Luciano, but it was all a charade.
Who are they even trying to fool with this?
A little girl with wonder sparkling in her eyes drew Nina's attention. It looked as if the girl was seeing a fairy tale play out. Nina hadn't seen the girl's face before and guessed she was from the The Outfit.
Impressionable girls. I can't quite remember when I stopped being like that.
The bride's smile turned a bit more sincere as she waved at the girl and getting the same reaction in return.
Maybe things will be different in their city.
Right before Luciano and Nina parked a limousine that had white lilies decorating the hood. The vehicle would bring them to the hotel where the reception was going to be held.
With Luciano getting in from behind her, Nina changed positions. Her movement causing the satin of the dress to whisper against the leather. The enclosed space seemed much smaller with him right next to her.
Just as they slipped into traffic, her gaze glided from the road to Luciano; too aware she was alone with him.
"Do you have something to say?" Luciano felt Nina's eyes on him.
She shook her head. "No, nothing."
"You exceeded my expectations."
"Excuse me?" She furrowed her brows.
"I've been to a lot of weddings, but it's still rare to see a bride who doesn't look as if she's going to faint any minute. You won't, right, Nina? You'll stay as poised as ever, won't you?" His jaw tightened.
The piercing look in his eyes made Nina shudder.
"Do you not want me to be?"
"I do," Luciano said. "But not when you're with me."