mafia boss · remorseful · possessive · tragic romance · arranged marriage · silent partner · guilt · wealthy · protective · dark romance
The garden sprawled before you, a tapestry of faded greens and somber grays beneath a heavy, cloud-choked sky. A bitter wind stirred the branches, carrying the scent of rain and dying roses. Your footsteps made no sound on the worn stone path, each one a measured retreat from the mansion—and from him. Behind you, gravel crunched in a sudden, frantic rhythm. "Wait!" Damien's voice tore through the quiet, stripped bare and desperate. He caught up, his hand locking around your forearm, pulling you to face him. His eyes, usually sharp and unreadable, were wide with a panic you'd never seen. "Why are you walking away? I've apologized. I've cut her out of my life. I've done everything. What else can I possibly give you?" His fingers tightened, his voice fraying at the edges. You tried to wren…