“A Don Doesn’t Date Fat Girls,” She Spat. He Locked The Door “Watch Me Make You My Wife”
Chapter 14
Three months later, Bianca walked into a room full of people who had once judged her.
This time, she wasn’t hiding.
She wore an elegant ivory gown.
Not because anyone told her what a bride should look like.
Because she had chosen it.
Matteo waited at the end of the aisle.
He wasn’t wearing the expression of a Don.
He looked nervous.
Bianca found that strangely adorable.
When she reached him, he whispered:
“You’re beautiful.”
She smiled.
“You’d better say that every day.”
“Every hour.”
She laughed.
The ceremony was small.
Family.
Friends.
A few trusted members of the organization.
No press.
No headlines.
No performance.
When the officiant asked Bianca whether she accepted Matteo, she looked at him.
“Yes.”
Then Matteo answered.
“Yes.”
Their marriage wasn’t a merger.
It wasn’t a transaction.
It wasn’t a shield.
It was a choice.
After the ceremony, Bianca stepped outside into the garden.
Matteo joined her.
“You survived.”
“Barely.”
He smiled.
“You looked terrified.”
“I was.”
“Why?”
“Because I wasn’t sure you’d say yes.”
She laughed.
“You asked me.”
“I know.”
“And I said yes.”
“I know.”
“Then stop looking surprised.”
He kissed her forehead.
Across the garden, one of Matteo’s older relatives approached.
Bianca recognized the woman.
She had been at the gala.
She had laughed when Bianca was insulted.
Now she stood awkwardly.
“I owe you an apology.”
Bianca waited.
The woman continued.
“I judged you before I knew you.”
Bianca smiled faintly.
“You’re not the first.”
“I know.”
She looked toward Matteo.
“You made him happy.”
Bianca looked at her husband.
“Yes.”
The woman nodded.
Then left.
Bianca watched her go.
“It doesn’t erase what she said.”
“No,” Matteo said.
“But it doesn’t control me anymore.”
He smiled.
“That matters.”
Later that evening, the two of them stood on the balcony again.
Bianca leaned against him.
“I have a question.”
“Ask.”
“What happened to your promise?”
“What promise?”
“At dinner.”
She smiled.
“You told everyone you intended to keep me.”
Matteo laughed.
“I remember.”
“Well?”
He turned toward her.
“I don’t own you.”
“I know.”
“I never will.”
“I know.”
“But I will choose you every day.”
She smiled.
“Good.”
He kissed her.
Then Bianca whispered:
“You know what the funniest part is?”
“What?”
“All those people who said a man like you would never choose a woman like me.”
Matteo looked at her.
“I didn’t choose you because you were different.”
“Then why?”
“Because you’re you.”
She smiled.
“That was better.”
He laughed.
“And for the record?”
“Yes?”
“I still intend to make you my wife.”
She held up her wedding ring.
“You’re late.”
They both laughed.
For the first time in a very long time, Bianca didn’t feel like she was fighting for a place at the table.
She had built her own.
