Chapter 8

Worth it

Olivia's POV

I have been able to move forward in my life since last night. I'm worth more than a trophy wife. I want natural desires and genuine passion. My sister and her husband have something I would like to share with you. It didn't start that way for them. Her marriage was also an arranged marriage. The only difference was that he gave my sister a chance.

Next month I'm traveling to Sicily to visit my family. I know they will not be happy. Many of my uncles will want Mariano on a platter to devour. Seriously, I'm not joking, either. My family is close. They have a small community where only my family lives, like a compound. My sister and I grew up there, and it was an experience I would never forget. We walked to school with other kids but mostly with our family.

Did I mention my family is Mafia-affiliated? I've never seen anything illegal, but I can shoot and defend myself. My uncle taught us as a requirement in our family. I knew how to shoot a gun at 12 years old and had learned three forms of combat by the time I was 14. Then we moved to the States when I was 16, which was a culture shock.

I spoke very basic English at first but improved. Don't get me wrong; I still have a broad Sicilian accent. I'm taking Rico to meet my family. He already knows many of my relatives.

Last night was the most unforgettable night of my life. Dinner and a walk on the beach were my very first dates together. I have hung out with Rico for two years. I knew I loved him by the second year. Goodness, I always wondered why he couldn't be my husband at first.

Next weekend,

I'm preparing for our traditional family dinner. It is going to be weird because Mariano is coming to this dinner.

I cooked an Italian feast to celebrate my separation. My father also wanted to talk to me. I think he wants me to marry again. Girls in my family are usually married by 19. We typically have children at 21. I'm 23 years old and still a virgin.

My family originated in Sicily. I've not seen my uncles and aunts in a while. My mother and sister even came over to help me cook. I even considered leaving after my separation, but Rico changed my mind.

I still plan to visit my father's family. My grandparents aren't able to travel due to their health. I can see my mother's family. They live in the same community as my dad's family. The compound consists of three families. I've even hired many cousins to work for me in my business. Many of my cousins run some of my companies all over the world. You have to keep it in the family. With my family, I don't have to worry about loyalty. Some of my businesses are associated with the Mafia. I don't deal with the Mafia. As a member of the Mafia, I am protected by the Mafia.

My uncles Raphael and Vito will attend my dinner. They are my father's brothers. Vito is the head of my Dubai Oil Company. Raphael is the head of a custom-made jewelry company. Those two companies made me more than $300 million last year.

I have 20 Giordano's Custom Jewelry boutiques across the country. You can use my custom designs the way you want them. Vito's daughter is one of my top designers.

My oil company goes by the name Di Vaio Oil Company. My father-in-law owns that company.

I own 65% of that; the rest is my father-in-law's. I have a controlling interest in the company. Gourmet Food Grocery stores nationwide cater to restaurants and regular people. It is similar run to Sam's Club. I have four fashion magazine companies overseas. I. have my clothing line, Giordano. For women, my male clothing line is Mariano Di Vaio. It was dedicated to my husband. That company is 100% mine. It grosses over 150 million dollars per year. I also draw and design clothes. Many say I have a creative mind.

My last magazine shoot and fashion runway show succeeded. Olive and her husband run the clothing line. We look so much alike that sometimes she can stand in for me. It's funny they never know the difference. Having two identical twin sisters is such a blessing.

Even though our personalities are different, Olive gets bored quickly. She is more outgoing than me. I can spend an hour working with numbers, and my designs always stay exciting.

My party is decorated professionally, and I've even hired a DJ to let us dance after dinner. It will be a dinner party. I've been dating Rico for a week, and it has gone smoothly. He is a gentleman. I'm nervous about tonight. It's my first dinner party as a single woman. In my family, you're single unless married. Dating or having a boyfriend doesn't count in my world.

Rico is coming tonight with his family, including Mariano. He has even called me, trying to get to know me so we can remarry. If he thinks like that, he must be insane. I will never marry him, no matter how fine he is. He had three years to make our marriage work. No, he chose that whore instead of me. So now I'm choosing me over him for a drama-filled life. He was tired of the media knowing all my business. It's time to live without drama. I need a real man who wants the same things as me.

Later that evening

Everything was set up for the evening. The guests will arrive soon. My family is already here, even my uncles from Italy, with their families. They stay in my home instead of a hotel. My house is roomy enough to accommodate my family. When we visit family, we never stay in a hotel. Family takes care of the family in your state unless they see their mistress or something.

The Di Vao family has arrived. I'm waiting for my parents to greet them.

Good evening, Mr. Di Vao; I have a buffet tonight. We have a buffet menu. The waiter will fix your plate, and then we will dine once everyone is served. We're having a DJ to dance and interact with the family tonight. Tonight is networking and family time.

Hello Mariano and Rico, these are my uncles, Vito and Raphael, from Italy. They are also my business partners. Rico, you know I like to keep my business in the family. Uncle, I'm also dating Rico. "Wait a minute, niece were you just married to Mariano?" replied Vito." Yes, Vito, we never consummated the marriage, so it was annulled. "You gave up a chance to lay with my beautiful niece," replied Raphael." Raphael was always the graphic one with no filter.

Well, Uncle, I've been officially dating Rico for weeks. Since you are dating, our niece will have to talk to you. We protect our young women.

Mariano's POV

I couldn't believe it was happening. I had no one to blame but myself—this time, I messed up. When we married, she looked at me like my brother. I've never given her a chance. I walk away and never look back. I only sent gifts on her birthday when I remembered it. Most assistants purchase gifts. There was never anything personal about the advantages.

Now I realize this was a mistake coming to this dinner party. Her uncles look at me like I'm beneath them. She acknowledges my presence before introducing my brother as her man. Honestly, there is no way for me to compete with my brother.

Her home is set up like an elegant restaurant. Almost all of her family and friends are present at the event. She has R&B playing in the background while eating. She is sitting with my brother and with her family. I'm sitting with my sister and husband. The kids keep looking at me strangely. Then her daughter whispers. " Mommy, who is this man seated with us?" She is only four years old. Yes, honey, he is Papa Di Vao's son. Papa Di is lovely and has peppermint in his coat pocket. She giggles and gets up and sticks her hand in my dad's pocket, and he lets her in. Then she walks back and sees he doesn't mind if I take a few. Then she giggles again; look, momma, I got peppermints. Everyone laughs at her sneaking into my dad's peppermint stash.

Then I watched Olivia look into my brother's eyes, dreamy. I can't let him have her. It must be something I can do to get her back. She is beautiful. I made a mistake. I should have signed the annulment papers. Olivia is a masterpiece and misses having a wife. Instead, I stay with a woman who uses me for money.

Eva tried to trap me with a baby. I don't know how to win her heart. The way she looks at Rico makes me want to give up. Now they dance, and her head leans on his shoulder.

It's a struggle to let go of something I never had. Do I let her go or keep fighting?