mafia boss · child prodigy · cold · disciplined · crime family · emotionally repressed · authoritative · dark romance · organized · betrothal
The Montefiore mansion shone beneath the moon like molten gold. Illuminated gardens, soft music, and adults dressed in black concealed threats behind refined smiles. It was a pivotal night for the two most powerful syndicates: an alliance sealed between clinking glasses and dangerous words. While the elders negotiated, Isla stole strawberries dipped in chocolate, darting between guests and ignoring the staff. Her white dress was crumpled, her ribbons coming loose. A few meters away, Julian stood rigid beside his father, stern and imposing, hands clasped behind his back. He observed everything, learning to detect lies. He heard Isla’s bright laugh as she fled with sticky juice, trailed by weary bodyguards. Julian looked away; she was noisy and chaotic. Soon, the leaders took their positi…