Chapter 43

The wedding was beautiful. The only problem, Luke was standing at the front of the altar, and there was no bride coming through those double doors of the cathedral. Rechecking his Rolex for the fifth time out of nervous tension, he gave a fake smile to the guests in attendance.

"What can I say? She's late for everything."

They all gave an obvious pitied chuckle, but everyone knew this wedding was a disaster.

Patting his shoulder, the priest gave him a reassuring smile. "That's right, son. She's probably just nervous and just making sure she looks lovely for her groom."

Luke nodded, knowing darn well that wasn't true. Claudia believed she was the most stunning woman in Chicago. Not to mention the only reason she wanted this wedding to happen was, so she'd receive that dowery her father was sure to give. But now Luke was wondering if even that was true.

Yes, her father. Don Ricci. The missing godfather of the five families hadn't arrived at the wedding either. Where was he? Did Claudia not even invite her family? A few Chicago Ricci members were there, but that was only because of Luke's invitation, with them being low-level members of the family. None of them with direct ties to the Godfather himself. Something was off about this entire thing, and he knew it.

Seeing his son's stress build, Luke's father stepped up to whisper to his son, "It's all right. We can find another way."

"No, father. She'll be here. She has to. Just a few more minutes."

"Son, it's been almost an hour. She's not coming."

"Dad, please. Ten more minutes."

Giving him a curt nod, his father didn't seem convinced as he prepared to return to his seat in the front row. "All right. Ten minutes and then make the call."

Looking at his brothers next to him, Tony and Ricco actually looked like they felt sorry for him. They were older but never had the moxy to take over the Gambino family. Luke though, he was a leader, but even a mafia kingpin apparently couldn't force a bride to get married if her heart wasn't really in it. Sadly, he knew that was true. Claudia never loved him.

But he remembered just days ago she said she did. She had never had before. It didn't sit well with him. Even when she said it, it didn't feel like the words Claudia would say. It felt genuine. Maybe not true love, but a genuine show of caring, nonetheless.

As he stood nervously watching those doors, he half hoped they wouldn't open. At least then, he'd know he tried. The other half desperately needed this to happen, because he didn't know any other way to get back in good standing with the five families. He'd lost their trust, and Don Ricci being MIA proved it. He was sure he had lost the faith of the Godfather himself, proving what Luke thought all along. Everyone saw him as a joke because he was a loser.

Suddenly, the doors swung open, and Luke and everyone in attendance jumped to attention. That was, until he saw one of his men rushing down the aisle holding an envelope. As expected, the waves of chatter among guests radiated through the walls of the cathedral.

"Don Gambino, you have a letter. It's from Claudia."

Taking the letter in hand. Luke ripped it open, hoping for answers. Inside, it horrified him at what he read. She was leaving him standing at the altar, in front of people he was desperately trying to earn their respect.

Dearest Luke,

I am sure by now you have realized I'm not at the wedding. I've had a change of plans. You see, I've left the country. This wedding isn't what I want. It's not what either of us wants. You deserve better than someone like me.

A part of the truth is that I've found someone new. Don't try to come to find me. It won't work. There are things you don't know about me, and it would do you well to know more about the woman you were to marry. Once Beau's murder is found, I'll tell you everything. Please trust me when I say the woman who told you she loves you meant it that day. Maybe not in the way you wanted, but I do. You're a good man and I hope one day you find the love you deserve. It's just not with me.

Don't hate Roman for this. It was my doing.

Best wishes,

Claudia

P.S. Nothing is as it seems. Seek truth in all you do.

Closing the letter, Luke was a little relieved, but even more confused. It seemed more like a roadmap with a line of clues embedded than a letter of apology. At least his suspicions had been true. She was cheating on him, and now, he didn't have to marry a woman he didn't love. Sadly, there was a woman who live across town he wanted more than life itself and he could never have her. At least for a brief moment in that office at Club Excalibur, he held Remi in his arms and showed her his heart was still with her; his one true love.

Stepping up to address the wedding guests, Luke straightened his shoulders with what dignity he had left. Before he spoke, he looked at the empty seat in the front row where Don Ricci would have sat. One day, he'd have to address the man and find out what happened, but for now, he needed to figure out a new plan of action. No matter what, he would save his family's legacy at all costs.

Folding his hands in front of him with the envelope tightly gripped, he spoke confidently. "I'm sorry, ladies and gentlemen. There will be no wedding today."

Gasp flooded the room and he held up his hands to stop the sudden flow of chatter across the building.

"Please, let Mr. Gambino speak," the Priest instructed the room. "Go ahead, son. Say your piece."