He chose to study in London, at one of the most prestigious universities. He'll live comfortably, have all the luxury he wants, and become the man he always wante

not goi

h the vote's outcome would demand a sacrifice. And they did. They wanted proo

. And I wasn't going

d up out when they asked me

sottocapo. M

He saw me and my siblings born. A key figure for the

didn't see it coming, and there was no

took off, and I returned home. It hurts that my

c methods in business. If it were up to them, they'd still be sending messages through

sor-, and Fabio, my Sottocapo -second-in-command. Everything is managed fro

cts in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and defense s

e light is sensor-controlled, the climate adjusts automatically, and the desk -a single black, silent, touch-sensitive slab- looks l

otless shirt, focused gaze. Always sharp. Always two steps

took over. He's putting things in order. Unlike his father, he doesn't improvise. He knows w

ked a few shipments over the past twenty years. My father didn't focus on reclaiming what they took. He hit back harder. Killed

her go, just like we saw ours lowered into a frozen grave. I won't go

one by one. Heavy, precise blows. And maybe, final

's a girl. Legitimate ones? Five -one's a girl, too. He got

ids just in case some get killed, instead of protecting them prop

g. Not everyone marries for love. Here, women are strategic pieces, both socially and symbolicall

eed a family. Pick a respectable woman and get ma

ed if you're in suc

issing

ot -you are. You need

y for that c

Can you book the

haven't been to o

et Fabi

ra G

es so the fucking Vescari won't kill them. Why not me? Because the bastard arranged my marriage. In a month, I'll

on't want you spreading your legs for some ra

her brothers wanted to marry me off- "Let me live before you comp

ys gets his way, but he's about to l

e pure." -I frown at my own words- "Do you really think I'd give myself to just any

gry tone s

m just looking out for you. You're a respectable

weren't a mortal sin, she'd have killed him long ago

r in the long dress I was trying on. He steps behind me and pr

g." He repeats,

, can we have coffe

or half a seco

my princ

ng