A Wife for the Mafia Boss

Nina.

A famous quote says; “When you lose something don't think of it as a loss; accept it as a gift that gets you on the path you were meant to travel on.” Fucking motivational speakers!

How was I going to accept being laid off from a job I spent eighteen months searching for?!

I turned to take a final look at the company where I had worked diligently for three years. They laid me off on the accusation of forgery.

A few minutes ago, I was pleading with Mr. Harry, the CEO of Tanis Holdings. “We should investigate this.”

His reply was simple. “The evidence before me is enough proof that you did it!” He replied sternly, handing me a check.

Staring at the white paper, the figure written on it wasn't up to a quarter of my salary. When I complained all he said was I was lucky to even get something from him.

I needed to speak to someone, the first person who came to my mind was my mom but I hesitated. I didn't want to get her worried so I dialed my best friend's phone instead but it entered a voicemail.

“Melinda.. pick up,” I muttered the words slowly, I gave up after the second attempt.

I waved down a taxi and an aged man popped his head toward the passenger seat and opened the door swiftly.

“Luxembourg Bar!” I announced. We arrived in no time and I dropped some dollar notes in his pale hands before stepping out. “Thank you,” I said and he nodded before zooming off.

My heels clicked harshly against the tiles as I made my way into the bar. The air seemed to go thick with the beat of the music. People swayed to the rhythm, their bodies pressed together as they danced in revealing outfits in contrast to the red corporate fitted gown I was putting on.

The room was a mixture of colors, with flashing lights and neon decorations casting a vibrant glow on the stage.

I found my way through the throng, my eyes scanning the bar as I walked to order a drink. The bartender paid me attention, a charming smile spreading across his face as he caught my eye.

“It's a busy night! What can I get you to unwind?” He asked, his voice loud enough to cut through the music.

I paused, unsure of what to order. Melinda was good with the parties and liquor but not me.

He noticed my hesitation and smiled. “We just got in some new soughtafter cocktails. Would you like to try some?”

“I could make use of that.”

My drink was ready in no time. As I stretched my hand to collect my drink, I felt a sudden rush of excitement. I was going to tick a goal on my checklist get drunk!

I was about to take a sip when tragedy struck. In a rush to grab the glass, I accidentally hit a waiter, it happened too fast, and the tray of drinks he was holding splashed all over a suited man standing nearby. The sound of glasses breaking into several tiny pieces was enough to call the attention of the crowd.

Frozen, I jumped on my feet. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry!"

Lucian Ryders! The infamous Mafia Don!

His expression darkened, his eyes burning as he brushed off the liquid from his expensivelooking suit but he was already drenched, his white collar shirt now having a red nonuniform design."How dare you!” he thundered, his voice laced with annoyance.

His gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment, I felt like he could see right through my soul. His black curly hair made its way to his face and he brushed it off slightly.

Suddenly, my ears caught whispers of conversation from onlookers.

“…heard he locked up a guy who bashed his car a week ago.”

“…imagine what he would do to this hungrylooking lady for embarrassing him.”

I gulped slowly, awaiting my fate.

He took a business card from his pocket and stretched his hand to me. "See me at my office tomorrow at 8 AM. I don't entertain latecoming.”

I took the card, feeling a shiver run down my spine as our fingers touched. I nodded briefly, my mind racing with fear.

Just then I heard my phone peep.

My heart broke into a thousand pieces at what I saw.

“Meet me at Saint John's Hospital, room 206. Your mom got involved in an accident!!”

Nina.

As I paced to and fro the hospital room, the loud beep of machines whirring around me was a stark contrast to the loud music and laughter I had escaped minutes ago.

I stared at all the pipes connected to her, and the realization that I could lose my mom became stronger. “Mom! Don't do this to me, please…” My sobs grew louder by the minute. Melinda tried to console me but I wouldn't just have it. I stared at my mom, she still looked pretty as always. They had wrapped a big bandage repeatedly all over her legs.

“The police haven’t been able to trace the person who hit her.” Melinda broke the silence. The tears in my eyes poured out more, how could someone be so coldblooded to leave an aged woman almost dead on the street?

Just then a young man dressed in blue scrubs came in.

“I’m Dr. Carl, I suppose you are related to her,” he said, pointing to my mom.

“She’s my mom,” I replied softly.

“I would love to speak to you privately,” the doctor said.

“You can say whatever you need to here, she is family,” I fired, referring to Melinda.

He adjusted his glasses and walked a few steps closer to where Melinda and I were standing. “Your mom is in a critical state. If she ever gets to walk again, it would be a miracle.” He paused, scanning my wet face to be sure he could go on.

“She sustained internal injuries and we would need surgery for her, then another surgery to remove the metal that entered her legs. This accident was really brutal.” I tried to process all he had said but the only thing that kept running in my head was; what if I lose my mom and how was I going to pay for all this?! I just lost my job! I cleared my savings to pay for rent two weeks ago.

“How soon does she need this surgery?” I asked, wiping away the tears that didn't stop flowing.

“Every minute we delay is dangerous. You can meet the accountant to collect the current bill. I'm afraid we can't continue holding her up unless you clear the bill.”

I turned to Melinda. “But she just got here in less than an hour,” I yelled.

Melinda cracked her throat softly, holding my right hand. “We will handle it, but please do your best to save her life.” The doctor nodded with a soft smile.

“We will give our all, and try to get the money on time. There is little we can do right now.” He concluded before leaving us. It felt like I was suffocating as different horrible thoughts ran through my mind.

Melinda had stayed with me throughout the night. I barely slept. All I wanted to do was see my mom smile again but she didn’t even move an inch.

“How are you feeling?” My best friend held my right hand, rubbing the back of my palm gently.

“Blank,” I muttered.

“She will be fine, I have cleared the current bill and…”

“But… you didn’t have to do that.” I protested.

“Shhhh!!” She placed her index finger on my lips. “You are not just my best friend, you are my sister. Do you remember how you missed your exam because of me? You had to resit the next year.” I nodded softly.

“Whatever it takes to make Mom fine again, we will do it. Okay?” She assured me, lifting me for a hug.

I buried myself in Melinda’s arms while she patted my back gently. I needed that hug.

“I think you need to eat now.” She released me from the hug and walked to take my purse.

She brought out some cash and a card dropped to the floor.

Melinda bent down to pick up the card, on bended knees, and her eyes popped out. “Lucian Ryders?!” At the mention of his name, my heart seemed to stop beating for a while. I ran to get my phone from my purse.

“What are you doing with that dangerous man?” Melinda asked but I couldn’t pay attention to her right now. I had forgotten I had an appointment with the Mafia Don.

“I need to run, I’ll explain later.” I dashed out before she could say more.

As I stepped out of the hospital, I noticed awkward stares and murmuring from people as I walked. Flashlights from cameras from different angles followed me. I stopped a taxi and slipped into the car hurriedly before two journalists who were running in my direction could get to me. What did I do?

Lucian.

8:26 AM.

Swinging from left to right in my luxurious leather chair, I glared at my watch for the umpteenth time. The lady from the other night was late. I don't tolerate tardiness, and yet, here I was, waiting for her. I wondered if she would show up, not after the embarrassment she caused me the other night. I already had Maximus; my righthand man run some background checks on her. I was sure she would take my offer.

My phone buzzed and I knew better than to check. It was my grandmother. Her incessant nagging about settling down after my messy divorce had driven me to desperate measures.

“You stood her up,” I remembered her scolding me on the phone the previous day after I didn’t show up for the blind date she set up for me.

“Grandma, I already told you. I’ll find my lady myself. My type and in my time.”

“But Emilia needs a mother figure in her life.” She had complained. She always used the fact that my little daughter needed a mother. She was right but I don’t mess with just any lady.

I needed an escape, and that accident with the strange lady from the other night had presented an unexpected opportunity in my favor.

She was one of the most beautiful women I’ve met in a long while. The way her body swayed gently when she walked carried an aura I loved my lady to have. I found her perfect for this task. Just that, now she was beginning to piss me off.

Maximus already told me her mother was hospitalized the other night. I was going to build on this, I knew she needed money badly.

Switching on the TV in my office, I decided to keep myself busy till she got here. The first image I saw on the TV was a gorgeous picture of the same lady I was waiting for.

Nina Barners has been accused of siphoning funds to Jake Correl who doubles as her boyfriend and crime partner, the…

I switched the TV off.

Nina Barners. What the hell! Was this the woman I wanted to get involved with?

I was still deep in thought when a knock sounded on my door.

“Come in.”

Nina rushed in, almost out of breath. "I'm so sorry I'm late," she apologized. She didn’t look so happy.

I raised an eyebrow. "You're 30 minutes late, Nina. Not exactly the best start for someone who has offended me already."

She winced, her cheeks flushing. "I know. I had an emergency at the hospital."

I waved her over, gesturing to the chair opposite my desk. "Sit. We need to talk."

She hesitated, her eyes scanning the room briefly before finally sitting, her hands clasped together in her lap.

“Did you do it?” I asked.

"Do what?” She questioned.

I leaned back in my chair. “I guess you’ve not seen the news,” I replied. I took my iPad and showed her an article about her trending on one of the blogs. Her jaw dropped, tears forming at the back of her eyes.

“So this was why…” her voice trailed off.

"I have a proposal for you, Nina. One that could benefit us both."

Her eyes narrowed, a hint of wariness creeping into her worried expression. "What kind of proposal?"

I smiled, a calculated glint in my eye. "A contract marriage. Pretend to be my girlfriend, and I'll make sure your mother's medical bills are taken care of and also take care of this mess.” I proposed, waving my iPad slightly above my shoulder.

Nina's face turned pale, suspicion written clearly on her face. "And why would you do that?"

I shrugged. "Let's just say we need each others’ help.”

Her gaze dropped, her voice low. "But I have a boyfriend..."

Nina.

I didn’t give Lucian an answer. His offer was so enticing but I couldn’t just jump on it. I didn’t commit the forgery I’m being dragged in the mud about. Secondly, what was I going to tell Jake? That I’m leaving him for another man just for money?

The last time we communicated was when I texted him about my mom’s accident. He didn’t reply to my text or call me. It was so strange.

I stood outside Jake's apartment, my heart racing with every passing second. The headline on the news didn’t add up one bit, the only reason I was at Jake’s was to ask him why he hadn’t called even after seeing the allegations pressed on us.

I took a deep breath and knocked on the door. The sound of laughter and music drifted from inside, Jake was the quiet type and he never had the time to blast music.

The door swung open, and Jake's smile faltered when he saw me. "Nina, hey..."

"Hey?" I repeated, my voice trembling. He hardly called me by my name. "After ignoring me for days, all you can say is 'hey'?"

Jake's eyes darted behind me, and I shifted to see a blondehaired lady with a pink towel wrapped around her chest. That was my spare towel!

She had a guilty expression on her face, hastily gathering her clothes.

My world crumbled around me. "You are cheating on me," I said, stating the obvious.

Jake's face turned red, but he didn't deny it. "Nina, I..."

I raised my hand, silencing him. "Never mind.” I was here for an important reason.

I dumped my phone in his palm. “What does this mean?”

“Oh. This! I thought you were smart to cover this up.” Jake answered but I was lost for a moment.

“Cover this… what are you talking about Jake?!” I yelled.

“The loan from your boss, I told you how badly I needed that money.” Jake’s voice floated in the air, almost driving me crazy.

Panic set in, causing my fingers to shake. “You forged my signature and d… did thi..s?” I stuttered.

“Glad you’ve figured it out, you don’t have any proof against me. The whole world will believe that you did this. Get lost! And never come back here.” He ordered before slamming the door in my face. I stood there, speechless. What did I get myself into?

I turned and walked a step further, leaving Jake and his lover behind. Tears streamed down my face.

My phone rang, shrill in the silence. Melinda's name flashed on the screen.

“What’s that rubbish on the news?”

"Jake cheated on me and framed me up for that." I blurted.

Melinda's gasp was audible. "I'm so sorry, Nina."

I took a deep breath, I finally figured out what to do. "I'm done with him. And I've made my decision."

"What is it?" Melinda asked attentively.

"I'm going to marry Lucian Ryder."

The silence between us lasted for a few seconds before Melinda spoke up. "Nina, are you sure? We still need to figure out how to pay mom's hospital bills..."

"I know," I said firmly. "This is the only way I can get out of this mess. Lucian also offered to take care of the bills if I marry him. I have no choice.”

Melinda sighed. "Okay, girl. If you're sure..."

"I am," I said resolutely.

As I hung up the phone, I took out the business card Lucian gave me the other night. I dialed the number on it and within a few seconds, I heard his baritone charming voice on the other line.

“I will be your pretend wife.”

Nina.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have believed I would ever meet the most feared man in this city. His curly hair was neatly combed just as I had seen it earlier this morning.

Beside him stood a wellbuilt man. The way he glanced at me repeatedly made me shift uncomfortably in the chair.

I fiddled with my phone, and just then I received a text from Melinda. “How’s it going? Are you still doing it?”

“Yes.” I texted back and dropped my phone in my bag.

“Max, you can leave now,” Lucian said to the man and he nodded. “Okay, boss.”

Lucian cleared his throat facing me as the hugelooking man left us alone.

"I'm glad you agreed to our little arrangement, Nina," he said, leaning back in his chair. The way he called my name with some kind of smirk on his lips formed some kind of wetness in my undies.

"What exactly is this arrangement about?" I asked, my voice cautious.

"You'll be moving in with me, immediately after your mother recovers," he informed me.

I paused before speaking up. "And what about my boyfriend? I mean the allegations...?"

"I'll take care of it," he assured me. His voice sounded convincing enough and I knew he had the power to escape allegations that were worse than mine; that information wasn’t new.

"But let's focus on our arrangement. You'll be my wife in name only, and your main duty is to protect my daughter, Emilia, like she's yours."

My voice was laced with surprise. "You have a daughter?"

"Of course," he replied. "And she's the reason I need you to pretend to be my wife. My grandmother has been on my neck, demanding I settle down. Once she's convinced I'm married, she'll hand over my trust fund."

I nodded my head slowly, finally realizing what this was about.

“This information is between you and me, no one knows about it. Not even my righthand man.” His voice thundered, causing my heart to race in fear. “I’ll have your head if anyone else knows of this. Do you understand?” He asked.

“Yes,” I muttered.

“Good.”

"How long do I have to keep up this charade?" I asked.

"Six months should be enough," he replied. "After that, we can go our separate ways, no strings attached."

I hesitated before responding. "Okay, deal."

Lucian smiled, satisfied. "Excellent. Sign there." He handed a document to me, pointing to a set of pens neatly arranged by the edge of the table.

My phone buzzed with an incoming text from Jake.

"Hey, Nina. I'm ready to correct my wrongs. Meet me at our usual spot. We need to talk."

My eyes narrowed. What did Jake want now?

“Change of plans?” Lucian’s voice interrupted my thought, causing me to jerk.

“No, not at all.” I dragged the document to my front and signed it at the end of the paper without going through it.

Lucian gave me a satisfactory smile and stretched his hand toward me. It was a check. My eyes widened in shock and I looked up to see him laughing.

That was the first time I genuinely saw him laugh, he was always so cold.

I smiled hesitantly, pointing to the paper I was holding.

“This is more than what I need for my mom’s surgery. It’s twice the amount.” I couldn’t hide my surprise.

“I know. It’s all yours.” He replied. “My driver will drop you off.”

“Thank you,” I said, standing to my feet.

I pushed the chair forward before walking to the door.

“Nina,” Lucian called me. I turned to look at him but he was no longer smiling. “If you fail to keep to the end of your bargain, I’ll have your head.”

I knew better than to think that was a threat. It was a promise.

I gulped. “I won’t fail you.”

Nina.

I stepped out of the luxurious car Lucian had sent to drop me off, my eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. This guest house is I and Jake’s special place to hang out. I had agreed to meet him, despite what he did. I wanted to know what was so urgent.

I expected to see Jake's car parked in the garage but it wasn’t there. I brought out my phone to check up on my mom. Melinda had texted me that one of my aunts finally came around to take care of my mother. It was enough that I had to go through this hell just to raise the money for the surgery.

“How’s she?” I asked Aunt Steph, the sound of her bubble gum almost deafening me.

“She is good. Surgery is tomorrow. Where have you been and when are you coming?” She asked.

I rolled my eyes, there was no way I was going to tell her about my ordeal.

“Soon.” I bit my lips. “I just need to clear some things off my schedule,” I answered.

“Okay, bye.” She replied, hanging up on me. Crazy woman.

I walked into the guest house, my heels clicking on the floor. I met a familiar face at the reception, she greeted me with a warm smile, and I returned it, asking for the room number Jake had texted me.

I made my way to the room. Luckily for me, my pictures were no longer trending on social media. Lucian had handled it like he promised and I was so glad. I had so many questions for Jake. Why had he cheated on me? Why had he framed me for the forgery?

“202” I muttered and opened the door slowly. Jake was seated on the bed, his eyes fixed in utter space.

“Hi,” I whispered and he turned to face me.

"Nina," he called out, his voice low.

I closed the door behind me, slowly walking toward him.

“Why did you call me here?”

He nodded, patting the bed beside him. "I'm sorry, Nina. I was weak, and I made a mistake."

I sat down beside him, my eyes searching his face. "A mistake? You cheated on me, Jake. And you framed me for that forgery, causing me global embarrassment."

Jake's eyes dropped, and he took a deep breath. "I know. I'm sorry. I'll do anything to make it right."

I sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. I was angry and betrayed. I loved Jake, and I had thought he loved me too.

Just then, Jake stood up and walked to the minibar. "Let's have a drink, Nina. I’m sorry about your mom, we can go there together from here."

He handed me a glass of wine and I took a sip. It’s been a long day and I needed this.

I wanted to ask him about his car but I changed my mind. I wasn’t sure if he needed to know about my new entanglement with Lucian. He cheated on me after all, he didn’t deserve any explanation.

“How did you clear the forgery issue from the media?” He asked, curiosity laced in his voice.

I was about to reply when I started to feel dizzy. I sat up properly thinking it was just the wine. But the dizziness became stronger. I tried to stand up, but my legs felt weak. Jake caught me in his arms just before I could fall.

"Nina, are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

But I couldn't respond. Everything went black.

My head was banging with pain. I looked around confused about how I got here. Just then did I realize I was tied to a chair?

A man emerged from the shadows, a sly smile spreading across his face. It was my exboss, Mr. Harry.

"Nina, you can't run away from me," he sneered.

“What do you want?" I spat, struggling with the tight ropes around my body.

Mr. Harry chuckled. "I want you to produce my money. Your mighty Lucian can’t save you now.” My jaw dropped. He knew.

The door creaked open, and Jake walked in.

"Jake, what did you do?" I demanded.

Before he could respond, the door burst open, and Lucian strode in, his eyes blazing with anger. Maximus and another man followed closely behind him.

"Let her go," Lucian thundered.

Mr. Harry sneered, but he couldn’t hide the fear lurking behind his eyes. "And if I don't?"

Lucian's smile was cold. "You don't want to find out."