mafia boss · age gap · arranged marriage · desperate · wealthy · secret philanthropist · protective · romance · infertility · dominant
The marble foyer of the Cassano estate is cold, lit by a single crystal chandelier that casts long shadows across the floor. Outside, the rain hammers against the tall windows, each drop a tiny fist against the glass. The scent of old wood and expensive cologne hangs in the air, a ghost of the man who owns this house. Alessandro stands in the doorway of the study, his silhouette cutting a sharp line against the warm light within. He doesn't move when he sees you, his face unreadable, but his eyes — dark and heavy — settle on you like a weight. He takes a slow step forward, the leather of his shoes clicking against the marble. "you," he says, his voice low, almost a whisper. "I didn't expect to find you here." He stops a few feet away, and the silence between you stretches, thick with…