Shadows of Desire(Arranged Marriage with the Mafia Lord)

{At the Desmond Estate}

"What?!" Claire exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief and anger. The news she was hearing from her father was the last thing she wanted to start her day with.

"Claire, calm down. This is for the best," Mr. Desmond said, his tone firm yet conciliatory.

"You said I was getting married to Ethan Carter, the eldest son," Claire said, her voice breaking. Marriage into the Carter family was already far from her plans, especially at the height of her career as a tech mogul.

"Plans changed. You're marrying Alexander Carter," her father said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

The Carter family was a powerful dynasty with deep ties in both legitimate businesses and the shadows of the underworld. Claire had always known there was more to them than met the eye, especially after her father allied with Jonathan Carter, the family patriarch.

Claire's worst fears were confirmed when her father revealed the true nature of their dealings. The Carters were not just business moguls, but the most influential crime family in the city. Initially, the thought of marrying into such a family was repulsive, but knowing she would marry Ethan, who led a separate, more respectable life, made it somewhat bearable. Now, she was being handed over to Alexander, the notorious heir with a reputation that made her blood run cold.

"Dad, we talked about this. You promised me," she pleaded, trying to hold back her tears.

"Claire, you're my daughter, my pride. I have given you everything you wanted, the best education, and the finest opportunities. Now, I need you to do this for the family," Mr. Desmond said, his voice softening as he held her hands.

"Alexander is the head of their criminal empire, Dad. How can you expect me to live that life?" she asked, her anger and fear mingling.

"I wasn't asking for your permission. The contract is signed, and you will marry Alexander Carter," he said, his tone final.

"Can I at least meet him? Talk to him?" she asked, desperation seeping into her voice.

"He will meet you when he decides to, Claire. This isn't up for discussion," Mr. Desmond said, taking a sip of his coffee, and dismissing her concerns.

"This is not fair, Dad. Marriage should be about mutual understanding. How can we build a life together if we don't even know each other?" she said, her eyes filling with tears.

"I will fund a shopping spree to help you prepare," he offered, but Claire shook her head.

"I don't want to go shopping, Dad," she said, watching her father leave the room.

She felt the weight of the space, the magnitude of her predicament settling in. How could she spend her life with a man she knew nothing about, a man who was a criminal?

Determined, Claire vowed to meet Alexander Carter before the wedding no matter what it took.

She couldn't believe her life was about to take a 360 degree, turning her perfect life into something she couldn't imagine.

Walking back to her room, she felt a wave of dread wash over her. Life had always been straightforward for her. She had never wanted for anything and had no idea what it meant to struggle.

Her beauty and intelligence had paved the way for her success. As a renowned tech entrepreneur, Claire was constantly in the spotlight.

"Welcome back, Miss Claire," her assistant, Jenna, said, stepping aside to let her in.

"Your bath is ready, and you have a conference call with the board in 45 minutes," Jenna reminded her.

"Cancel it. I'm too tired," Claire said, massaging her temples.

"But Miss Claire, this is important. You never miss a meeting. The board will be concerned," Jenna said, surprised.

"I am just so tired, Jenna," Claire said, sitting on her bed, feeling the weight of her impending marriage.

"Is it about the marriage proposal?" Jenna asked gently.

"How am I supposed to marry a man I know nothing about? Alexander Carter is the black sheep of the family. He is a mystery, and is driving me crazy," Claire said, frowning.

"Don't worry too much, Miss Claire," Jenna said, trying to comfort her.

"Should I set the table for dinner or bring it to your room?" Jenna asked.

"I am not hungry. I will just eat something later if I feel like it," Claire said, heading to the bathroom.

Jenna watched her go, worried about how Claire would cope with the marriage.

AT THE CARTER ESTATE

Alexander Carter listened intently as his lieutenant briefed him on the week's business dealings.

He drummed his fingers on the mahogany desk, his sharp eyes never missing a detail. Alexander was strikingly handsome, with piercing blue eyes and a chiselled jawline that complemented his dark hair. His tailored suit and polished demeanour made him a formidable presence.

"How did we lose the shipment to the Russians?" Alexander asked calmly.

"Boss, an insider tipped them off. We were ambushed not far from the docks," the lieutenant explained, bowing slightly.

"You're dismissed," Alexander said, waving him off. The explanation didn't sit right with him, but he had more pressing matters.

Ever since he assumed leadership, his life had been a whirlwind of responsibilities. From being the rebellious Alexander who partied all night, he was now the head of the Carter crime family.

His father, Jonathan Carter, had built an empire that Alexander now had to maintain and expand. He grew up in a turbulent household, but he managed to mend his relationship with his brother, Ethan, who preferred to stay away from the family's illicit dealings.

"You called for us?" Marcus, his right-hand man, asked, entering the study with a confident stride.

"Yes, take a seat," Alexander said, glancing at his watch.

Another figure, a young woman with sharp eyes and a poised demeanour, walked in.

"You're late, Isabel," Alexander said, though there was a hint of a smile.

"I was tied up with another matter, Boss," she said, taking her seat.

"And Jason?" Alexander asked, looking around.

"Always running late," Marcus muttered, just as Jason hurried in.

"Sorry, Boss," Jason said, out of breath.

"Let's get started," Alexander said, turning serious.

Marcus was the underboss, second in command and Alexander's most trusted ally.

Isabel, though young, was the Counselor, handling the family's legitimate fronts and financial matters.

Jason, the capo, managed the street operations and smaller factions within the organisation. He was also Alexander's closest friend, privy to his deepest secrets.

"So, what's the urgent matter?" Isabel asked, leaning back in her chair.

"I'm getting married," Alexander announced, and his inner circle reacted with shock.

"You're what?" Jason asked, stunned.

"To whom?" Marcus inquired.

"It's an arranged marriage with Claire Desmond, the tech mogul. Father wanted her for Ethan, but he's already involved with someone else, but father wouldn't let him be, because he had already sign a deal with Mr Desmond for his daughter to marry Ethan, and as you know I just got better with Ethan I have to step in and offered Mr Desmond another deal he could not resist and the man sold his daughter to me. Alexander explained.

"This is interesting. Do you even know who Claire is?" Marcus asked, amused.

"I don't care. What's the worst that could happen?" Alexander replied, frowning.

"She's a public figure, Alex. She's not just any heiress. This will draw a lot of attention and I am not supporting you on this," Isabel said, concerned.

"I already signed the contract with her father," Alexander said, exhaling deeply.

"I foresee a lot of complications," Jason said, the room falling into an uneasy silence.