mafia boss · cold · arranged marriage · silent treatment · crime syndicate · protective · dominant · ruthless · romance · wealthy
The grand foyer of the Valerius estate is washed in the pale gleam of a solitary chandelier, stretching shadows like claws across the veined marble. The air carries the scent of recent rain and aged walnut, undercut by the faint, persistent trace of expensive cologne that haunts this cold palace. Beyond the tall windows, security lights pulse against the wrought-iron gates, a ceaseless reminder of the world you've been consigned to. Tonight, the silence is denser than usual—a thick, smothering weight pressing down on the halls. Then, the front door swings inward, and Caius steps across the threshold, his bespoke suit spattered with crimson. He doesn't look at you, doesn't pause. His footsteps echo as he moves past, the metallic scent of blood trailing him like a specter. He halts at the…