The Don's Unwanted Bride
Passion Exclusive
Romance
17K
Description
On the day of her arranged wedding to a powerful Mafia Don, Alyssa Martini-the sheltered daughter of the ruthless Mafia King-flees in disguise, setting off a storm of betrayal, secrets, and desire. Hiding under a false identity, she unknowingly enters the lion's den: working as a maid in the mansion of her would-be groom, Hayden Russell, the cold, Mafia Prince she was meant to marry. Alyssa and Hayden are forced into a twisted dance of dominance, deception, and undeniable chemistry. But in a world where loyalty is lethal and love is weakness, one question remains-will they destroy each other, or be the fire that sets them free? A runaway bride. A vengeful groom. A deadly second chance.
Chapter 1
Apr 30, 2025
Alyssa's POV
I stood before the mirror, trying not to scream.
The wedding dress was beautiful, too beautiful. White satin, pearl buttons, delicate lace that brushed the floor like whispers. It looked like something out of a fairy tale.
But the truth? It felt like a noose tightening around my neck.
The door creaked open and Estina, my maid, and also the only friend in this entire messed-up life, stepped inside.
Her dark eyes were glassy with worry, lips pressed into a tight line. Her fingers gripped the doorknob like it was the only thing anchoring her to the earth.
“Well?” I asked.
She closed the door behind her, walked closer, and folded her arms.
“It’s confirmed. He’s the Mafia Prince.”
I swallowed hard. “Him?”
She nodded once. “The one they call ‘The Ghost.’ Cold. Unforgiving. Untouchable.”
My knees almost gave out. I turned away from the mirror, pressing both hands against the table in front of me, trying to breathe. The makeup artist had left hours ago, but her tools still lay scattered, brushes, lipsticks, powders.
“For protection,” I muttered bitterly. “That’s what my father said.”
Estina stepped beside me. “You know how he is. To him, this is a transaction. An alliance.”
“He’s marrying me off like I’m livestock, Estina.”
“I know.”
“To a monster,” I emphasized.
“I know,” she sighed.
I finally looked at her. “Do you think he’ll hurt me?”
She was silent for a long second. “I think he’ll never love you.”
Those words stung more than a slap. I clenched my jaw. “I’m not doing this.”
She didn’t look surprised. Maybe she already knew.
“I need to leave,” I whispered. “Tonight. Now.”
Estina blinked. “You’re sure?”
“Would you marry someone who’s killed more people than he’s probably kissed?”
She sighed, moving toward the door. “Give me two minutes. I’ll check the hallway.”
I turned back to the mirror. I hated what I saw. Not because I looked ugly. No. I looked perfect. And that was the problem. Perfect doll. Perfect bride. Perfect bait.
Estina slipped out. My breath came in ragged waves. Every tick of the clock on the wall sounded louder. I paced. I counted. I prayed.
Exactly three minutes later, the door opened again.
“The coast is clear.”
I didn’t hesitate.
“Help me out of this thing,” I said, turning my back to her.
She hurried over, fingers deftly unzipping the dress. It slid off my shoulders like melting snow, pooling around my feet in silence. I stepped out of it, suddenly colder and freer.
Underneath, I’d already worn a tank top. I reached for the faded jeans I’d hidden under the vanity. Tugged them on, zipped up, tied the drawstring. Then I grabbed the black hoodie and shoved my arms through the sleeves.
Estina handed me the face cap. I pulled it low over my eyes, tugging my long hair into a messy bun and tucking it underneath.
“No one should recognize you,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
I nodded.
She looked at me, tears swimming in her eyes. “You really won’t tell him?”
“Tell who?”
“Your father.”
I snorted. “He’ll find out soon enough when the bride is missing at the altar.”
Her hands trembled as she reached out and hugged me tightly. “When will you be back, my Princess?”
The words pierced me. Estina had been loyal to me, and I’d grown fond of her. She was the closest thing I had to a sister—or a best friend.
“I don’t know,” I whispered.
She pulled away, wiping at her cheeks. “Go. Now. Before someone comes.”
I nodded. “Thank you, Estina.”
Without another word, I turned to the door when she suddenly pulled me back and slipped a paper into my hands.
I stared at the paper, then glanced at her. “Go here, but don’t tell her about me. She rents out one room in her house...”
I didn’t know where I’d go, so I felt deeply grateful for her gesture. “Who is she to you?” I asked.
Tears sprang to her eyes as she answered. “My mother. She rents out my room.”
I gasped and she pushed me out. When I heard voices from nearby, I quickly slipped through the side door she’d unlocked earlier and disappeared into the dimly lit hallway.
My wedding day had officially become my escape from this HELLHOLE!
The Don's Unwanted Bride
30 Chapters
30
Contents
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