A Bride For A Truce

SERAFINA’S POV 

    MANHATTAN NEW YORK. AUGUST 2021

    The black Mercedes pulled up smoothly to the front gates of the Vitale estate.

   I stepped out and walked towards the front door. 

   My performance tonight was exceptional as usual,I loved the thrill that went through the crowd whenever I finished a piece. 

   But as I approached the house, a rising sense of danger slowly encircled me. I shook it off and walked in.

    I stepped into the foyer, and glanced around. The extravagance of our family home always left me in awe.

   I heard footsteps approach me from behind. “Signoria” came a soft voice. 

   I turned to see Tessa, our family maid approaching with a soft smile on her face. Tessa has been with the family for as long as I can remember. Ever since we lost mum, she had been a constant.

    “How are you, Tessa?” I smiled in return.

    “I am fine Cara (dear). You’re home late tonight”, she observed taking my coat and scarf that I was about to put up. 

   She kissed my cheeks “You were amazing tonight as always” she gushed, her eyes shining with pride.

    “Thank you!” I grinned back, basking in the warmth of her compliment.

    “Your father is waiting for you in his study, he asked that you come up as soon as you get home” she stated.

    My smile faded knowing that this couldn’t be good. My father only summoned me to his study when he had something very important to say.

    “Did he say what it was about?”

    Tessa shook her head in the negative “No Cara, but we know him well enough to know that this can’t be good.” she said in a sympathetic tone.

    I did know exactly what she meant, my father’s study wasn’t for laughs or tea dates. I sighed and ran my hands down my dress.

    “Thank you Tessa.” my lips curved into a forced smile. “I'll go see what he needs” I responded before turning towards the hallway.

   The walk to his study seemed endless tonight.Maybe it was because i was dreading the upcoming confrontation.

    I knocked briskly on the heavy oak door and waited for a response.

    “Come in!” My father’s authoritative voice boomed from within. With a firm push, the door creaked open, revealing the dimly lit study.

    There was a lingering smell of Cigar in the air, shelves lined with books,most of them first editions framed the imposing desk where my father sat.

    His head was bent over some documents on his table, and he took his time to sort through them before glancing up at me.

   My eyes connected with his trying to read his expression but he looked away guiltily .

    “Sit Sera.”

   I rolled my eyes at the nickname he always used as I took a sit.

    “A truce has been agreed upon with the Bratva”...My father's voice was calm but his gaze was unyielding..” You are to be married to Adriko Ivanov” he said whilst leaning back in his