Arranged Marriage To My Enemy

“In front of the mirror, my reflection looks calm and composed. But inside, I'm filled with nerves. It's a big night. I observed myself, wearing a simple black dress with my long hair down, as if I were going to a wake. KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK! "Can I come in?" It was Brother Enzo's voice, so I immediately turned around and saw him peeking in with a smile on his lips. "You know you're always welcome, Brother Enzo. I'm just checking my look before I make my grand entrance," I said, and Brother chuckled softly before giving my outfit a once-over. "Yeah, I see. It looks like you've really prepared for your first meeting with your fiance," he teased, but I knew he was also worried about me, which is why he came here. I've been ready for a while now, yet I'm still up here and haven't gone downstairs. He knows I'm just hiding out in my room. He took a deep breath as I lowered my head, and I felt his hand on my shoulder, so I turned to look at him as he sat down in front of me. "You're stalling, Chiara. It's okay; you don't have to pretend with me. I don't like this arranged marriage either," he said, so I looked at him. "There must be a way to stop this, right?" I asked, my eyes brimming with tears. "He's not serious about marrying me, is he?" I asked. "And it's not just any Montello, Brother. We're talking about Ethan Harris Montello. He's a monster!" I exclaimed, and he let out a harsh breath at my words. "But father is a man of his word. He made the deal with the Montello elders, and he won't back out of it now," he said, and I shook my head. Why is this happening to me? I felt him hug me, so I just closed my eyes. brother Enzo may be hotheaded, but he's always been gentle with me. This family is incredibly important to him. "Hey, I'm worried about you too. If this truce doesn't hold, who knows what could happen to you? Our family has been at war with the Montello family for decades. We may be at peace for now, but I doubt it will last," he said. "Do you think there will be another war between our family and theirs?" I asked, and he took a deep breath. "I don't know. This hatred is in our blood. It won't disappear just because we've been promised peace. Keep your wits about you, Chiara. Stay guarded around Ethan. He may be your husband soon, but he'll always be our sworn enemy," Brother reminded me firmly. Married to my sworn enemy. Fate sure has a strong sense of humor when it comes to shaping your destiny. Fine, I'll do my best. No matter who I marry, in my heart, I'll always be a Bianchi. I looked at Brother. "Come on. I should join the party before father sends out a search party," I said, and he offered his hand to me, which I accepted. I was incredibly nervous about making my entrance, knowing that I'd see Ethan there. I can't believe this is happening. This engagement feels like a bad dream...”