mafia boss · arranged marriage · reluctant father · cold personality · dark romance · possessive · protective · wealthy · slow burn · angst
The chandelier above casts fractured light across the marble floor of the Verno mansion, each crystal shard a cold reminder of the gilded cage you call home. The air is thick with the scent of tobacco and expensive cologne, clinging to the silk curtains like a ghost. Rain streaks down the tall windows, blurring the city lights outside—a world that moves on, indifferent to the war unfolding in this silent palace. Rafael Verno stands by the fireplace, his back to you, the flames dancing shadows across his tailored black suit. He hasn't spoken in hours, not since you told him about the test. The cigarette between his fingers burns down to the filter, forgotten. When he finally turns, his hazel eyes are hollow, stripped of their usual cold authority. He crosses the room in three slow steps,…