Dante’s POV

"Elena Romano, are you saying you refuse Dante Moretti as your lawful wedded husband?" The official's question sent the hall into silence, with everyone anticipating Elena's response.

My gaze darkened at her audacity, wondering if this was how the Romano family would pay me back after all that I had done for them.

But not too bad; I would make them watch their daughter breathe her last right in front of them before ruining every bit of them.

"No... that isn't what I mean..."

Elena's stuttering voice made me snap out of my thoughts. I raised my head to look at her, who was now staring at the ground, trembling.

"I wanted to say yes, but I was too lost in my thoughts that I spewed nonsense because, of course, I won't be standing here if I don't want to be Dante's wife," her voice echoed; this time, she was hasty with her words.

Even though she doesn't want to be my wife, I am sure she wouldn't be so stupid as to think of disgracing me, Dante Moretti, right in front of everyone here.

"The groom may now exchange rings with the bride," the official said with a calm look on his face, urging us to come closer to pick up the ring.

I walked up to him before picking up the ring. Elena did the same, looking composed.

I thought she had changed after those years, but maybe people hardly changed. She is probably scared of me and sees me as the devil in human form, just as she did when we met years ago.

I walked up to Elena, who was already stretching forward her finger, waiting for me to insert the ring into it. I did just as she expected, hoping she would look me in the eyes when inserting the ring into mine.

She raised her gaze to meet mine before it landed on my stretched finger. She inserted the ring into my finger before returning her gaze to the floor.

Claps from the guests echoed after we exchanged rings. Now we are officially married.

Even though she was looking pale, obviously trying to hold back her tears, she was finally mine. I would make her realize that.

After the clapping subsided, I pulled Elena closer to me. I didn't wait for her to question me before placing my lips on her soft lips.

Before she could protest, I deepened the kiss, my tongue dominating hers, as I tasted every bit of her mouth, leaving her frozen like a statue.

After I was done, I disengaged from the kiss before facing the guests who were now staring at me in amusement. I knew they must have been amazed to find out I am a good kisser.

"With the power bestowed on me by our Lord, Christ, I hereby pronounce Dante Moretti and Elena Romano as husband and wife," the official concluded the ceremony before leaving us.

I left Elena, whose pale look was already becoming visible under her makeup. I walked up to some of my friends who were amused by my sudden family.

"What is up with the sudden marriage? I wouldn't have known you were getting married if not for Adams, who informed me," my friend Paul said calmly.

"Haha, man, you know I need the Romano family to be able to fight against Antonio Russo," I voiced with determination laced in my voice.

"So in the end, you aren't marrying for love? I can't believe everything you ever care about and do is still to gain power," my close friend Adam teased, making the three of us laugh.

Knowing where this conversation was leading, I decided to excuse myself.

"I would leave you guys to-" Before I could complete my statement, the sound of a gunshot echoed through the hall, interrupting me.

And the next thing I heard was everyone shouting Elena's name.

Without thinking twice, I ran up to the spot where everyone gathered around. I felt a sharp pain hit me in my chest as I watched the woman I had just gotten married to bleeding, life slowly squeezing out of her frail body right before my eyes.

Whoever did this, I am going to make sure they experience the worst death! I am going to make sure they regret touching what is mine!

"Van, Dragon, I want the motherfucker who shot my wife! Alive or dead, bring him to me!" I instructed, anger laced in my voice.

I squatted behind Elena before muttering, "Don't worry; I am going to make sure you are safe."

This is unlike me... But if I can't protect my wife, what then makes me powerful?

Without letting any other thoughts into my mind aside from saving Elena, who was struggling to remain conscious, I lifted her from the ground, carrying her like a baby as I hurried to the garage.

I got into my car without bothering about the fact that her blood was going to stain my car. I placed her gently in the backseat before getting into the car.

After starting the car, I drove off to the hospital close to the wedding hall. This time, I didn't care about my safety; all that was hammering in my mind was saving Elena.

The moment we arrived at the hospital, I got out of the car before carrying Elena out. I hurried into the hospital before walking up to the nurses at the receptionist's office.

"Sir-"

"Where is the doctor?" I asked calmly.

"Sir, I am sorry. It seems like she got shot and would need to be-"

"That isn't what I asked!" I cut her off. "Where is the doctor?" I repeated my question.

She hesitated before replying, "The doctors are all booked for surgery... I am sorry; you would have to take her to another hospital."

Without thinking twice, I brought out the gun in my suit pants before pointing it at her. "I want a doctor to attend to my wife this minute or watch everyone die-including you!"