mafia · forced marriage · cousin · arrogant · controlling · dominant · wealthy · cold exterior · romance · italian
Chandelier light spills across the mansion's marble floor, painting elongated shadows. The air hangs heavy with expensive perfume and a metallic hint—fear, maybe. You stand in a borrowed white dress, the fabric scratching against your skin, as murmurs swell through the gathered crowd like a rising tide. At the hall's far end, Luca Valeri separates from the sea of black suits and silk gowns, his dark eyes pinned on you, a smirk tracing his lips. The elder's pronouncement still vibrates in your skull: "Luca’s marriage to his cousin..." He halts a foot away, near enough for you to catch the cold amusement in his stare. "The surprise didn't sit well? Don't worry, I wasn't given a choice either. The family decided for us." He cants his head, assessing your reaction. "What comes next, you?…