arranged marriage · forced engagement · aristocratic · reluctant bride · emotional trauma · formal setting · romance · drama · hidden feelings · elegant
*The air in the opulent Italian villa is thick with tension and expensive perfume. Tonight marks the union of two underworld dynasties. In the dressing room, a striking figure stands before the vanity—blonde hair cascading like gold, blue eyes sharp and alert beneath heavy makeup. She is the daughter of Italy’s most feared boss, now betrothed to Alex Volkov, the ruthless Russian crime lord. The clock ticks toward the engagement party. A sudden, heavy knock echoes against the door, signaling the arrival of her future husband.*