Chapter 1 - The Wedding Day

A wedding is supposed to be a joyous and blessed occasion where two souls and families become one. And Persephone's wedding was anything but joyous and blessed. It was a means to atone for her sins. To reform her errors. To fulfill her duty.

'I'm Persephone Juliet Marino, the daughter of the great Alessandro Marino. I'm named after the goddess of spring, the Persephone, but my life is anything but spring. There are no flowers in the world that can make my life colourful and alive like spring. I'm left to pick my pieces in darkness. But they forgot one thing, they actually forgot that Persephone was not only the goddess of spring, she was the queen of darkness as well. One day, maybe one day, I will rule darkness as well. Until then I will wait for my chance.'

Persephone Marino was getting married to Nicolas Scuderi, a man she knew since her childhood. Also, the man she no longer knew. She couldn't face him without remembering that unfortunate incident that changed her life forever.

The door to the bridal room opened and in came a stream of her female friends and family members. Only she knew how much she wanted to scream and tell them that they were not welcome. 

However, much to her dismay the wedding foreplay commenced with her being pulled from the bed and shoved for a bath. Her skin was scrubbed red, her limbs waxed till they bled. Her hair brushed and combed into a bun, finishing the final bridal look. 

No one cared about her comfort. Well, she was the bride and she should look perfect or one could say bride like. 

An ivory white lace wedding dress was picked for her. White was never her color, then again who was she to complain? If she ever wanted to marry, she would choose one in blush and perhaps, something vintage and simple. 

She was never asked. Her choice was never of any importance. Actually, she was never of importance. Or maybe she once was. 

She was a Marino, after all. The daughter of Alessandro Marino. He ruled his territory with an iron fist and horror. He was not a King but a don.  He was the boss of the New York mafia outfit.  And you can imagine the life of a don's daughter. .Especially the eldest one. She was the perfect sweet daughter until she committed a mistake and the mistake led to sin and the sin led to a stream of another one. 

Persephone Marino had committed a sin which she could never erase. If she could go back in time, she would undo that unfortunate night. But could a single undo wipe out all her sins? 

Her mother had always told her that life was about choices; some that are impossible to make and while others we live to regret. 

But what she forgot to tell was that these choices would plague her forever. No matter where she went, the guilt, the ghosts of the mistakes and pain would forever follow her.

A choice turned into a mistake due to her impulsiveness. A choice that was here forever to remind her never to choose again at least not at the cost of others. 

Her gaze fell on her reflection in the mirror. There was a blank look in her eyes. No excitement. No fear. And hope. Only guilt and remorse. 

Every woman present in the room seemed to avoid her eyes for a reason. And she very well knew that reason, but never said it out loud. She was Persephone Marino, the perfect and docile daughter and everyone seemed to love this quality of hers.

Women in their world are liked and adored as long as she keeps her mouth locked and doesn't utter a word before their men. In short, a mute woman was always preferred. 

Persephone's gaze met her mother's in the mirror who gave her a small smile in return. She fixed the veil on Persephone's head and gave a slight squeeze to her shoulder. 

Percy's mind wandered to what her mother, Carina Marino had said when the wedding was announced and for some reason, it was stuck in her head and regrettably for eternity.  

Carina's gaze locked on Persephone's face without flinching. She recalled the conversation that she had with her daughter.  'Your father needs you to marry Nico for the family's name and you have known Nico and his family since your childhood. Do your duty. Don't back out from your duty. It's your honor.  An honor to do something for our family. Family means everything, Percy.'

'I do not love him, mom. He doesn't love me either. Papa doesn't need him as an ally when he and his family are already one.'

Carina looked at her daughter and plainly said, 'Love has nothing to do with marriage, Persephone. You are endowed with an opportunity to do something for this family and your papa. He might forgive you.'

Her lungs caved in, her body going cold. 'So, it's punishment for my mistake.'

Carina sighed as if she was dealing with a stubborn and bratty child. 'Take it however you want. But you must be a good wife to Nico, a good daughter-in-law to his family, and a good mother for his children.'

'And what about me, mother? What about me? How am I supposed to live with my guilt? How am I supposed to be good for him, his family, and his future kids when I'm barely surviving?'

She didn't answer. She didn't have one. If Carina had answers she wouldn't have spent years with Alessandro Marino whose hands were stained with blood. And if it was a year ago maybe Persephone would have questioned her mother, but now how could she question her when her own hands were no better than Alessandro. 

She was not responsible for one but two lives. Two people died because of her. 

"What about me, mother?" Persephone asked the same question again as her mother placed the tiara on her head. The tiara was sent by Nico's mother as an heirloom for his daughter-in-law. It was a sort of ritual in the Scuderi family. 

"I have no answer to your question, Percy. But you must remember when we marry them, their lives become ours. We don't have a life except being a wife and mother to your husband's children. And if you are lucky enough, he may return your affection. But never expect love, at least not from them. You are a Marino, he will never disrespect you by keeping a mistress. And you know Nico, you have been friends with him for years. He asked for your hand Percy regardless of what happened to you." 

"So, I brought it on myself. " Persephone chuckled bitterly. 

"You knew there was no escape from this life, yet you chose to act on your impulse. Percy, Nico is a good man. He will give you everything you need." 

"Except for freedom," Persephone concluded. 

_____

Welcome, everyone! Thank you for choosing this book. I hope I will not disappoint you. Please give this book a chance and surely drop your reviews and comments. I will be happy to get back to you. Fire away all the doubts and the questions!

You can also read my ongoing book 'The Typhoon's dangerous wife. Your response will decide whether my book is doing well or not. If you keep voting and share your views in comments, your favourite book meaning 'The Villain' will be contracted soon, which means you're gonna get daily updates everyday for sure. 

But let me warn you, my dear readers, after chapter ten, the content may be a little more mature than your taste. Please take note of this. I'm not stopping myself when it comes to mature content, but if you don't like it, skip the chapter as I will surely be giving you warnings. 

Last but not the least, when you chose the book, you know Santiago is a Villain not a polished hero, so please don't expect him to be chivalrous when he is clearly not. He knows the difference between right and wrong but he is not your usual fluffy sweet and softly male lead.. He is dark and dangerous thorough and thorough.