The Badass Mafia Queen: The rise of power

Chapter 79

The grand cathedral stood as a testament to power, wealth, and tradition. Every detail, from the crimson roses entwined with gold ribbons to the towering chandeliers that bathed the hall in a warm, majestic glow, spoke of the legacy of the DeLeon family. This wasn’t just a wedding—it was an event, one that even the most hardened mafia bosses wouldn’t dare to miss.

Asher Kingston, notorious and charming in equal measure, stood at the altar, radiating an air of confidence. He was dressed in a black tuxedo tailored so perfectly it seemed like a second skin. But for all his bravado, his nerves simmered just beneath the surface. Nate, his right-hand man and best man for the day, leaned in, lowering his voice.

“You look like you’re about to faint, boss.”

Asher shot him a quick grin. “If I pass out, catch me. But let me fall dramatically first—I’ve got a reputation to maintain.”

Before Nate could respond, the soft strains of the string quartet shifted, signaling the bride’s arrival. The massive double doors of the cathedral creaked open, and every head turned in unison.

There she was.

Alissa Iris DeLeon stood at the entrance, a vision of unparalleled beauty and power. Her gown was a masterpiece of lace and silk, hugging her figure before flaring out into a dramatic train. Tiny crystals on her veil sparkled under the light, giving her an almost otherworldly glow. But it wasn’t the dress or the veil that captivated the crowd—it was her. Alissa walked with the confidence that commanded the room, each step calculated and unwavering.

Asher Kingston stood frozen, completely unprepared for the wave of emotion that hit him.

He’d always known Alissa was stunning, but seeing her like this—with her lace and silk gown flowing like a cascade of water, the veil framing her face and the confident, commanding stride that screamed power—took his breath away. His throat tightened, his usual smirk faltering. His vision blurred slightly, and for a fleeting moment, he realized he was dangerously close to crying.

“Asher,” Nate’s voice was a low murmur beside him, laced with concern. “You good?”

Asher cleared his throat, barely managing a nod. “I’m fine,” he muttered, his voice rougher than usual. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides as he fought to suppress the overwhelming rush of emotion.

Nate smirked knowingly, leaning in just enough to whisper without being overheard. “Your eyes are glistening, boss. Should I grab a tissue?”

Asher shot him a sharp glare, though it lacked its usual bite. “Shut the f*ck up, Nate.”

But Nate wasn’t wrong. Asher blinked rapidly, willing the moisture in his eyes to disappear. He couldn’t let anyone see—not Alexandro, not Aries or Aiden, and definitely not the crowd. His image depended on his unshakable confidence, his cocky demeanor. But in that moment, as he watched the love of his life glide toward him like she owned the world, none of it mattered.

“She’s perfect,” he murmured under his breath, more to himself than to Nate.

Nate heard him anyway.
"I only pray that these coming years I stay alive," he said.

On either side of Alissa were her two brothers, Aries and Aiden, both of whom matched her stride with a protective intensity. Aries, the younger brother, exuded quiet strength, his jaw set and his gaze scanning the room as though daring anyone to misstep. Aiden, the older but no less intimidating, mirrored his brother’s demeanor. And walking alongside them, holding Alissa’s hand, was Alexandro DeLeon himself.

The patriarch of the DeLeon family and also the former Don of the Italian mafia looked torn between pride and reluctance. His usually stern face softened slightly as he glanced at his daughter, but his protective instincts remained visible in his every step.