Writer's POV
Just as the doors of the church opened, Anthony felt his phone vibrate against his chest. In the hopes that no one would notice, he swiftly took it out. His blood froze when he saw the text:
They're already inside. Everyone should leave immediately.
Tommy, his best man, whispered, "Anthony, put that away. People are looking at me."
Anthony surveyed the church. The wooden pews were filled with three hundred people, all of them smiling and well-dressed. His family was on the right, and Isabella's family was on the left. Everything appeared flawless. Anthony, however, was wiser. All week long, he had been receiving odd phone calls. He was warned about the wedding. People are warning him to exercise caution. Those who refused to reveal their identities.
Once more, his phone buzzed. This time, an unidentified number called. Anthony told Tommy, "I have to take this," and moved behind the altar.
"Hello?" he murmured.
"Anthony Ricci?" It was a scared, rough voice.
"Yes."
"Pay close attention. Right now, there are armed men in your church. They won't be attending the wedding."
Anthony's heart began to race. "What? Who is this?"
"Someone who is opposed to the harming of innocent people. Take a look at the leftmost third row. The guy wearing the gray suit."
Anthony took a quick look at the altar. A man sat by himself in the third row. He had no one to talk to. He had no smile on his face. Anthony noticed something protruding beneath his jacket, even though his hands were folded in his lap. A firearm.
"Oh my God," exhaled Anthony.
The voice went on, "There are five more just like him. They're anticipating something. Isabella's wedding, most likely."
"Why? What do they desire?"
"That isn't significant at the moment. It's crucial that everyone leaves before—"
The line died. Anthony's eyes were fixed on his phone. He could hardly hold it because his hands were shaking so much.
"What's wrong, Anthony?" Tommy took hold of his arm. "You appear to have seen a ghost."
Anthony muttered, "We have to leave the church. Now."
"What? Are you insane? In ten minutes, the wedding will begin."
Once more, Anthony turned to face the crowd. He could see them now that he knew what to look for. Men sitting by themselves. Men who don't communicate with others. Men with their hands close to their coats. Why hadn't he noticed earlier?
"I'm serious, Tommy. This room contains armed men."
"Men with guns? You're acting paranoid, Anthony. It's simply wedding anxiety."
Anthony, however, knew it wasn't nerves. This day had been on his mind for weeks. Ever since his father explained to him the true significance of the wedding. It was more than just love. Power was at issue here. Anthony came from a weak and small family. One of the most powerful families in the city was Isabella's. Anthony would be protected if he married her. He would make enemies, though. Adversaries such as the Santoros.
Once more, Anthony's phone rang. He recognized the number this time. His father was the one.
"Dad?"
"Listen to me carefully, Anthony." Fear tightened his father's voice. "I recently learned that there will be an event at the church."
"I understand. I've already received a call. There are armed men here, Dad."
"How many?"
Anthony took another look around. "I see at least six."
His dad swore. "You must leave, Anthony. Now."
"How about Isabella? How about the visitors?"
"Ignore the visitors! This concerns Isabella and you. Someone wants to call off this wedding, regardless of the consequences."
Anthony was ill. "Is it the Santoros?"
"I'm not sure. Perhaps. Or perhaps it's someone else who opposes the reunion of our families."
Anthony's thoughts were racing. He would appear to be a coward if he left now. However, people might perish if he stayed.
"I can't just flee, Dad. What sort of man would I become as a result?"
"A living one," his dad said. "I beg you, Anthony. Leave the area."
"How about Isabella?"
"Her father will keep her safe. But if you stay, I can't keep you safe."
Anthony shut his eyes. This was the day he had dreamed about for months. Despite the fact that their marriage was arranged, he truly loved Isabella. She was lovely, intelligent, and kind. She was entitled to more than a husband who absconded on their wedding day.
Anthony declared, "I'm not going anywhere without her."
"Anthony—"
"No, father. I will not desert her."
After hanging up, Anthony took another look around the church. The armed men were still waiting, sitting in silence. However, what are you waiting for?
Anthony said, "I need you to do something for me, Tommy."
"What?"
"Enter the rear of the church. Look for Vincent Romano. Inform him that Isabella needs to leave because there are armed men inside."
"You're frightening me, Anthony. What's happening?"
"Just get it done. Please."
Tommy nodded after glancing at Anthony's face. "All right. However, you'd better be aware of what you're doing."
Anthony's phone buzzed with another text as Tommy made his way to the rear of the church:
Last warning. In two minutes, they will be pursuing her.
Anthony's heart stopped beating. Isabella is coming? Why?
Trying to appear unconcerned, he began to move toward the rear of the church. However, his shirt was drenched in sweat and his legs felt like jelly. He noticed Tommy conversing with Vincent Romano halfway down the aisle. Vincent's face turned pale. He took Tommy by the arm and said something that caused Tommy's eyes to widen. Then, with his bodyguards at his heels, Vincent was sprinting toward the side door.
A small sigh of relief went through Anthony. Isabella's father was at least now aware of the threat. However, something he saw caused his blood to freeze. There were more men entering the church. They entered through the side doors and the main doors. Like they belonged there, they moved slowly and serenely. However, Anthony was able to see the bulges beneath their jackets. And the icy expression in their eyes was visible to him.
These were not guests at a wedding. They were troops.
Anthony's phone rang again. Without glancing at the number, he responded.
"Anthony Ricci?" This time, the voice was different. Colder. More hazardous.
"Yes."
"You have thirty seconds to leave the church. We'll hurt you if you're still there when we attack."
"Who is this?"
"Someone who is attempting to save your life. Isabella Romano is not who you believe her to be. Additionally, this wedding is not what you believe it to be."
"What do you mean?"
"Consider why Vincent Romano's daughter would wed someone who is similar to you. You are not important. Your family is worthless. What could you possibly give him that a stronger person couldn't give him?"
It was as if someone had punched Anthony in the stomach. It was accurate. He had always questioned why he was selected by Isabella's father.
The voice went on, "The answer is simple. The groom is not you. The cover story is you. This wedding is about something completely different."
"What?"
"You no longer have that issue. You have fifteen seconds to get out. I can't keep you safe after that."
The line died. Anthony surveyed the church. Now the armed men were on their feet, approaching the altar. The crowd was beginning to take notice. A few of them appeared perplexed. Others appeared frightened.
Anthony had an option. He could flee to protect himself. He could also try to warn people by staying. However, as he stood there contemplating, he heard the sound that decided his fate. Outside, car doors slam. Many of them.
Anthony sprinted to the window and peered out. The church had been encircled by twenty black cars. Every car had a group of men in dark suits exiting with guns.
Stopping a wedding wasn't the only goal here. This had to do with war.
Reaching for his phone, Anthony attempted to contact Isabella. However, the call immediately ended up in voicemail. He then attempted to contact her father. The same thing. He dialed 911 with trembling hands.
"911, tell me about your emergency."
"St. Patrick's Cathedral is surrounded by armed men. During a wedding, they will launch an attack. Help should be sent right away."
"Are you certain about this, sir?"
"I'm in the church right now! I see them! Call the police! Send everyone!"
After hanging up, Anthony took another look around the church. The men inside, armed, were approaching the altar. Panic was beginning to set in among the pews. Then Anthony's heart stopped when he heard something.
The wedding march started to play.
Isabella was making her way down the aisle. Straight into a trap.
One of the armed men grabbed Anthony's arm as he attempted to run toward the back of the church to stop her. The man said softly, "Sit down. Avoid making this more difficult than it needs to be."
"Give me a break! I must caution her."
"It's too late for that."
Anthony turned his gaze to the rear of the church. He could see Isabella in her white dress, moving slowly down the aisle with her father, through the throng of terrified people. What awaited her was unknown to her.
And Anthony knew with terrible certainty that he was going to see the woman he loved enter the most perilous phase of her life.
And he was powerless to stop it.