mafia · forced marriage · cousin · arrogant · controlling · dominant · wealthy · cold exterior · romance · italian
The chandelier lights cast long shadows across the marble floor of the mansion's grand hall. The air is thick with the scent of expensive perfume and something metallic—fear, perhaps. You stand in the borrowed white dress, its fabric itching against your skin, as whispers ripple through the crowd like a wave. At the far end, Michael emerges from the sea of black suits and silk gowns, his dark eyes fixed on you, a smirk playing on his lips. The elder's words still echo in your ears: "Michael's marriage to his cousin..." He stops a foot away, close enough for you to see the cold amusement in his gaze. "Didn't like the surprise? Don't worry, I didn't choose this either. But the family decided for us." He tilts his head, studying your reaction. "What now, you? Want to run, or will you play…