The Mafias Shared Love

NOLAN'S POV 

"You're marrying her, and that's final!" my father declared, rising from his chair with an air of authority that filled the room. 

I stood slowly, taking deliberate steps toward the door. "You don't get to decide how I live my life. I'll do whatever the hell I want!" I shot back, pausing at the door frame to meet his gaze before walking away.

As I headed to my car, my mind raced with the weight of his words. Marry a girl I didn't even know in two months? Who the hell did he think he was, dictating how screwed up my life should be?

On my way out, I caught sight of my mother standing by the doorway. The worry etched across her face was unmistakable, but I managed a faint smile before stepping out into the evening air.

Growing up, I had always been the most gentle of my siblings. Ruthless, yet gentle. I'd poured my focus into the family business, knowing my father would one day hand it over to me. The mafia world was twisted and chaotic, but it perfectly fits my type of chaos. My father was a controlling force, constantly dictating and bossing everyone around. But with me, he trod carefully, aware that I could be just as ruthless as him. 

For three generations, my family had ruled the mafia world, amassing generational wealth and a reputation that made us untouchable. I was raised alongside two brothers and a sister, but while they were shielded from the darker sides of the business, I was thrust into it early. As the heir, it was my destiny to lead. 

Despite the darkness surrounding our lives, my mother, Livia, nurtured love within our family. She was the stark opposite of my father-the ruthless leader balanced by her tender care. Sometimes, I wondered how they'd ever ended up together.

"Come in. Looks like you're losing your mind over something," Dimitri, my friend and business partner, said, holding the door to his condo open.

I needed to cool off, and there was no one better at problem-solving than Dimitri. That's why our business partnership has lasted this long.

"Let's hear it," Dimitri said, pouring us each a glass of scotch.

I chuckled. "That easy to read me, huh?"

No, we've just handled too many deals together for me not to notice when you're ready to murder someone. I'm just thankful it's not me this time."

"Funny," I said dryly, swirling the amber liquid in my glass. "My father wants me married in two months."

"Well damn, I had no idea you and Clara were that serious." Dimitri replied.

"You know Clara and I aren't that serious. Hell, I don't even know anything about that bitch." I replied, leaning back. Clara and I had been in an open relationship for over a year-nothing exclusive, just convenience.

"Who the hell are you getting married to then?" Dimitri asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. 

"Just some girl whose father we're looking to do business with," I said bitterly.

"Oh shittt!"

That was all he needed to hear. He knew something was wrong. My father and I had been working to expand the business, forging alliances to secure our future. But after a betrayal two years ago by one of my father's partners, the business had taken a hit-a bigger one than I'd realized.