Episode 7

After a while, Ellen went to console Bianca, who stood there, sad and forlorn.

With a tight embrace, Ellen tried to sooth the young woman who bore a sorrowful expression, before guiding her to the garden where a quaint altar was set up for the ceremony.

All the ranks of the mafia were present today; Otavio had, despite being relatively new to the mafia, built his empire and had become a Don as feared as his father. As Bianca no longer had her father, and Otavio's dad was also deceased, their friend John would walk her down the aisle.

There was a murmur of surprise as all the leaders knew Laura, having been introduced to her once in the mafia circles—Otavio had laid eyes on her then, and they were unaware of Giovanni's death, which Otavio had downplayed until the wedding's conclusion.

However, some council members scrutinizing the scene, challenged Bianca's entrance, now standing before Otavio. Councilor Giuseppe, a friend of Giovanni's, began to speak.

"Otavio, explain why Giovanni's youngest daughter is standing in for Laura, and where is Giovanni?" Councilor Giuseppe inquired.

"What sort of joke is this, Otavio? Please explain," said Councilor Mateo, indignantly.

"Besides, we all know this girl is blind. A Don cannot marry a defective woman; it's disgraceful, and their children could inherit defects too," stated Councilor Antonio disdainfully, looking at Bianca with repulsion.

The crowd began demanding answers, turning the wedding into a spectacle. Bianca heard every word—each one a knife to her heart, compounding the pain of her father's loss with the agony of the cruel words thrown at her.

Otavio, seeing the deep sadness on Bianca’s face, felt his hands clench and his jaw tighten in protective anger that came from an instinct he didn't even know he had.

Still gazing at the petite figure before him, weeping in shame and sorrow, Otavio drew his gun and shot Councilor Antonio in the head for his cruel offense against Bianca.

The guests watched, frightened and wary, as Otavio remorselessly shot a longstanding council member from his father's time, unafraid of possible reprisals.

John and other men aimed their guns at the remaining guests, ready for an order from Otavio; a Don could not be challenged in such a manner before others, and it was his duty to enforce limits and respect, by any means necessary.

"I hope everyone listens well because I will only speak this once. Giovanni died last night after his elder daughter Laura fled. To clear my honor, I will marry the younger daughter as her sister's substitute. When I find Laura, I will determine her fate. Anyone who disrespects Bianca or causes her harm will meet the same end as this old man."

"Otavio, this is not how we deal with things, and if Laura is found, you should do the right thing, annul this marriage, and wed the rightful bride," Councilor Matteo said, voicing his opinion.

"We don't want to confront you, Otavio, but rules must be followed; you should have informed us," Spoke Giuseppe, wary because he knew his Don well.

"Out of respect for you two, who have always been good friends, you're not getting a bullet as well, but know that my decisions are beyond challenge; I am the damn Don here, and I don't owe you explanations, it's you who owe them to me. I decide; if anyone dislikes that, they'll have to get in line to kill me and take my place. Now let's all be silent and continue with this cursed ceremony."

Ellen dried Bianca's tears, who was terrified by the turn of events, kissed her forehead, and stepped aside for the ceremony to proceed. Otavio's men removed Councilor Antonio's body and swiftly cleaned up as the officiant began the wedding.

After a while, the ceremony concluded, and the papers were signed; Bianca now bore the Martini name.

Bianca and Otavio proceeded to the grand table for lunch, where everyone began to eat only after Otavio started, the guests all too fearful to speak. Hence the room was filled only with the sounds of cutlery and dishes.

Following the luncheon, guests moved to the grand hall to toast and, ostensibly, to socialize. Unbeknownst to Bianca, she was now the subject of many women's envy, particularly Joyce, daughter of Councilor Giuseppe, who had attempted multiple times to have his daughter chosen as the bride, but to no avail.

Joyce, pampered and selfish, did not shy away from any means to get what she wanted. Despite her beauty, Otavio had never shown any interest, keeping her at arm's length.