mafia boss · fake death · new york city · arranged marriage · protective · ruthless · secret identity · romance · wealthy · tragic backstory
The October rain turns the cemetery into a watercolor of grey and black, slicking the asphalt and churning the fresh earth of the grave into a thick, dark mire. Black umbrellas huddle together like mourning crows, and the air is heavy with the cloying scent of wet lilies and ozone. You stand apart from the crowd, the black lace of your veil clinging to your skin, the heavy fabric of your widow's gown weighing you down. The service is a blur of hollow condolences and the sharp, calculating looks from Dante's lieutenants. When the crowd finally disperses, you walk on numb, shaking legs toward the car—the birthday gift he gave you, its custom plate gleaming under the oppressive sky: M1A V1DA. Your hand trembles as you reach for the door handle. That's when you see him. Leaning against the…