The Mafia King's Runaway Bride
om, adorned with dark mahogany and rich leather, exuded power and authority-much like Vittorio Romano him
ning to face her, "our fam
pounding. Discussions that be
l," he continued. "Ricardo DeLuca has agreed t
an whose name was synonymous with ruthlessness. Stories of his merc
o with me?" she asked, though
cing. "He has requested your hand in m
on her. "You're selling me o
about you, Sofia. This is about the
she challenged, h
"Refusal is not an optio
but she refused to let them fall. "You're
"Better to be with a monster in power than to b
e she had hoped for-a life of choice, of love-was slippi
ugh the motions, her heart heavy with resignation. The Romano estate buzzed with activity, servants
king solace among the countless books that had been her refuge since childhood
the affectionate term for siste
unshed tears. "Do you, Luca? Or are yo
is dark hair. "You know how things
when it's not your life being b
in his. "I promise you, Sofia, I will do
finding only the same helplessness she felt. "S
ia stood before the mirror, adorned in a gown of ivory silk and lace, a delicate veil cascadin
er. Vittorio entered, his gaze appraising. "You look
r me?" she asked quietly. "A li
envisioned a future where our family remains powe
or, her reflection a stranger
ned impassive. "Happiness i
and hall, their whispers a symphony of intrigue and anticipation. Sofia walked down t
e eyes that seemed to see through her. His dark hair was slicked back, and a f
ady, though inside, she trembled. Ricardo's gaze n
e bride," the of
tle. He leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a chas
e submerged underwater. The rest of the evening passed
s, Sofia stood by the window, staring out at the moonlit
commanding the room. He appr
deep timbre. "I understand th
, surprised by the adm
stand this-I will not tolerate defiance. You are m
flared within her. "
appearing. "Refusal is not an option.
ne. The man before her was every bi
recoiled instinctively. His expressi
rstand," he said quietly, befor
ituation crashing over her. She was bound to a man s
was her existence had n