Taken By The Mafia Lord

The look between Clara and her mother didn't go unnoticed by the wedding planner who then picked up the tension in the air. It had been there when she arrived but didn't give it much thought until now.

She asked awkwardly, "Is there a reason why the news is not out, or is there a reason the news shouldn't be out. I can keep a hundred percent confidentiality for my client, however, I work with people at the top of the social hierarchy and my presence alone spells wedding bells. " She hinted that she wouldn't be held responsible if the news were to leak.

"No," Clara stood out before her mother could say a word," The wedding announcement would be made in due time, however, I want the comfort of secrecy at the moment. You should know how crazy it gets when news like this is released, especially when it involves a prominent family like ours." She chuckled nervously.

"Of course, I do understand your fears. Nothing can be more hectic than planning a wedding but then..." Alexi laughed loudly, pressing her hand on her chest, "That's why you have me. It's my role and occupation to take the weight off your shoulder." She said before looking around the room and that was when Clara realized she was still standing.

"Please do, have a seat, refreshment is on the way,"

"Oh, thank you," Alexi squeaked, sitting down immediately.

Diana sat beside her daughter on the same couch while the wedding planner sat on the next one. Alexi looked the part and was quite young and fashionable in her attire and that was what Clara wanted. She needed a wedding planner who understood what she wanted and she could communicate with and be understood. Moreover, Alexis was an experienced wedding planner.

"I see that you're doing your research already," Alexi said, reaching for one of the magazines on the table.

"Ah, yes," Clara answered, her back straight and formal, "I was hoping to get inspiration from the magazines and form an idea of what I want and communicate it to you. That way, your job would be far easier and I would be much happier."

"Aww, that's so sweet. You're kind and considerate and would be added to the list of my favorite clients." Alexi complimented her and that warmed Clara's heart. This wasn't as hard as she thought it would be.

She was creating a clean and free environment, Diana noticed and didn't say anything. At least, her daughter chose a good wedding planner. She couldn't wait for this to be over so she could talk to Marcel and give him a piece of her mind.  As much as the Luciano's were responsible for their protection, the Alberta's were not pushovers either.

"So, where is he?" Alexi suddenly asked.

Clara's brows raised questioningly, "He?"

"He, your fiancé? Husband to be? Love of your life? The man you are going to spend the rest of your life with in the  astonishing wedding I plan to throw? " Alexi intentionally teased her.

"Oh," Clara finally got what she was saying and laughed awkwardly, tugging the tendrils of her hair to the back of her ear, "He's kind of urm… busy?"

"Eeh…" Alexi licked her lips, "In that case, that's going to be a little setback in our plans."

"How so?"

"As a Wedding Planner, my responsibility is to establish a planning timeline and work with you, the bride, and your groom, to choose everything from attire, to ceremony and reception venues, music, and food. In one word, I'm here to Interview both you couples and parents to identify your needs. "

"Is that so?" Clara realized how messed up this was right now. Marcel had told her to plan the wedding herself and now this wedding planner was trying to tell her that Marcel needed to be present. It didn't sound like a great idea.

"Is his presence really necessary?" Clara asked, and that question made Alexis' brow furrowed in confusion as she too began to suspect something was wrong here.

Yet, Alexi went ahead to explain to her, "Although the bride's needs are known to overshadow the groom's, however, this is not only your wedding, it is our wedding, meaning you and your husband. It is your special day to him as much as it is to yours. So getting a clear feel and understanding of both your taste and overall vision is important for my work."

Clara took a deep breath, how was she going to deal with this? But then, as much as Marcel told her to go ahead with the preparation, he promised to be here if she needed anything. Well, she needed him now.

With a new surge of confidence, Clara told Alexi proudly, "Don't worry, I'll call him and he'd be here as soon as possible and we can start with the arrangements,"

She had a feeling that Alexi was beginning to suspect that something was wrong with this marriage of hers, after all, this was her occupation - planning happy weddings. So she would prove her wrong once Marcel arrives.

At the mention of arrangements, Diana's eyes shone with anger and resentment. Marcel had not officially told her about the marriage, how dare he show his face here to plan a wedding she hasn't approved.

But Clara didn't take her mother's feelings into account and as soon as Alexi said, "Sure, go ahead."

She stood up from the conch and went to a corner of the room to make the call.

"Come on now, don't fail me, Marcel," Clara took a long, shaky breath as she called him.

She must have forgotten how to breathe because she held her breath the entire time the phone rang. By the time the call ended with no answer, Clara was beginning to tremble on the second ring.

However, even when she called the fourth time, there was still no answer and she couldn't control herself anymore. With great anger, she tossed the phone on the floor with a guttural scream like a wounded animal scaring both women who had no idea what was going on.

"Clara!" Diana went to her daughter having a feeling that this had something to do with Marcel. The woman made up her mind at that moment, she was going to end this stupid engagement. Marcel was not worthy of her daughter.