Reversal Of Fate: From A Pawn To A Mafia Billionaire

Vows In The Shadows

The church was chosen without consent.

St. Dominics Cathedral, centuries old, controlled by the Vatican, neutral grounds among the Five Families. It was where mafia legends were made and enemies disguised themselves in tuxedos.

And now, it would host the wedding of a man who shouldve stayed dead… and the woman sent to betray him.

Jason stood in front of the mirror in a penthouse fitting room, adjusting the collar of his suit jacket. Tailored black velvet. Subtle armor beneath.

Mila entered, tablet in hand.

Theyve invited the heads of every major family,she said. Russo, Moretti, Cortez, Escarra, even two foreign cartels. And get this, theyve hired a private Vatican bishop to officiate.

Jason didnt flinch. Giovanni and Luciano are trying to turn the wedding into a statement.

Yeah, Mila muttered, a bloody one.

Jason turned to her. What about Vin?

Her expression soured. Gone dark. All our surveillance, off. He wiped everything.

Jasons eyes narrowed. Then hes in on it.

Confirmed,Mila said. He was seen entering Giovannis private villa last night. With a briefcase.

Jasons jaw tightened.

My own cousin…

Mila nodded. You still want to go through with the wedding?

Jason glanced at his reflection, but he saw his fathers eyes looking back.

No,he said quietly. I want to finishit.

Russo Estate – Valentinas Bedroom

Two stylists fussed around Valentina, layering her in ivory satin and lace. Her eyes were empty. Her mind, racing.

One woman whispered, You look like royalty.

I feel like a prisoner, Valentina replied flatly.

The stylist laughed, unsure if it was a joke.

It wasnt.

As they placed a diamond tiara on her head, she stared into the mirror.

Today, I might die.

Unless Jasons plan worked.

A knock at the door.

A folded note slipped beneath it.

She picked it up, heart pounding.

It read:

Phase One: You run late. Phase Two: You say no. Phase Three: I burn it all down.

—J

Valentina smiled to herself.

Let the games begin.

An Hour Later – St. Dominics Cathedral

The church was full. Paparazzi were kept outside, but whispers still spread like wildfire through the pews. Mob wives in fur. Gangsters in silk. Politicians with blood on their hands pretending to bless themselves.

Luciano Moretti sat near the front, cold and still. Giovanni Russo flanked the other side, his jaw clenched, forced smiles for his guests.

Dante, Jasons silent enforcer, stood guard near the altar. Mila watched from the choir loft, earpiece in and hand on a detonator, not for bombs, but for backup plans.

Jason stood at the altar in a sharp black suit.

Confident.

Cold.

Ready.

But Valentina hadnt arrived yet.

Luciano glanced at Giovanni. Shes late.

Giovanni muttered, If she runs, Ill put a bullet in her myself.

Jason smiled to himself.

Phase One: Complete.

Outside – Limousine

Valentina sat inside the wedding car, staring out the tinted window.

The driver tapped the glass. Miss Russo? The ceremony—

She raised a finger. Five more minutes.

Her hand slid into her clutch and wrapped around a small pistol custom-made, pearl handle.

She whispered to herself, You chose this.

Then stepped out.

Inside the Cathedral

The doors opened.

Gasps swept through the crowd.

Valentina walked in slowly, veil floating, expression unreadable.

Jason watched her like a man watching a storm walk down the aisle.

At the altar, the bishop cleared his throat.

Dearly beloved…

The ceremony began.

Every second was loaded.

Jasons mind ticked through the plan.

Phase Two: Say no. Out loud. Publicly. Disgrace the alliance. Break the families. Let the dominoes fall.

But then—

The bishop turned to Valentina.

Do you, Valentina Russo, take—

I dont,she said loud and clear.

The room froze.

Gasps.

Chairs creaked. Guns tensed beneath tuxedos.

Giovanni stood abruptly.

Lucianos fist slammed the pew.

Jason smiled.

But then the bishops face changed.

His eyes narrowed.

He reached into his robes and pulled out a pistol.

Not a bishop.

A hitman.

He aimed it directly at Valentinas chest.

Jason didnt think.

He moved.

Bang.

The shot fired, missed.

Chaos exploded in the cathedral.

Jason tackled Valentina behind the altar. Mila activated the comms.

GO, GO, GO!

Dante burst through the sacristy doors, spraying the aisle with cover fire.

Lucianos men turned on Giovannis. Giovannis guards opened fire on Jasons. Screams echoed through stained glass.

Valentina scrambled behind the pulpit, ripping off her heels.

Jason handed her a small sidearm. Its now or never.

She cocked it. Lets go to war.

Fifteen Minutes Later – Outside the Cathedral

The entire building was in flames.

Mafia leaders lay bleeding in the pews.

Jason and Valentina escaped through a secret crypt tunnel with Dante and Mila leading the way.

As they emerged behind a bakery on 3rd Street, sirens began to wail in the distance.

Jason helped Valentina into the waiting car.

Blood smeared across his cheek.

Her dress torn, her hands shaking.

They sat in the backseat, silence ringing between them.

You saved me,she whispered.

I promised I would.

I said no at the altar.

He turned to her. You meant it?

She nodded. Id say no again.

Jason leaned closer, forehead resting against hers.

No one owns us anymore.

Valentina looked into his eyes.

And now?

Jason whispered, Now we take everything.

Elsewhere – Giovannis Private Bunker

Giovanni threw a chair across the room. That little witch! She embarrassed me in front of the world!

Vin stood quietly in the corner.

Shes gone rogue,Vin said. Jasons too smart. We underestimated him.

Giovanni turned to him, panting. Can you kill him?

Vin didnt hesitate. Yes.

Giovanni walked up to him, placed a hand on his shoulder. Then do it. Bring me his heart.

Vin nodded once. Then left the room.

Outside, he opened his phone.

A message blinked on screen.

JASON:You ready for Phase Three?

Vin smiled faintly.

And typed:

Always.