The Mafia Marriage Contract

The day after Amelia's little escape, a sense of calm had settled over her. The freedom of stepping outside Dante's world, if only for a short while, had given her a sense of control, like she could still choose her path, no matter how tangled the circumstances.

She had promised herself that she would keep her day out a secret. It felt good to have something of her own, something to hold on to that wasn't tied to the life Dante had thrust upon her.

The next morning, she couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to see Clara again. There was something comforting about the woman's straightforwardness, a refreshing contrast to the game of masks that Amelia had become so accustomed to playing.

After a few texts, Amelia found herself meeting Clara at a small, quiet café in the city. The place was cozy, with soft lighting and the hum of conversations around them, the perfect spot to talk without prying eyes. Clara greeted her with a warm smile, and soon they were seated at a corner table, the scent of fresh coffee filling the air.

"I'm glad you called," Clara said as she took a sip of her latte. "I was wondering if you'd want to hang out again."

Amelia smiled. "I needed this. Honestly, I feel like I'm always in this bubble, but talking to you… it's been nice."

Clara raised an eyebrow playfully. "Well, I'm happy to be your escape, but I'm also curious about you, Amelia. You've been so guarded. What's your life really like? I mean, your marriage..."

Amelia stiffened slightly at the mention of her marriage. She had kept so much to herself, but for some reason, sitting across from Clara felt safe. Maybe it was because Clara didn't know about the mafia or the weight of her obligations.

"Well," Amelia began, unsure how much to share. She had already opened up more than she ever had to anyone else. "I'm married… to Dante. It's complicated, though. It's not like we're in some fairytale. He's a powerful man, and I'm… I don't know how to explain it."

Clara listened attentively, her eyes focused, her expression soft. "I get it," she said, her voice gentle. "Being with someone like him must be… overwhelming. But you seem like you're still trying to figure it out."

Amelia took a deep breath, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup. "I am. But there's something else. I'm still… I'm still a virgin. I've never been with him. Not in that way. And I don't know what that means for me or us."

Clara's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly masked it with a sympathetic smile. "Wow. That's a lot to carry. But you're doing it because you believe in something, right? You're not just holding back out of fear?"

Amelia's gaze fell to the table as she thought about it. "No. I'm doing it because I feel it's my duty. As his wife. I promised to be his, in every way."

Clara sat back, studying her for a moment. Then, with a knowing smile, she spoke softly. "You're in love with him, aren't you?"

Amelia's heart skipped at the words, but she didn't deny them. "I think I am," she whispered, barely able to meet Clara's eyes.

Clara leaned forward, a teasing gleam in her eyes. "You know, I could tell. It's in the way you talk about him, even when you don't want to. You feel the pull, don't you? When he's near, it's like you can't breathe without him. You want him, don't you?"

Amelia's face flushed, and she nodded hesitantly. "Yes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "When he's close, I feel like I can't think straight. It's like… like I need him."

Clara's smile softened, and she reached across the table, giving Amelia's hand a gentle squeeze. "It's okay to feel that way. It's normal. You're human, after all. You don't have to fight it. But just remember, love isn't just about the physical side of things. It's about connection. It's about trust and understanding."

Amelia's mind was spinning, but Clara's words had a grounding effect on her. She had never talked so openly about her feelings for Dante, especially not with someone who wasn't involved in their world.

Clara continued, "If you're truly in love with him, then you need to embrace it. Don't feel like you have to hold yourself back just because of the pressure. You're married, Amelia. It's your right to be with him fully."

Amelia looked at her, unsure of how to respond. It felt wrong to think of her marriage like that. But Clara's words resonated deeply within her.

Amelia's voice faltered as she spoke, "I know marriage is supposed to be… sacred. I've kept myself for him. I'm not doing anything wrong, right? I'm not betraying anyone?"

Clara nodded, her expression sincere. "No. You're honoring your vows. In fact, there's a verse from the Bible that speaks to this. 'Let the marriage bed be undefiled: for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.' (Hebrews 13:4). You've kept yourself pure for your husband, and that's something to be proud of. It's sacred, Amelia."

Amelia felt a wave of relief wash over her at Clara's reassurance. The weight on her chest felt lighter, and for the first time, she didn't feel guilty about her feelings for Dante.

"I've waited for him," Amelia murmured. "I've kept myself for him. And I think… I think I'm ready. When the time is right."

Clara smiled warmly, her eyes full of understanding. "Then, when the time comes, don't be afraid to let yourself have him. You deserve that, Amelia. You deserve to be loved completely."

Amelia nodded, a newfound confidence settling in her heart. For the first time, she didn't feel like a passive player in her marriage. She was ready to take control of her own desires and emotions.