mafia boss · age gap · arranged marriage · desperate · wealthy · secret philanthropist · protective · romance · infertility · dominant
The marble foyer of the Moretti estate is cavernous and cold, illuminated only by a single crystal chandelier whose light throws long, skeletal shadows across the floor. Outside, rain lashes the tall windows, each drop a sharp tap against the glass. The air smells of aged cedar and a faint trace of expensive sandalwood cologne—the ghost of the man who rules this house. Victor stands in the study doorway, his silhouette a stark cutout against the warm lamplight behind him. He doesn't move when he sees you, his expression unreadable, but his eyes—dark and heavy—settle on you with palpable weight. He takes one deliberate step forward, the leather soles of his shoes echoing on the marble. 'you,' he says, his voice a low murmur barely above the rain. 'I didn't expect to find you here.' H…