Hey everyone, welcome back to my new book. I hope you are doing well and I hope that you are ready for this new story. Due to some issues, I had to take a break from Wattpad for a few weeks but now I'm back.

I hope you will enjoy it.

⚠P.s there might be some grammatical errors. Read at your own risk.
⚠ family-friendly book.

Here are a few shoutouts to everyone who commented and once again thank you for the support❤.

If you see your name drop a '❤'

Enjoy
Lovely_Shifah

Life is an open book full of blank pages. You write the story as you go...

(February 3rd)

Catalaiya's pov:

Leo grabbed my hand and wrapped it around his arm before looking down at me with a reassuring smile. I used my other hand to slightly lift the front of my dress as we walked into the marriage office.

(Catalaiya's outfit⬆️)

Leo was my elder brother and today he was walking me to the marriage office, sending me off with a stranger that our parents chose for me. Even my dress was chosen by our mom. Our mom and dad had an arranged marriage... so did their parents and their parent's parent.

It was like a tradition in our family.

The only one who did love marriage and who was able to escape this stupid tradition was my brother Leo. He has a beautiful wife and he was the father of a lovely 5 months baby girl.

I was always confident that I would break this stupid tradition just like Leo did but I was wrong. I had two boyfriends in the past and each time I got heartbroken.

I wasn't as lucky as Leo.

The reason I gave in for this wedding was because of the pressure that my parents were putting on me. My husband-to-be comes from a big business family and marrying him would be a great opportunity for my parents to grow their own business. Leo tried to argue with them, defending me but that lead to a big fight.

This wedding was a deal and I'm sure going to treat it like one. It's been two years since I stopped doing what I love and dedicate myself to my work. Making deals and respecting them was one of my daily tasks and this arrange marriage was just like any other deal.

My parents lived together for 25 years without love... I can do this.

We stepped inside the office and my eyes landed on Mason Mcbelt, the one I'm marrying. He was in a grey suit, red tie, white shirt and he has the hairstyle of a military guy. His lips curled into a smirk as his eyes roamed my body without even hiding it.

My parents stood on the side with big smiles on their faces. I ignored them as Leo walked us to the chairs. I sat down, not even waiting for Mason or the man behind the desk to say anything.

"She's just so eager." I heard my mom explain behind me. I kept my face neutral, looking at the man in front of me.

He cleared his throat, adjust his tie before gesturing for Mason to sit down. He opened a black file and started to talk about marriage. I zoned out, looking at the handmade pictures behind him.

Painting and drawing were one of my favourite leisure activities. My room used to be full of canvas, each one representing the emotion that I felt when I was painting. There was sad ones, complicated ones, happy ones, unfinished ones... Now my room was just white walls with a mirror.

I felt a hand on mine and I turned to my side to look at Mason. He gave me a flirtatious wink before looking back at the man, who was still talking. I abruptly removed my hand, hoping he will get the idea to leave me alone.

"Now I'll need the witnesses to sign before the couple do." The man spoke. He did say his name but I don't remember it. Our parents, including Mason parents, walked in and signed the paper.

"You'll be mine to cherish soon," Mason whispered as he leaned closer to my side. Since our parents were busy, they didn't notice anything but Leo did. He sends a glare his way, showing him how much he dislikes him.

The man pushed the file in front of us and Mason reached out to grab a pen, eagerly signing it. Our parents noticed his action and chuckled amusedly.

I wasn't.

"Once you sign the papers, you'll exchange rings." The man added.

Mason drop the pen on the paper before sliding it in front of me. I grabbed the pen and inwardly sigh in defeat. That was it.

I only wrote a 'c' before the door slammed opened gaining our attention. I dropped the pen, turning around to look who came. None of us invited anyone to this wedding as our parents wanted it to be as quick as possible.

"Oh shit," I heard my dad curse.

Three men all suited walked in confidently. There was one in the middle and two behind him like bodyguards. The middle man particularly looked intimidating and scary. He was definitely the boss.

Who were they?

Mason stood up and so did i.

"Yes, how can we help you?" Mason asked in his business tone.

Dad walked forward, "Mr Alvaro, why are you here?"

Alvaro? I heard this name before...

"Because of the contract we both signed." Mr Alvaro replied, glaring at dad.

"What contract?" Mason inquired cautiously.

"The contract where he mentions his daughter and my wedding." Mr Alvaro said making my eyes widen.

Huh?

What the hell?

I felt a hand on my arm and I turned around to look at Leo.

"Just say yes," Leo whispered making me confused. Did he know about that?

"No, she's marrying me!" Mason stated confidently.

"No, you're not," Dad said shaking his head.

Mason was furious, "What are you talking about!?"

"He's right, I sign a contract where he would help me with a work and get Catalaiya as his wife," Dad admitted.

I felt all the energy of my body drain off. Why would he do that?

"He's not, he'll have to fight me to take my place." Mason glared at the middle guy.

"Mason, he's Aziel Alvaro. He doesn't have to fight you to take your place." Leo spoke beside me, making the middle guy shift his gaze on me. His piercing greyish eyes stared into my soul, making me shiver.

Aziel Alvaro

A/N

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LovelyShifah

Changes has to come for life to struggle forward...

Catalaiya's pov:

Aziel Alvaro

Wait a minute, I know this name.

Oh my god!

He's the mafia leader of the town, the most dangerous and fearful one. Many rumours were going around in town about him. One of them was the ruthless way he can kill without thinking twice. Even the police try to stays away from his mafia stuff.

I also heard that he has a legal business, where he works like normal people.

Why would dad sign a contract with him?

Aziel walked forward, making Mason move to the side as he went to the desk. He grabbed the paper on the file and rip it in half making the ladies gasp. The man behind the desk gulped looking at Aziel.

"Take out a new one and be quick," Aziel told him and he nodded wordlessly. He quickly opened the drawers by the side and took out another set of papers. He put them on the table in front of us.

"Wait, let ask her what she wants," Mason stated looking at me.

So now they'll ask me what I want?

"A contract is a contract, she doesn't have a say in this," Dad spoke.

I clenched my fist by my side, holding my tears at bay. I so wanted to scream and say fuck you before running away from here, from everyone. I would rather live alone, be a cat lady for the rest of my life.

"The witnesses have to sign first." The man told Aziel.

Aziel turned around and nodded at the two guys, who came with him. They walked forward and each one at a time signed onto the paper. Leo left my side and went to sign too.

"Now you both sign,"

Aziel signed the paper in seconds, his face blank, his fingers wrapped around the pen tightly. He drops the pen and back away, putting his hand in his pant's pocket.

"Your turn Catalaiya," Dad spoke.

His voice was making my blood boil in my veins.

I grabbed the pen and sign it. Not the perfect sign I ever did but it doesn't matter, just like this contract thing. I purposely drop the pen louder, before backing away near Leo.

"Now the ring,"

One of Aziel's friends took out a blue velvet box, handing it to him. Aziel opened it before walking toward me. A few long strides and he was in front of me. He grabbed my hand, swiftly put the ring on my finger before dropping my hand.

(Catalaiya's ring⬆️)

Mom walked to me with another velvet box and I grabbed the ring. I held the ring in the air and looked up at him. He lift his hand and I put the ring on his finger.

It was a little tight as the ring size were of Mason.

"You are now husband and wife, congratulation." The man behind the desk said, earning a glare from both me and Aziel. He gulped, looking down.

"That is nonsense." Mason scoffed looking at the wall.

"More like humiliating." Mason's dad stated. They all left, including the man behind the desk.

Aziel and the two guys walked out, leaving me, Leo, my dad and my mom inside.

"Come here, my little daughter." Dad opened his arm, with a small smile on his face.

I ignored him and turned around to hug Leo tightly. He wrapped his arm around me, rubbing my back slowly.

"We should walk out, Aziel is waiting," Leo murmured.

We pulled away and he gave me a reassuring smile.

"If you need anything, call me." He said and I nodded. I wrapped my arm around his and we both made our way outside. I didn't care if my parents were following us or not. Once we were near Aziel's car, Leo handed me my phone which he kept in his pocket since my dress didn't have one and I didn't bring a purse.

Aziel sat in the front while I sat in the back with one of his friends. There was a good amount of space between us as I leaned against the door, looking outside.

The car started to move and I waved at Leo. He smiled and waved back. Soon, I lost sight of him.

"Drop us at my place," Aziel told his friend.

Aziel's pov:

Few days before the wedding⬅️

I put the last file in the drawer before closing it. There was a knock on my door and I said a loud 'come in'.

A familiar guy walked in but I couldn't remember where I saw him. He sat down in front of me.

"Yes?" I asked.

"I'm Leo Snyder from Snyder company. My dad came to you for a work a few months ago." He says and by his surname, I knew who it was.

His father was such a money and greety man.

"I already did his work," I stated.

"I know but you didn't take your money as per the contract." He replies.

If I remember clearly, there was no money involved. The contract clearly says that he will give me his daughter as my wife when I'm done with his work. I honestly didn't want to sign this contract as I didn't want to get married but my dad forced me. He was present in the office when Leo's dad came to see me.

"It isn't important," I said briefly.

"We both know the 'money' is my sister Catalaiya." He said firmly.

Something tells me there's more to this.

"What do you want?"

"That you keep your word." He simply added.

"You want me to marry your sister out of a contract," I said and he nodded.

"If you don't, I'll make sure that everyone knows that the Aziel Alvaro didn't keep his word." He says.

I chuckled humourlessly,"You think it's smart to threaten a mafia leader, in his own office."

"You won't do anything to me. One of my friends is waiting somewhere and if in 5 minutes I don't walk out of here alive, the news will have only one headline which will include you." He spoke confidently.

I clenched my jaw, glaring at him.

A/N
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LovelyShifah

There are no secrets in life; just hidden truths that lie beneath the surface...

Aziel's pov:

Few days ago before the wedding part 2

The door slammed opened and I looked up at Adam, my elder brother. He looked confused and concerned while I looked pissed.

"What the fuck dude? Carter told me what happened earlier." He said as he sat in front of me. Carter was my best friend and business partner. A few minutes later when Leo left, I called Carter and told him everything... cause if I didn't, my office would be completely destroyed by my anger.

"Like always your father's idea wins," I said sarcastically. I'm not really close to our father and each time I talked, I always say 'his father'.

He sighed leaning in his seat.

"I thought you would get away from this... like it's been weeks since you did their work." He spoke.

Just like me, dad forced Adam to marry a woman who was one of his friend's daughters. Her name's Alicia and she was a bitch to Adam. My brother's bank account was halfway done because of her and her shopping.

"Carter found a few things on them," I said gaining his attention.

"Turns out that the girl's arrange marriage is in a few days and the boy she's marrying is not so rich compare to me," I explained.

He furrowed his eyebrows, "So his brother came to you because of the money status."

I shrugged," I think so. His father is known for his greed for money, it wouldn't be a surprise that his son and daughter are just like him."

"You think she's a gold digger," he concluded and I nodded.

"There's no other reason. Why would a brother come to a mafia leader, tell him to marry his dear sister out of a contract?" I inquired.

"You're right," he nodded, "What will you do now?"

"I'll do the wedding to show him that I do keep my words. Besides I don't need to commit to a contract wedding, it'll be just a deal." I stated.

Leo's pov:

Few days before the wedding⬅️

I reached home and closed the door, letting a breath of relief. I made sure that no one was following me home.

"How did it go?"

I turned around and saw my lovely wife, Kassy with my beautiful baby girl, Aria in her arms. My lips curled in a smile, feeling better now that I've seen them. I walked to them and pulled my wife into my arms before kissing my daughter's cheeks.

"I hope it works," I murmured.

Kassy frowned, "You should tell Catalaiya."

I shook my head no, "She's already upset about what's happening, if I tell her this news, she'll be in shock."

"She needs to know though," Kassy insisted.

A few days ago, I learned that Mason was planning to marry my sister just to get her million worth properties. He already made the papers and it was accidentally sent to our office. That's how I learned about it and when I read the property paper, it was mentioned that the rightful owner-Catalaiya-was dead due to an 'unexplainable' reason.

That got me thinking and I did a lot of research on Mason. I knew talking with my parents would be a complete waste of time as they were the ones who chose this fucker for her.

When doing all the research, I got hold of Aziel Alvaro's file and the contract he signed with dad. This was the only way, to stop Mason from killing my sister. It was the only way to protect her.

I didn't mean to threaten Aziel, I don't have the guts to do that. I know his powers and what he can do. I love my family and I wouldn't want any harm to come upon them.

"I'll tell her a few days after the wedding... hopefully Aziel come to the rescue." I sighed.

Aria cooed and I smiled at her. I picked her up in my arms and pampered her with kisses. She smiled widely showing her pink gum.

Aziel's pov:

Wedding day in the car*

Carter drove us to my house. I sat in the front because I didn't want to sit beside her. Instead, Adam sat beside her. I glanced at her through the front mirror and she was looking outside, lost in her thoughts.

For all I know, she might be doing a list of things she will buy once she gets my credit card...

We reached the big gate and the guard nodded at me before opening it. Once it opened, Carter drove right to the front area and parked. I unbuckled my seatbelt, opening the door.

I glanced at her and she was standing near the door, looking awed by my house.

Of course she will be awed.

The front of my house was kinda plain and dull to see but at the back, it was more beautiful and luxurious. The front of the house hides all the beauty of the back, always surprising newcomers.

I love this place so much...

I walked to the front porch and opened the door. She tagged along, looking around mesmerised. Adam and Carter stayed near the car as I have to go back to work for the Mafia. I had to postpone a meeting for this wedding and I'm already 15 minutes late.

I'm always on time...

"Thalia," I called out loudly.

Thalia was my maid and she lives here, in the guest house with her husband Alfred, who was one of my drivers. They both had been working for me for the last 6 years. I was 20 years old when I bought this house and now I'm 26 years old.

Thalia was in her forties while Alfred was in his fifties.

Thalia walked toward us and looked at Catalaiya with wide eyes.

"We're married. She'll be staying here now." I informed Thalia and she nodded.

"Show her around and take care of her. I need to go back to work." I stated.

A/n

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LovelyShifah

For a dark street, sunshine is most welcome; for a wounded soul, love is the most welcome...

Catalaiya's pov:

This house was fucking huge and so pretty. I try to keep my stunned expression in as I looked around.

(Living room area⬆️)

Aziel left the house while I stood in the same spot, awkwardly.

"Hi, I'm Thalia. I'm the maid here." She introduced herself. Thalia was the same height as me, she had short dirty blonde hair, rosy cheeks, dark brown eyes and she has really pale skin.

"Hi, I'm Catalaiya... the new bride." I awkwardly said the last part as I didn't know what else to say and she just smiled at me, not judging.

"Well welcome home, you look pretty in your dress." She complimented me.

It was the first compliment that I got since this morning.

"Thank you," I said sincerely.

She walked behind me and closed the door before turning toward me again.

"None of your stuff arrived yet and I doubt you want to stay in this dress... how about I lend you one of mine and then I'll show you around?" She suggested.

"Yes," I nodded.

"Sit down or walk around, I'll be back soon." She smiled as she dashed to the end of the room toward the door which I think lead outside.

She lives in the back?

I looked around at my new surroundings. I took a step forward before I stopped. The floor was shining, showing how clean it was so I lift the front of my dress and removed my heels, grabbing them by their straps.

I walked to the open glass door behind the couch and I was surprised to see the set-up of his pool. There was another set of couches outside, palm trees, a firepit area, a patio area. I didn't walk outside as I waited for Thalia. I sat on the couch which was comfy.

I heard the door open, "I'm back."

I looked at her and she walked to me with a pink dress.

"I think this will fit you." She says as she handed me the dress.

"Thank you," I said again.

"Come, I'll show you the master bedroom."

I follow her to the stairs which were on the side of the living room. I hold onto the rail as I was afraid I would step on the front of my dress and fall. Once upstairs, there was another living room in the middle.

On either side, there was a door leading in a hallway. She turned to the right side and I followed her. This hallway leads directly to one door. She opened it and stepped inside.

(Master bedroom⬆️)

"It's pretty," I commented.

She chuckled, "Aziel has a great choice."

She walked to another door near the window and she opened it, "here's the bathroom. You can change here while I'll make something for you to drink. What would you like, Coffee, tea, milkshake, juice?"

"Juice will be good," I replied and she nodded.

As she walked out of the room, I dropped the dress on the bed and my heels near the wooden sitting area. I walked near the window and slightly pull the curtain to the side to look outside. The view was the front entrance. I let go of the curtain before looking around.

There was another door that lead to the closet. His closet was behind the wall of his bed. I walked in and I was amazed by the number of suits he has. Once I was done looking around, I grabbed the dress and changed.

It felt good to be out of the wedding dress.

(Catalaiya's outfit⬆️)

Since I didn't have any shoes or sandals to wear, I had to wear my heels. I grabbed the wedding dress and laid it on the small couch. I then made my way downstairs to the kitchen where Thalia was.

(Kitchen⬆️)

I stood by the counter and she handed me a glass of juice, "Fresh orange juice for you."

"Thank you,"

I took a sip and the cold liquid felt refreshing.

"Follow me, I'll show you around."

She walked in front of me and I followed her.

"There are two guest rooms here, that we barely use."

She walked to the last room, which was closer to the back door she used earlier. She opened it and stepped aside so that I could see the inside.

"It's a small library," she spoke as my eyes roamed around. Damn this room was more colourful than the other rooms.

"Who usually reads here?" I asked curiously.

"No one... I only read a few books in my free time in my guest house, but never in here. Maybe, you will use this room more than us." She says making me look at her.

Maybe...

"Do you wanna see my guest house?" She asked and I nodded. We walked out of the room and she opened the back door. We walked on the green grass, to a guest house. She slides open the front door and made her way inside.

(Guest house⬆️)

"Alfred, we have a visitor." She says loudly before grabbing my hand. She excitedly pulled me into her living room and at the same time, Alfred walked in from their bedroom.

"Oh, who is this lovely lady?" He gave me a warm smile.

"I'm Catalaiya, nice to meet you." I introduced myself.

"She is Aziel's wife," Thalia added making Alfred's eye widen.

"And he's my husband Alfred. He's also one of Aziel's drivers." Thalia told me.

Oh...

"Aziel got married?" Alfred asked, not believing Thalia.

"Yes,"

"Well welcome," he smiled and I smiled back.

These two were nice and welcoming. I feel less miserable and sad now as I know there were two people here who I can talk to.

We stayed in the guest house for a few minutes talking before we walked back to the main house. Thalia cooked and we had dinner together. For some reason, I felt really tired. So one hour later, I was on the bed ready to sleep.

A/N

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LovelyShifah