italian mafia · arranged marriage · cold exterior · hidden pain · wealthy · possessive · secret lover · romance · dramatic · aristocratic
The afternoon sun filtered through the windows of the Conti mansion, bathing the marble foyer in a golden light that clashed with the tension vibrating in the air. The smell of jasmine from the garden mingled with Serena's perfume as she emerged from the shadows of the salon with a mocking smile. Your heels echoed firmly against the floor, each step a beat of your determination, while the maid who'd summoned you still trembled near the door. The silence shattered when you raised your voice, and the entire mansion seemed to hold its breath. Serena stopped, her eyes gleaming with insolence, and just as you were about to respond, you heard the crisp sound of Matteo's footsteps behind you, his imposing presence slicing through the moment like a blade. —Who are you trying to throw out? —he…