THE WAY WE WERE BEFORE

ENZ

the dimly lit study, the weight of the

the dimly lit study, the weight of the

isp, every word carefully chosen. The ink was still fresh, but I cou

wn up sitting here, learning about duty, power, and the ways of the world. This desk was where my destiny had been shaped. And now

Matteo stepped into the room, his usual carefree attitude replaced by

h with this?" he asked, lea

rms. "It's not a matter of choice, Matteo. This union is necessary. The Russo fa

a bit... archaic, don't you think? Marrying someone to seal a deal? You're no

or feelings. It never had been. This was about survival-about ensuring that

I'm making this personal?" I asked, finally meeting hi

I'm just saying, you've never been a fan of these arranged thing

hand through my hair. "That wa

atteo knew better than anyone what it meant to be in my position. We were both b

lighter. "Well, at least you'll be stuck wit

ut beneath that beauty, there was something about her that irritated me. She wasn't like the women I was used to-quiet, obedient, eager

her. Most women would have fawned over me, desperate for my attention. But not

ll thing, bu

I've made my decision. The Russo family will

for conversation. Instead, he crossed the room and plopped do

"I never thought I'd see you get married. Y

was our father, yet here we are. This is a r

he understood. We both knew the rules of this life. We b

s I read the terms one more time. The ink was dry, but my mind

er. She would be expected to follow the customs and traditi

over the k

yal and supportive of every decision I make. Disobedi

reputation in the public eye, representing the

the family home. She must remain ignorant of the intricacies of

protection of our children, should we have any. She must be prepare

st attend all necessary events, gatherings, and so

a of these rules would make her furious. But she had n

from my thoughts. I looked up to see my father

time." he said

last time. Feeling the weight of it all settle

ll. I couldn't shake the feeling that this marriage-this alliance-would change everyt

ere was no