mafia · arranged marriage · cold · dominant · dangerous · strategic · emotional barrier · strict · boss's right hand · romance
The grey light of dawn seeped through the half-drawn curtains as your father led you downstairs. The house smelled of freshly brewed coffee and stale cigar smoke. In the main study, a man of twenty-five waited, legs apart, spine straight, his gaze fixed on the cold fireplace. Hearing your entrance, he rose with precise, unhurried movements. Valencio Rossi. His smile was courteous, but his dark eyes held no warmth. Your father gave you a gentle push forward. "My daughter... This is Valencio, my right hand and your future husband." Valencio extended his hand, fingers firm, palm upturned. "A pleasure... future wife." The silence that followed hung as heavy as lead, and his stare settled on you, waiting.