Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 408: Chapter 4 Dreams Become Reality

Lila’s POV

I couldn’t contain my excitement about Ivy’s wedding to Caleb Thorne. It had been ages since I’d attended such an elaborate celebration in our circles, and these traditional family gatherings were absolutely my thing. The Thorne family spared no expense when it came to cementing alliances through marriage. Ivy had asked me to be one of her bridesmaids, pairing me with some associate of Caleb’s from the law enforcement side. The mystery man had me intrigued, and I kept bombarding Gemma with questions about him.

"Come on, Lila, Inspector Martinez was at Thorne Corporation all week during the security briefings. He’s impossible to miss—the man is massive," Gemma chuckled while helping me with my dress zipper. The Thorne family had been coordinating with various enforcement contacts to ensure the wedding went smoothly without any territorial disputes.

"Gemma, that place was pure chaos. Family representatives everywhere, encrypted phones ringing non-stop, security details being arranged. I didn’t notice him at all. What’s he like?" I pressed, desperate for details.

"There, all done! Now do mine." Gemma turned, presenting her back to me. "I’ve already told you I’m keeping quiet. You’ll see him soon enough. Though I still can’t believe you didn’t spot him during all those legal consultations."

"Well, I didn’t. I just hope he’s somewhat attractive. He doesn’t need to be drop-dead gorgeous like that man from the private banking meeting..." My voice trailed off, my mind drifting to that impossibly handsome stranger who kept invading my thoughts. I’d encountered him during a high-level financial consultation at one of our family’s legitimate fronts.

"That mystery man really left his mark on you, didn’t he?" Gemma observed. I’d told her all about the most beautiful man I’d ever laid eyes on during that brief encounter in the marble halls of our exclusive banking establishment.

"I’ve literally dreamed about him," I admitted, immediately regretting my confession.

"Oh really?" Her eyes lit up with mischief. "Please tell me you were making out in this dream."

My face flushed crimson. "Gemma! God, no. I just dreamed he was at the consultation again, smiling at me with those piercing eyes."

"Not even one tiny kiss? How disappointing," Gemma sighed dramatically.

"No kisses. Let’s change the subject. I’ll never see that godlike creature again anyway," I lamented. Men like that were probably already spoken for in arranged marriages within their own families.

"Never say never, Lila," Gemma winked. "Anyway, you’ll like the Inspector—he’s incredibly professional yet friendly."

"Friendly, is he?" I raised a suspicious eyebrow, making her burst into laughter. In our world, law enforcement contacts were usually either completely bought or dangerously unpredictable.

"Bridesmaids!" Zoe’s voice called out, commanding our attention. As Caleb’s cousin and the family’s information specialist, she was coordinating the entire ceremony. "Everyone ready? It’s time to meet your escort partners. The ceremony’s about to begin."

We filed out to the magnificent garden where the Thorne estate had been transformed into something from an old-world fairy tale. I had to pause to retrieve my bracelet that had fallen—the antique clasp had come loose. Perhaps I should keep it safe and get it repaired before losing this family heirloom completely. I heard Zoe calling my name and approached her while still examining my bracelet. She placed her hand on my back, guiding me toward my assigned partner for the processional.

When I finally looked up, my knees nearly gave out. I began stuttering uncontrollably. This couldn’t be happening. Inspector Daniel Martinez, my wedding escort, was none other than the Greek god from the banking consultation! Was fate playing some elaborate prank on me? I stood frozen, completely stunned, while he gazed at me with that mesmerizing smile and spoke with the same gentle warmth that had captivated me weeks ago.

As Zoe arranged us in the processional line, he extended his arm, which I took with visible hesitation. "Nervous, Lila?" he whispered, leaning closer. His voice carried that same commanding authority I remembered.

"M-me? N-no." I cursed internally at my inability to speak coherently. My hands were sweating, my body trembling slightly. Meanwhile, his enchanting smile remained firmly in place, making it nearly impossible to focus on anything else.

"So you are intimidated by me," he murmured near my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

"That’s not it," I protested. I could feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment, forcing me to look away to regain composure.

"What is it then? If you’re cold, I could hold you closer to keep you warm." That did it—I turned absolutely scarlet. He was clearly enjoying my discomfort, the confident way only someone from a powerful family could.

"It’s not cold. It’s... oh my god," I muttered, practically praying for divine intervention while he continued chuckling softly. "It’s just that you’re an Inspector—someone important in the enforcement network—and I’m just an ordinary legal secretary. I’m going to bore you."

"I see. But I view things differently. Yes, I work in law enforcement, but that hardly makes me untouchable. As for you, you’re hardly ordinary—you’re a beautiful woman from a respected family who’s honoring me with her company today. I doubt I’ll be bored." He moved his face closer to mine, definitely testing my composure.

"Well, if you say so," I replied awkwardly. Despite his intimidating position and those dangerous good looks, I refused to be completely intimidated. I was determined to enjoy this celebration.

As the evening progressed through the elaborate ceremony and reception, I gradually relaxed. Daniel proved to be wonderful company. I expected him to abandon me after the formal processional to network with other important family associates, but he stayed by my side the entire time, holding my hand whenever protocol allowed, dancing with me during the traditional waltzes, giving me his undivided attention—a complete gentleman throughout the entire affair.

We conversed extensively about everything from legal precedents to family traditions, discovering numerous shared interests. I was genuinely enjoying his sophisticated company. When the evening finally gave us a moment alone, I immediately dragged Gemma to the powder room, desperate to share my earth-shattering revelation.

"Girl, what’s going on? You pulled me in here like we’re avoiding surveillance," Gemma laughed as we entered the ornately decorated ladies’ lounge.

"Sorry, Gemma, but I need to tell you something." I bounced nervously from one foot to the other.

"What is it, Lila?" Gemma casually touched up her makeup in the gold-framed mirror.

"The guy from the banking consultation..."

"What? The god is here?" Gemma’s eyes widened with immediate interest.

"He’s Daniel!" I exclaimed, and Gemma froze, staring at me in complete disbelief.

"Daniel Martinez? The Inspector?" Gemma asked, and I nodded vigorously.

"What should I do, Gemma?" I was having a minor panic attack about the implications.

"Well, Lila, kiss him. Because he definitely wants to kiss you." Gemma laughed as I gaped at her like she’d suggested something completely scandalous.

"Don’t be ridiculous, Gemma! A powerful man like that? Kiss me? Impossible!" I protested.

"Lila, look in the mirror—you’re beautiful! Of course he wants to kiss you. I’ve seen how he looks at you; he’s been signaling all evening long."

"What signals? You’re imagining things."

"Oh really? Has he left your side even once since you were introduced?"

"No."

"Has he held your hand during every opportunity?"

"Pretty much the whole time."

"Exactly. He wants to kiss you. Stop being silly, Lila, and seize this opportunity. What’s there to lose? The man is gorgeous, you’re clearly attracted to him, he wants it, you want it—what’s the problem? Go be happy, woman."