Wife Selection

WOW TWO CHAPTERS POSTED CLOSE TOGETHER!?! Look at me being productive lmfao!!

Enjoy the chapter!

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I stayed in my father's arms for what felt like forever. So long that Roberto slipped away outside so quietly, we didn't notice. My father waited until the tears stopped rolling down my face before pulling away from me. He sat me down back into my seat before taking a seat where Roberto was.

"Catch me up, sweetheart," Papa whispered to me.

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It took almost three hours to catch Papa up with everything since we last spoke. Time flew by talking to Papa. I could always jabber with Papa. I could tell him everything and anything without fearing what he would say. It wasn't until a soft knock on the door disrupted our talk.

Mama opened the door slightly and stuck her head through the crack.

"How are you two doing? It's been quiet, so I thought I would check on you." She announced wearily.

"Good, just catching up," I answered happily.

"Good! I'm so happy!"

"Where is Dominic?"

"That's what I wanted to tell you; it looks like he might need to go back home," Mama mentioned quietly.

What could be going wrong now?

"Okay, let me say goodbye."

I looked at Papa, fighting the urge to roll his eyes at my comment. His lips curled at the sound of Dominic's name. This might be the reaction I'll be getting from now on. At least he's making an effort by not saying anything that will upset me.

Papa stood up with me before pulling me into another tight long-needed hug. I can't tell you how good it feels to be at peace with Papa again.

Dominic was waiting in the car by the time I was done saying my goodbyes to everyone. I could spot a scowl on his face from the front door. Whatever business is making us go must really be an annoyance to him. He didn't say much when I entered the car. He waited until I buckled my seat belt before speeding off the driveway.

We drove for about 5 minutes before I was forced to say something. Dominic was going 120 km/hr in a family neighborhood, and I'm sure the wild sparks and the smell of burning tires were coming from us.

"Dominic, either pull over or slow the fuck down! You don't need to be speeding because you're in a bad mood!" I snapped as I held onto the handle above my head. The scenery around us became a blur as we sped through the empty streets.

Dominic rolled his eyes but complied with my frantic request. He took his foot off the gas to bring the car down to the regular speed limit. My stomach started to unravel its stress knots when I could actually make out the environment around us.

"Thank you. Now tell me what's wrong."

"If I tell you, you need to understand that I have nothing to do with this. This is at no request of mine." Dominic growled as he weaved through the light traffic.

"What are you talking about?" My heart started to race. If he's already trying to clear his name, this must be something that will seriously upset me. I've finally achieved absolute peace; who is trying to disrupt it now?

"My papa told mama that we're here and what we came here to do, and she isn't happy about it."

"Okay, we knew this was the case. What are you not telling me?"

"The wedding is becoming more and more real to her, and she's clearly starting to panic. She doesn't want me to do this unless all my options have been considered. She set up a meeting at the house so I could see my options."

My eyes narrowed at Dominic's blank facial expression. His words were heard, but my brain was hard to comprehend the words spoken to me. Actually, having a hard time wouldn't be the correct explanation; it's more than my brain refusing to accept what I'm hearing. So help all of us; this will be my final straw if Dominic's psychotic mother has done what I am assuming she's done.

"What are you telling me, Dominic?" I hissed through my tightly curled lips.

"Like I said, this isn't my idea. I had no knowledge this woman would be doing this, but... people are waiting at the house to present alternative lifestyles."

"There are women in the house that you're mother found to replace me!"

"Not just women, their families as well. They're here to show me why their daughters would make good wives."

I couldn't believe my ears! His mother has no fucking boundaries! Who in their right mind would think this is a good idea. If she wanted to find him a different wife, she should have done this before I got into the picture so I could've lived an everyday life! Now that I'm here and ready for my role in Dominic's life, she wants to take it away from me? In the beginning, Vanessa liked me. She was warm and embracing, and I thought she was happy to accept me into their famiglia. I get that her son was hurt in the course of our relationship. Still, she should know better than anyone that Dominic was not perfect or utterly innocent in our issues. To set up a meeting with potential wives like I'm not wearing my engagement ring on my finger or having our wedding in the next two weeks is... heart-wrenching.

I didn't say anything to Dominic as he drove to the rental home. I tried to look unbothered and calm, but my hands gripped the arms rest with all the strength I had in my body. One more tug, the armrest would've come clean off the seat. Dominic's left hand seemed awfully fidgety the closer we got to the house. I could sense he wanted to touch me to calm me down or understand how I felt, but he kept it on his knee.

When we finally got to the house, my worst fears came to light. There were 3 cars parked in front of the home with different families standing beside them. The older men talked in a circle amongst themselves while the young wives-to-be stood to the side. Everyone paused as we pulled up to the house.

Every enraged bone inside me wanted to get out of this car and beat everyone black and blue until there was no one left standing. I had never felt such rage like this before. No matter how ridiculous it is, the mere thought that Dominic can be taken away from me makes me insanely upset. I didn't move an inch when Dominic parked the car and climbed out. It was safer for everyone here that I stayed in the car until I was somewhat controlled.

I couldn't hear a word being spoken, so I rolled down my window to let the sounds in.

"Ah, Dominic. You had us waiting here for a long time!" One of the older men with striking silver hair spoke out.

"I didn't know you had a meeting."

"Well, we heard from the wives that you were looking for more suitable brides." Another man spoke. He had dark brown hair and gleaming white teeth.

"I'm afraid all you heard was disappointing gossip. I am in no shape or form looking for another bride. My bride is more than enough for me."

All three men turned their heads to look at our car. They couldn't see me because of the highly tinted windows.

"Where is your future bride?"

"In the car. I don't think it's appropriate to have her come to meet people who are trying to replace her. My bride can have a nasty temper."

"A feisty bride...are you sure you have time to handle that and your business?" The silver head asked.

"More than enough time Gino. I'm sorry to make the trip, and I'll be sure to speak to my mother about her gossip issues. Still, unfortunately, this meeting will not be happening. I am content with every component of my life. I'm sure you'll find great men to care for your daughters, but it won't be me."

There were more hush conversations before the fathers called over their daughters and started to load up the car. With the hatred in my eyes, I glared as they began to drive away from the house one by one. Dominic walked over to my side of the car and opened the door once everyone had left. My anger has dissipated since hearing him speak about me, a lot more once everyone left. I couldn't help but wrap my arms around Dominic's neck so he could carry me out of the car.

I knew my position in Dominic's life wouldn't be taken away so quickly. Still, there's always a fear that they will be taken away from you with anyone you love.

"Are you calm now?" Dominic wondered as he wrapped my legs around his waist.

"No, but I'm calmer. We need to talk to your mother. She can't keep disrespecting our relationship." I stated.

"She will be dealt with immediately," Dominic vowed.

As Dominic leaned in for a kiss, a bright moving light coming from the street blinded us. We turned our heads to see who could be driving up to the house. A black matte Porsche with tinted windows drove up beside us. Dominic dropped me to my feet and pushed me behind him as the car doors opened.

To my dismay, the person I hate most in the world came out of that car. Veronica and what I believe was her father exited in the vehicle.

They walked up to us with arrogance. Veronica rolled her eyes at the scene before her. Her eye-line stopped at my engagement ring on my finger.

"George...what are you doing here?" Dominic asked cautiously. I couldn't help but notice Dominic's hand casually moving towards the gun in his waistband.

"I heard there was a meeting for your new wife. I had to come to show you that Veronica is the only option for you." George announced with a wide arrogant smile, completely ignoring me in the background.

"As you can see, I don't need a new wife." Dominic stepped to the side and pulled me close to him.

"That's not what your mother said. She personally begged me to come and convince you. She thinks you'll thrive with me." Veronica purred.

"Well, it's clear that his mother holds no power in this relationship. I can tell you Dominic is thriving excellently with me by his side. Sorry you had to drive such a long way, but that's what happens when you follow lost dreams." I said with a sarcastic smile.

"Now, now, no harm in talking. We drove all this way; the least you can do is hear us out." George offered.

"There is nothing to hear you out on. I am getting married to my fiancee. My mother has clearly overstepped her boundaries and got you involved in drama that should've never started. Unfortunately, you drove all this way, but that is not my problem."

"Dominic, you're making a mistake. Why create more enemies when all we're asking is for a sit-down."

"Why would I sit down to hear why Veronica will be a better option than Alessandra? I can tell you there is nothing Veronica can do for me that Alessandra isn't already doing. If you want an enemy, I'll gladly be your enemy, but I will not be meeting with you now or ever. Get the fuck off my property." Dominic threatened.

We waited for Veronica or her father to say or do something, but they stood still. It took a moment before a sarcastic laugh escaped George's lips. He nodded his head at us before motioning Veronica to get into the car.

We waited in our spot until they drove off the property. Something tells me this won't be the last time we hear from either of them.