Letters from a Lost Love
Chapter 4: At Last
A week later…
New York City
The Corleone Compound
It was strange to be back home. Strange now that there were all these feelings churning inside him.
Michael paced the grounds of his home, lost in thought. After the events of last week, he was sure of a few things.
One, he needed Ariella in his life. He always would. But now, it was a little different.
He wasn't in love with her, he knew that. But he was growing more and more fond of her as the days passed. It was a little…unsettling, to say the least.
She had proven herself once again in Vegas, making it her duty to find out everything she could about Roland Ferguson's true motives. It hadn't been easy by any means but she had done it. Their suspicions had proven correct: Roland Ferguson was heavily involved in illicit affairs, which included drugs, something that Michael had adamantly been against from the beginning.
It would be too easy to fire Ferguson. It would be the obvious option, but Michael had other plans. He always had other plans.
The first thing to do was to continue to spy on Ferguson. Get him to be completely relaxed, don't make him too suspicious. It was the same ploy Michael had made with Hyman Roth, the Jewish mob boss who had tried to have him assassinated. Only this time, this time Michael would be far more careful.
That's why this plan had to go without a hitch.
He needed Ariella by his side, in all ways. He needed to protect her.
The best thing you could do is NOT make her a target.
Michael sighed, running his hands through his hair.
He never wanted to cause Ariella pain. Not after everything they'd been through together.
But it had just felt so amazing to feel her hands on him. It almost reminded him of his time with Apollonia.
He stopped walking, leaning against the wall and closing his eyes.
He remembered the look Ariella had given him before she massaged him, like she wanted to take his pain away. Like she would be happy to take his pain away.
He exhaled sharply, letting that thought dissipate. Even if Ariella cared for him now, he knew it was only a matter of time before she grew tired of the lifestyle of a don's associate. Always coming second to the Family, always on edge, whether due to assassination attempts or otherwise. He couldn't deal with it if she left him.
She hasn't left you in all the years you've known her. Have a little faith.
"Michael? Connie is on the phone," Neri called.
Hopefully this would all work out. It had to.
Three days later…
The McGyver house
"Rise and shine, little sis! We have a lot to do today!"
Ariella rolled over, throwing her pillow over her head.
"Not in the mood, Anna."
"Really? Is that what you want me to tell Michael?"
"Huh?" Ariella mumbled.
"You know, your boss. The love of your life. Any of this ringing a bell?"
"Anna, get out and let me sleep."
"Don't blame me if Michael fires you."
"Anna, it's Saturday. Shut up."
"Ariella, seriously, wake up. We have to go out today."
"Fine."
Ariella sat up, glaring at her older sister.
"That's not a happy face. Oh, well, you'll be happy once we're in the boutique."
"I swear, forty-three years old and you still act like you're in your twenties."
"Age is just a number, sweetie. Now get up. Don't you want to look good on your date with Michael?"
"What date?"
"Your third date. Or is it fifth? Didn't he take you out dancing every night in Vegas?"
"Yes, but that was just to keep up appearances. It didn't mean anything."
"I find that hard to believe. You love him."
"Yeah, but my feelings are not reciprocated. Believe me."
"I wouldn't say that. Michael looked pretty besotted with you when I saw him yesterday."
"He's just happy I'm in his corner."
"Whatever you say, sis. Now do I have to drag you out of bed? Never mind. I think I'll leave that to Michael," Anna said wickedly.
"Very funny," her sister replied, getting up and rushing to her closet.
An hour later, the two women were walking down Fifth Avenue to Aritzia's.
"You need to blow him away, Ri-Ri."
"It's really not that big a deal."
"Why can't you take this seriously?"
"I am taking this seriously, Anna. It's just…he's my best friend. He's never seen me like that."
"I think he's starting to."
"Why don't I believe you?"
"Because you're too cynical. You're too quick to believe the worst of people."
"Can you blame me?"
Anna sighed. "I guess not. But just…try, okay? You're my sister. I want to see you happy."
"Thanks."
Anna linked her arm through Ariella's. "Now let's go shopping."
Five hours later…
"I never want to see another store again," Ariella groaned as she and Anna got into the car.
"It'll all be worth it tonight. Trust me."
"If you say so."
"I do say so. He's going to be senseless."
Ariella rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right."
"Never say never."
"What now?"
"Now we're going to the salon."
"Oh, joy."
Later that evening…
"Are you ready?" Anna asked as she fastened a necklace around Ariella's neck.
Ariella nodded.
"Yeah, I'm okay."
The doorbell rang, and Anna smiled.
"I'll make myself scarce."
Ariella walked down the stairs, her fingers twitching.
Relax. It's just Michael.
When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she exhaled slowly.
I can do this.
Why was she so nervous?
Michael was standing on the other side of the door, his eyes roving over every inch of her.
She suddenly felt self-conscious.
He reached out to place his hand over hers.
"You look beautiful."
"Thanks. You look amazing."
"Thank you. Are you ready?"
Ariella got her bag from the couch and they left, Ariella closing the door behind her.
They enjoyed a leisurely dinner at one of the more high-end restaurants, then took a walk around the city.
"There's some things I wish to discuss with you," Michael began, his eyes focused intently on Ariella.
"Is everything all right?" she inquired softly.
"Yes…and no."
"What is it?"
"I'm cutting you out of the business."
Making sure her voice betrayed not a hint of emotion, she asked, "Why?"
"You've been incredibly faithful to me for the last forty years. But things change. I know this was technically your idea, but I've thought about it, and I need you by my side. I can't afford to put you in any danger."
Michael knelt down.
"Ariella McGyver-Bianchi, will you marry me?"
Ariella nodded, and he slipped a diamond ring on her left hand.
He stood up, taking her in his arms gently.
Then he kissed her, desire rushing through him.
He ran his fingers through her hair, marveling at its softness.
"You have no idea how happy I am right now," he whispered.
"As happy as I am?"
"More, I think."
"Because you get to possess me."
"No," he said softly. "Because you are absolutely incredible."
Ariella smiled. "I'm also incredibly lucky."
"How so?"
"Not many women have a man who truly respects them in all ways. Or is so handsome," Ariella replied, her eyes sparkling.
Michael smirked. "Is that the only reason you said yes?"
"Maybe. Plus, how many people get to have three last names?"
"Good point."
Ariella touched his cheek gently, her hands soft against him.
"I love you."
"I love you too."
"I know. I can wait."
"I'm sorry."
"You never have to apologize to me. For anything."
Michael quickly changed the subject.
"So does this mean you're taking back your mother's last name?"
"Yes. I spent far too long blaming her for everything that went wrong in my life."
"You're a much better person than I am."
Ariella shook her head.
"What do I have to do to make you see how amazing you are? I don't care what you've done, I don't care how many people you've killed. I'm never going to judge you. Why can't you believe me?"
She searched his face intently, knowing he was likely to shut her out.
He didn't answer, stepping away from her.
"Michael?"
"I can't do this right now."
"Please don't…"
"Ariella."
His dark eyes seemed to pierce her soul.
She nodded in understanding.
"Come on, I'll take you home."
They walked back to the car in silence.
A week later…
Ring! Ring!
The incessant ringing of the telephone jarred Ariella awake.
Who the heck is calling me at 6 AM?! It had better not be…
"Morning, Ri-Ri! Are you ready to start the day?"
"Anna, I'm going to kill you."
"Better not let Michael hear you say that. He might take you literally."
"Right now, I wish he would."
"I'm going to ignore that because I know you're still upset. So he hasn't talked to you since…"
"Since he proposed to me? No, he hasn't. I called and wrote, but nothing. Radio silence."
"How about I come over and help cheer you up? I have a surprise for you."
"Is it a good surprise?"
"I think so. Just…try to keep an open mind, okay?"
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"We're going to have to blind-fold you."
"We?"
"I've said too much already. See you soon!"
Ariella hung up the phone, wondering what crazy shenanigans her sister was up to this time…
Three hours later…
"Okay, I think she's ready."
Ariella felt someone remove her blindfold.
"I really hope…" she started to say, then stopped, her eyes widening.
She was wearing a beautiful white dress with silver heels. Her hair had been left to flow down her back, and around her neck was her grandmother's necklace.
"Aww, my baby sister is so lovely! When Michael sees you…"
"Wait, what?!"
Anna smirked, looking over at Connie.
"You owe me fifty dollars."
"Can someone please tell me what is going on?" Ariella exclaimed.
Connie sighed.
"It's your wedding day, Ariella."
Ariella looked between her sister and Connie.
"My what?"
"Anna, I think you'd better handle this one."
"It'll be easier coming from you."
Ariella's eyes narrowed.
"Will one of you explain before I blow a gasket?"
"Look, the truth is, Michael called me and told me he wanted to marry you as quickly as possible. He told me to come down here and help Anna plan everything."
"So this was meant to be a surprise."
"Yes. He meant well, believe me."
"Right. And who else is going to be at the wedding?"
"I invited your friends from Ireland, some of my friends. Don't worry. Oh, and Connie and I will be your bridesmaids, Mary will be the flower girl, and Neri is going to give you away," Anna replied.
"I am not marrying Michael until he talks to me."
"But it's tradition…"
"I don't care about tradition. I am not walking down the aisle to give myself to a man who won't even do me the courtesy of answering the phone when I call."
"I'll go find him," Connie said, walking quickly out the door.
"I'll help you out of the dress and move all the sharp objects out of your way," Anna said.
Minutes later, Ariella was dressed in more comfortable clothes.
She paced the floor, angry beyond belief.
"You wanted to see me?"
Ariella glared at Michael.
"Forty years of friendship down the drain, huh?"
"What are you talking about?"
"So you just decide to shut me out and now you expect me to marry you? Just like that?"
Michael stood against the wall, his expression unreadable.
"I don't expect anything."
"Of course you do. You want me to give in, like everyone else has. You have everyone wrapped around your finger, willing to do whatever you say. Well, that's not going to work on me. I have spent a lifetime cowering before my mother and those scum she brought into the house, and then there was Charles. I'm tired of being everyone's punching bag, and if you think that's how our relationship works, then I'm sorry to tell you otherwise. I love you, but I'm not lowering myself to fit your ideal. Ever. So just get that idea out of your head."
The expression on Michael's face never changed, but he was so proud of Ariella. She was stronger than people thought.
He sighed. "How can I make it up to you? I'll do anything, give you anything you want."
"I want the truth. Why did you shut me out for a week?"
"Because I hate myself. I can't understand…I don't know what you see in me. How can you say you love me when you don't even know who I really am? I'm a terrible person, a terrible father. I was horrible to my wife, and everyone who loved me. I think you and Connie are the only ones who still care about me, and I don't know why. Connie doesn't know…I never told her about Fredo."
Ariella was silent for a few minutes, her heart breaking with every word.
"I shouldn't have tricked you, and I apologize, but I was trying…I wanted to make you happy. I wanted you to enjoy your wedding day. I know you haven't had much joy in your life, and I wanted you to at least have one day that you could remember fondly."
A tear slipped down Ariella's cheek.
"That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. See, you're not a terrible person. You have a conscience and a soul."
"I know you were just trying to help. I'm sorry for everything, believe me."
"I do. You're forgiven."
"Thank you. I promise, I will never hurt you or take advantage of you. That would be too cruel."
"Yes, it would."
"I'll leave the decision up to you. I understand if you don't want to go through with the wedding."
"Michael Corleone, I have wanted to marry you since I was thirteen. I loved you then and I love you still, and I will prove it to you from now until death takes me."
"Is that a yes?"
"Yes. Now shoo! I have to get dressed."
"You could completely break tradition and come in your birthday suit. I wouldn't mind."
Ariella nearly fainted.
"Then again, your sister would beat me over the head. Along with your friends from Ireland, who I should personally thank for saving my life. Which means I probably shouldn't anger them."
Ariella started laughing.
"I never knew you were so funny. You really are a man of mystery."
"I'll give you some privacy."
"Wait."
Ariella kissed him gently.
"Until later."
"I'm looking forward to it."
He left, and Ariella got ready quickly.
This was going to be the best day of her life, and nothing was going to stand in her way.
Later that evening…
After the wedding and the reception, Ariella was exhausted. But not so exhausted that she wasn't looking forward to her wedding night.
Anna had told her what to expect, but Ariella was still apprehensive. She'd never willingly given herself to anyone after having been brutally raped for three years. She knew Michael would never hurt her, but it didn't do much to quell the anxiety in her stomach.
She glanced over at him, smiling softly. After twenty-seven years, her dream had finally come true. She was now Ariella McGyver-Bianchi-Corleone, and she couldn't be happier.
"What?" he asked, his expression soft as he gazed at her.
Ariella placed her hand over his.
"I'm just at peace. For the first time in my life."
"Ironic, isn't it?"
"I wouldn't change a thing."
"Neither would I."
They arrived at the compound, and Neri opened the door.
"Welcome home."
Ariella smiled at Neri, and he smiled back.
"Having you here feels natural," he told her.
"Well, I did grow up here. Kind of."
Michael wrapped an arm around her waist.
"This was always your home, and it will always be your home."
He picked her up, cradling her against him gently, and walked with her over the threshold, up the stairs, and to his room, where he set her down.
"Well, Mrs. Corleone, what do you think?"
Ariella was stunned into silence.
The room was absolutely beautiful, with a canopy over the bed, beautiful paintings, everything anyone could want.
"It's amazing."
"I'm glad you like it."
Ariella took off her dress and hung it in the closet. She placed her shoes by the closet door, and started to remove her underwear, when Michael stopped her.
"Let me take care of you."
Suddenly Ariella started shaking.
Those words. The first time she was raped, her rapist had used those same words.
Not now. Please, not now.
"Ariella?"
Michael's voice seemed so far away.
Ariella was trapped in her memories.
Memories of men pawing at her for their own amusement, laughing as she cried, stripping her of her innocence.
"No! Don't touch me! Don't you ever touch me!"
Michael watched as his poor wife completely fell apart.
He knew better than to touch her when she wasn't in the right frame of mind. She was suffering from severe PTSD.
He turned around so she wouldn't see the rage on his face.
He wanted to kill them. Every single person who had hurt her. Her mother, those men, Charles, everyone.
Ariella was screaming, her eyes wild with terror.
Michael quickly dialed 911, hoping he could help his wife before it was too late.