The Bratva's Bride.

SICILY, ITALY (DE LUCA'S RESIDENCE)

The De Luca mansion stood majestically, its stone façade gleaming in the fading light. The sprawling gardens were meticulously manicured, with perfectly trimmed hedges and vibrant flowers that added a pop of color to the otherwise serene atmosphere.

Inside, the dining room was set for a lavish feast. The long, ornate table was adorned with fine china, crystal glasses, and silverware that sparkled under the soft glow of the candelabras. The table was filled with risotto alla Milanese, pasta alla Norma, arancini, and caponata. The De Lucas sat down to enjoy their dinner, surrounded by the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. The maids, dressed in crisp, black uniforms with white aprons, served each dish with precision and grace.

A throat was cleared in the air, and Ariana's words hung like a challenge. "Why isn't Papà here?" she asked, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Anastasia, their mother, set down her glass, her expression calm but guarded. "Your father is busy with some things, Aria. Let's not discuss it further."

Donatella's eyes sparkled with mischief as she chimed in, "Oh, you mean with those mafia stuffs?" Her tone was playful, but the underlying tension was palpable. Anastasia's gaze turned cautionary, her voice low and even. "Dona, be careful what you say." The warning was clear, but Donatella just rolled her eyes.

"She doesn't even have respect for Papà," Valerie said with anger. Donatella's face flashed with indignation. "What do you mean I don't have respect for Papà? I have every respect for him." Ariana intervened, her voice a calm mediator.

"Can we not start with this tonight? Can't we just eat peacefully?" The plea was directed at her sisters, but her eyes met her mother's, seeking support.

Anastasia's expression softened slightly as she reminded them, "Table manners, ragazze." The gentle rebuke was enough to steer the conversation back to safer topics, and the family continued their meal, the tension simmering just below the surface.

As they continued their meal, a little bit of time passed before Valerie suddenly dropped her spoon, her eyes locking onto her mother's. "Mama, I'll be done with college soon, and I have plans, I have dreams, and I also want to achieve them." she said, her voice filled with determination.

Dona chimed in "I'll be twenty in two months to come, and I cannot wait, Mama. I want to celebrate it big, you know. I want it to be large." Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

Valerie's face twisted in annoyance. "You're talking about your birthday? Can't you see I'm discussing my plans after college with Mama?" Her tone was laced with frustration.

Anastasia's expression turned concerned, and she set down her own utensils. "Can we discuss this later? Let's just wait till Papa comes back." Her words hung in the air, leaving her daughters to wonder what their father's reaction would be.

************

The silence in the dining room was deafening, and Donatella couldn't stand it any longer. "Well, I don't care right now. I need to start preparing for my 20th birthday is two months away. I'm going to talk to my friends and plan something." She said while rolling her eyes.

Ariana's face lit up with excitement. "Can I come with you?"

Ariana's voice was childish and full of hope, but Donatella's response was firm. "No, I'll handle it myself, Ari."

With that, Donatella climbed upstairs,and entered her room, shutting the door behind her. She flopped onto her bed, surrounded by fashion magazines and birthday party ideas scattered across her comforter. She picked up her phone and started scrolling through social media, getting inspiration for her party theme.

As she browsed, she couldn't help but think about her family's expectations and the mafia lifestyle. She felt trapped and suffocated, longing for freedom and autonomy. Why did she have to be bound by the rules and traditions of the De Luca family? Why couldn't she just live a normal life, free from the danger and violence that came with being part of the mafia?

Donatella sighed and tossed her phone aside. She got up and walked over to her closet, staring at the designer clothes and luxurious accessories that filled it. She loved the finer things in life, but at what cost? Her family's lifestyle was one of luxury and excess, but it was also one of fear and violence.

Despite her reservations, Donatella couldn't wait to let loose and have fun tonight. She was meeting her friends at a club downtown, and she was planning to dance the night away. She put on a little black dress and some heels, feeling like a completely different person from the one who had been mourning Giovanni's death just hours before.

As she finished getting ready, Donatella's phone buzzed with a text from her friend. "Hey, girl! We're waiting for you at the club. Can't wait to celebrate your pre-birthday!"

Donatella smiled and grabbed her clutch. Tonight, she was going to forget about the mafia and just be a normal 19-year-old. She was going to party, dance, and live in the moment.