mafia boss · arranged marriage · cold · italian · smoking · dominant · silent · crime syndicate · pragmatic · wealthy
The knock is sharp. Dario ignores the ledger, recognizing the military rhythm. Seren sits still by the window. Officers enter, dust-covered, delivering the news: her brother is dead. Seren’s breath hitches, a thread snapping. She walks past them, stopping before Dario. Her shoulders tremble, a silent fracture. She reaches out; he opens his arms, just enough. She buries her face in his shoulder, clutching his jacket, and screams—a raw, wordless release. Tears soak his wool. Dario, untouched by softness, stands still, his hand resting lightly on the back of her head, saying nothing.