THE GALA

'Grrr," Bianca's phone buzzed loudly on the floor, breaking the quiet of the early morning. She groaned, her eyes were still heavy with sleep, and yet slowly she opened them. The morning sunlight was entering the penthouse bedroom through the window and displayed how neat and arranged the room was. The air was thick with the scent of rich perfume.   She stretched lazily, her hand reaching out to grab the phone. But before she could, Luca leaned over and picked it up for her. He scanned her curiously as he handed her the phone. 'Good morning, Mi belle assassina." He said with a concealed smile on his face and in a sultry voice. Bianca took the phone from him and slowly responded, 'Good morning." Her response was forced like she would rather not greet him back, but in truth, she was just surprised he picked her phone up for her and more surprised that he greeted her. She checked her phone and realized that it was the 16th. The date for the charity gala. Immediately, her stomach sank. She felt uneasy and immediately went into the bathroom to ease herself. In the bathroom, she kept thinking to herself about how the night was going to turn out. But In all, she made up her mind that whatever happened she was going to keep her cool and go through it like she had always done everything. ******** The night of the gala arrived, and Bianca stood in front of the floor-length mirror in the penthouse bedroom, adjusting the straps of her gown made by the band of designers Luca had called earlier on. The dress was a masterpiece… sleek, and black, and it was adorned with subtle sequins that reflected every light it caught with even the slightest movement. It hugged her figure perfectly, outlining her curves while maintaining an air of elegance. The perfect dress for a mafia queen. Her hair was braided and neatly packed into a chignon updo. Her makeup was flawless, highlighting her sharp facial features. She looked every bit the part of a mafia queen, but inside, she wasn't herself. 'This is not who Bianca Salvatore is." She kept thinking to herself. Luca entered the room, his presence brought her back to her senses. He was dressed in a tailored black tuxedo, his dark packed into a half-up ponytail, and his piercing eyes locked onto hers. 'You look stunning," he said, his voice low and smooth, as if he were trying to impress her or to make her happy. 'Are you ready?" 'Yes, is that not obvious enough" she responded with a forced smile. Luca took a step closer to her, his gaze intense. 'Remember, tonight is about appearances. You're my fiancée, my lover, and I'm the head of La Mano Nera. We need to convince everyone that this is real." He paused and held her by the shoulders 'Can you do that?" Bianca maintained eye contact, her resolve hardening. 'Yes, I can. It's not even as though I have a choice". Luca nodded, and with tightly closed eyelids, he said. 'Good. Let's go." ******** They arrived at the entrance of the gala venue in a limousine. The venue, a grand mansion lit up like a lighthouse at night. Photographers and reporters swarmed the red carpet, their cameras flashing as the elite of Philadelphia and high society entered the gala venue. When Luca and Bianca stepped out of the limousine, the crowd went into a commotion. Luca took Bianca's hand, his grip firm but reassuring, as they walked down the red carpet. Bianca kept her head high, her smile radiant as she waved to the crowd. Luca was impressed at her display, kept her close, and with a very bright smile on his face, he shielded her from the chaos. 'Who's the woman?" a reporter asked in a loud voice and everywhere went quiet for a bit. Luca did not answer. In fact, he did not even budge, so another reporter asked 'Is it true you're engaged to your cousin Adriana Pasquale?" Luca ignored the questions, his expression changed a bit, but he guided Bianca inside. Inside the gala, the atmosphere was tense. The room was filled with the city's most powerful figures…politicians, business moguls, and mafia bosses. The air reeked of rich perfume and champagne. To everybody they met, Luca introduced Bianca as his fiancée with so much pride in his voice and face. Bianca on the other hand, played her role well. She charmed everyone she met with her wit and personality. She laughed at the right moments, asked the right questions, and made sure to keep her arms linked with Luca's arm. As they met and greeted people, they both couldn't help but hear the murmur and side talks that came from the crowd. They noticed how everyone's attention seemed to be on them alone. So immediately the orchestra began to play a slow romantic melody, Luca suggested that they both dance and Bianca agreed. As they danced, the music enveloped them like a warm hug. Luca placed his hand firmly on her waist, his touch was soft yet intentional. Luca's touch sent a wave of warmth through her. He came closer to her, his warm breath blowing against her ear as he whispered, 'You're wonderful. Just keep going." His voice was tender, and for a moment, it felt like the world faded away, leaving just the two of them. Bianca smiled, her eyes bright with a playful spark. 'I told you I could keep up," she said, her tone light but confident. For a brief moment, it all felt real… the intensity of his melodious music, the way his grip tightened on her hand as if he would rather not let go. The music seemed to reflect just the exact rhythm of their moment, pulling them closer, and for a moment, they both forgot what this was all about. But just as quickly, Bianca snapped back to reality. She reminded herself what this was really all about. An Act. Just then Bianca saw Vittorio Moretti, the leader of La Fratellanza della Morte, who had hired her to kill Luca. He approached them, his presence was menacing, his sharp eyes scanning Bianca with interest. 'Luca," he began, his voice filled with false concern. 'I see you've found yourself a beautiful companion." Luca was quiet at first, but then he had to respond. 'Vittorio. This is Bianca." He said Alas. Vittorio extended his hand to Bianca for a handshake, his countenance menacing. 'È un piacere conoscerti, mia bellissima signora." (It is a pleasure to meet you, my beautiful lady." 'I hope Il mio bambino here is treating you well" Bianca shook his hand, with a polite smile. 'He is. Thank you." Vittorio looked at her for a moment too long before he turned back to Luca. 'Be careful, my friend. Not everyone is as they seem." Luca's fist tightened, but he remained quiet as Vittorio walked away. ****** The night ended with Luca and Bianca leaving the gala, their act was a successful one. As they drove away in the limousine, Bianca heaved a sigh of relief and started laughing. 'You did well," Luca said, as he joined in her laughter. Bianca nodded, her face still lit up with a genuine smile. 'It was intense. But not half as bad as I thought."