Elena Rossi, a 17-year-old bookworm, has always lived a sheltered life under the watchful eye of her overprotective father. What she doesn't know is that her father, Antonio Rossi, is a powerful mafia boss who has been keeping her in the dark about their family's dangerous legacy. When a rival mafia family threatens to destroy the Rossis, Antonio makes a desperate deal: Elena will marry Luca Moretti, the 28-year-old heir to the Moretti crime family, to secure an alliance. Luca Moretti is ruthless, calculating, and used to getting what he wants. He agrees to the marriage for power, expecting Elena to be a meek, obedient pawn. But Elena's fiery spirit and innocence challenge him in ways he never anticipated. As the two navigate their forced union, they uncover secrets, face betrayals, and slowly fall for each other. When a deadly betrayal puts Elena's life at risk, Luca must choose between the mafia world he's always known and the girl who has shown him a life beyond violence and power. In the end, love triumphs, and they forge a new path together, leaving the shadows of their past behind.
Chapter 1 The proposal
The rain poured relentlessly, tapping against the windows of the Rossi mansion like a thousand tiny fingers. Elena sat curled up in the window seat of her bedroom, her favorite book resting in her lap. The storm outside mirrored the unease in her heart, though she couldn't quite place why.
"Elena," her father's voice called from the doorway, pulling her from her thoughts.
She turned to see Antonio Rossi standing there, his usual stern expression softened by something she couldn't quite name. At 17, Elena had grown used to her father's mysterious ways, but tonight, something felt different.
"Yes, Papa?" she asked, closing her book and setting it aside.
Antonio stepped into the room, his polished shoes clicking against the hardwood floor. He hesitated for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. "I need to speak with you about something important."
Elena's stomach twisted. Her father never spoke to her about "important" things. She was kept in the dark, shielded from the world outside their gated estate. She nodded, bracing herself.
"You're getting older," Antonio began, his voice steady but laced with an emotion Elena couldn't place. "And it's time for you to take on more responsibilities."
"Responsibilities?" she echoed, confusion knitting her brows together.
Antonio sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. "Elena, our family... we have certain obligations. And to secure our future, I've arranged a marriage for you."
The words hit her like a punch to the chest. "A marriage?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "Papa, I'm only 17. I'm not ready for this."
"You don't have a choice," Antonio said firmly, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of guilt. "This is for your safety, for our family's safety."
Elena's mind raced. "Who am I supposed to marry?"
"Luca Moretti," Antonio replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The name sent a chill down Elena's spine. She had heard whispers of the Moretti family-ruthless, powerful, and dangerous. She had never met Luca, but the stories were enough to make her blood run cold.
"Papa, please," she begged, tears welling in her eyes. "I don't want this."
Antonio's expression hardened. "This isn't about what you want, Elena. It's about survival. Luca will be here tomorrow to meet you. Be ready."
With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Elena alone with her thoughts. She stared out the window, the rain blurring the world outside. Her life, once so predictable, had been turned upside down in an instant.
The next morning, Elena dressed carefully, her hands shaking as she buttoned her blouse. She had no idea what to expect, but she knew one thing: she would not go down without a fight.
When the doorbell rang, her heart leapt into her throat. She descended the staircase, her father waiting at the bottom with a man she had never seen before.
Luca Moretti was tall, with sharp features and piercing green eyes that seemed to see straight through her. He wore a tailored suit, his posture exuding confidence and power. Elena felt small under his gaze, but she lifted her chin, refusing to let him see her fear.
"Elena," her father said, his voice unnaturally cheerful. "This is Luca Moretti."
Luca stepped forward, his eyes never leaving hers. "Elena," he said, his voice low and smooth. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Elena forced a smile, though her heart was pounding. "Likewise," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
As they sat down to talk, Elena couldn't shake the feeling that her life was no longer her own. But deep down, a spark of defiance ignited. She would not let this man-or anyone-control her.
Little did she know, Luca was just as intrigued by her as she was terrified of him. And their meeting was only the beginning of a story that would change both of their lives forever.
Chapter 1 The proposal
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Chapter 2 The First Encounter
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Chapter 3 The Engagement
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Chapter 4 The Wedding
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Chapter 5 The First Night
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Chapter 6 The First Morning
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Chapter 7 Shadows in the Daylight
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Chapter 8 The Warning
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Chapter 9 The First Test
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Chapter 10 The Storm Breaks
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Chapter 11 The Escape
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Chapter 12 The Debt
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Chapter 13 The Blood Oath
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Chapter 14 The Edge of Trust
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Chapter 15 The Ledger'Curse
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Chapter 16 The Father's sin
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Chapter 17 The Ashes of Legacy
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Chapter 18 The Ghost Gambit
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Chapter 19 The Cadnivale Masquerade
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Chapter 20 The Flood and the Flame
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Chapter 21 Inferno pact
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Chapter 22 The Vineyard Vow
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