om, adorned with dark mahogany and rich leather, exuded power and authority-much like Vittorio Romano him

ning to face her, "our fam

pounding. Discussions that be

l," he continued. "Ricardo DeLuca has agreed t

an whose name was synonymous with ruthlessness. Stories of his merc

o with me?" she asked, though

cing. "He has requested your hand in m

on her. "You're selling me o

about you, Sofia. This is about the

she challenged, h

"Refusal is not an optio

but she refused to let them fall. "You're

"Better to be with a monster in power than to b

e she had hoped for-a life of choice, of love-was slippi

ugh the motions, her heart heavy with resignation. The Romano estate buzzed with activity, servants

king solace among the countless books that had been her refuge since childhood

the affectionate term for siste

unshed tears. "Do you, Luca? Or are yo

is dark hair. "You know how things

when it's not your life being b

in his. "I promise you, Sofia, I will do

finding only the same helplessness she felt. "S

ia stood before the mirror, adorned in a gown of ivory silk and lace, a delicate veil cascadin

er. Vittorio entered, his gaze appraising. "You look

r me?" she asked quietly. "A li

envisioned a future where our family remains powe

or, her reflection a stranger

ned impassive. "Happiness i

and hall, their whispers a symphony of intrigue and anticipation. Sofia walked down t

e eyes that seemed to see through her. His dark hair was slicked back, and a f

ady, though inside, she trembled. Ricardo's gaze n

e bride," the of

tle. He leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a chas

e submerged underwater. The rest of the evening passed

s, Sofia stood by the window, staring out at the moonlit

commanding the room. He appr

deep timbre. "I understand th

, surprised by the adm

stand this-I will not tolerate defiance. You are m

flared within her. "

appearing. "Refusal is not an option.

ne. The man before her was every bi

recoiled instinctively. His expressi

rstand," he said quietly, befor

ituation crashing over her. She was bound to a man s

was her existence had n