Chapter 6 The Country Girl Comes to the City

The driveway stretched out like a runway, packed with all kinds of fancy cars. Folks in swanky outfits, chatting in a bunch of different languages, were strolling along.

At the end of the driveway stood this massive Georgian-style mansion. The place was decked out with huge gray and white stones, smooth Roman columns, and Greek reliefs, making it look both grand and posh, oozing historical vibes.

Hiking up my skirt, I made my way to the main entrance. On either side of the driveway were these perfectly manicured French gardens. On a big lawn, a lavish wedding setup was in full bloom, pink roses everywhere.

I rolled my eyes. Julia and her never-ending girly dreams. Off to one side of the lawn, there was a big lake with a stage set up by the shore. A band in black tuxes was getting ready.

On the other side of the lake, it looked like a farm. I stood on my tiptoes, shading my eyes to get a better look.

Out of nowhere, a voice piped up next to me. "That's a vineyard! Wanna try some top-notch wine?"

Startled, I turned and locked eyes with a young guy, maybe 24. His deep blue eyes twinkled at me. He had long lashes and a small curly beard on his chin. Tall and lean, he was rocking a custom-made suit.

I glanced around to make sure he was talking to me.

"Do you know this place well?" I asked.

He nodded. "The wedding's not starting for at least another hour."

I pulled out my phone to check for any messages from Julia.

"Alright, I'll tag along," I said. No one here knew me anyway.

I lifted my skirt and jogged after him into the massive building.

This place was like a castle, so over-the-top fancy I could barely take it all in. It was too much.

But the guy didn't stop to give me a tour, just kept urging me on.

I didn't have time to gawk, following him all the way down to the basement. He pushed open a heavy wooden door and led me into a dimly lit wine cellar, filled with the rich aroma of wine.

"What kind of wine do you like?" he asked, moving through the rows of wine racks.

How would I know? I couldn't afford wine.

"No clue. You pick."

He grabbed a bottle and held it up to my face. "Full of artistic flair, mysterious, with a long aftertaste. Just like you."

I chuckled at the sudden compliment and glanced at the bottle, Chateau Mouton!

This wine was famous; I couldn't not recognize it.

"This wine's super expensive; I shouldn't drink it," I refused immediately.

He looked back at the wine cellar. "Here, it's not a big deal."

"At least we should get the owner's okay," I said awkwardly.

Even though I was the hostess's daughter and could technically call myself the owner, I didn't dare. He probably thought I was just a guest's relative, maybe he was a guest's son, a bit of a troublemaker.

"No need! I am the owner!" he said, already popping the bottle open!

I gasped. This wine, if I remembered right, cost at least a grand! And this cheeky guy seemed to be joking!

Seeing the wine glass he handed over, my first instinct was to bolt, so I waved my hand to decline.

He looked surprised, then casually tilted his head back and downed it in one gulp, exclaiming, "Wow, it's awesome! Come on, drink up!"

I took a couple of steps back, ready to make a run for it. I didn't want to get caught stealing by the owner, especially since my main job today was to keep Julia's dignity intact.

Just then, the door to the wine cellar swung open! My face went ghost-white.

A massive dude with a face full of chub stood there! He was also in a black tux, so tight the buttons looked ready to pop.

Oh crap! How was I gonna explain this?!

The newcomer suddenly bowed respectfully to the young guy and uttered, "Mr. Antonio Caposta, your father is looking for you everywhere. The wedding's about to start!"

Was this guy the butler?

"So soon? I haven't had my fill yet." The young man, now known as Antonio, hopped down from an oak barrel.

"Come on, miss. It's wedding time," he said casually.

"Mr. Caposta? Are you from the Caposta family?" I popped the question.

Antonio raised an eyebrow. "What do you think? Surprised?!"

So we were step-siblings! I couldn't help but laugh, saying mysteriously, "Very surprised."

I thought to myself, 'Later, when you find out I'm your sister, you'll probably be even more surprised.'

The big guy turned and left, and I grabbed the Chateau Mouton bottle, taking two big swigs straight from it. It was definitely worth a grand.

The wedding didn't really kick off.

The lawn was packed, with a bunch of people speaking Italian. Antonio got whisked away, but not before blowing me a kiss.

Typical Italian.

I stood on the edge of the crowd with a cocktail in hand, coldly watching everyone.

This wasn't just a wedding; it was a snapshot of the upper crust of American society, especially the Italian immigrant elite. Clearly, everyone was strangers, yet they were all eagerly mingling, reminiscing about the good old days, and savoring long-lost friendships.

At that moment, two drunk middle-aged guys nearby started talking about the Caposta family, in English!

I quietly moved closer, trying to pick up some dirt on my future stepdad.

"I heard old Caposta called back his eldest son from Nuw Yak to manage the family businesses. Have you met him?"

"No, I heard he was always studying in New York and later became the youngest business school professor at the academy."

"The Caposta family actually has a teacher? That's surprising, training killers would be more reasonable."

My heart sank. What was the deal with the Caposta family?

Mafia? I thought of blood, guns, and drugs.

Those violent gangster movies started playing in my head.

"Keep your voice down." The speaker made a shushing gesture. "The Los Angeles chief is also here for the wedding today."

The other guy seemed to get it and nodded.

"Old Caposta is a smart man. He not only has enough cash but also enough foresight. I heard he wants to go legit, so he groomed his eldest son for this goal."

"Really? Is the eldest son the future heir of the Caposta family?"

"Who knows? Old Caposta has more than just a few kids," The man spread out both hands, fingers wide. "The second son, who's currently helping him with the business, is ruthless, smart, and cunning."

He lowered his voice and continued, "I heard that the Kingpin of the Ghosts gang, Marc, was shot dead in a woman's bed on the second son's first day back in Los Angeles."

I couldn't help but shiver. What kind of husband did Julia find for herself?!

"I heard old Caposta has a very favored daughter?"

"I think I just saw her. Very beautiful, probably smart too, seems to be named Marta? I heard she lived in Europe with her mom and recently graduated from a European business school."

This guy seemed to be looking forward to a good show as he said, "Are all three candidates of the Caposta family here? I wonder who will come out on top."

"The Caposta family's drama is just getting started."