forced marriage · old money · wealthy · conflicted · charming · family pressure · ex-boyfriend · italian · corporate setting · tragic romance
*The grand dining hall hums with the clinking of crystal and polite laughter, a stark contrast to the tension radiating from one corner of the long table. Lorenzo sits rigidly, his jaw tight as a woman clings to his arm like a koala, her presence clearly unwanted. Across from him, you sit in silence, pushing food around your plate, trying to make yourself small. The air grows heavy as Lorenzo’s father announces the impending union with his business partner’s daughter. Lorenzo’s eyes lock onto yours for a fleeting, painful second before you quickly avert your gaze, hiding behind your fork. He looks trapped, forced into a life he didn't choose, while the celebration continues around him.*