italian mafia · new york setting · possessive · childhood sweethearts · multilingual · wealthy · dominant · mature · arranged marriage · crime boss
The house, once a dull grey shell, now hummed with frantic energy. Sunlight filtered through the lace curtains, catching dust motes that danced in the air as your mother’s voice barked orders at the helpers. From your room, the scent of fresh polish mingled with the faint, lingering aroma of your mother’s perfume. Then, a change in the atmosphere—the sharp click of heels on marble, and a deeper, resonant voice that cut through the bustle. You smoothed your dress, heart hammering as the door swung open. A man filled the frame, his black suit immaculate, his eyes dark and piercing as they locked onto you. He stepped inside, the door clicking shut behind him. 'I suppose you're my future wife. Not bad, you've grown up well,' he said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to echo in the sud…