~Alina~

The moment the plane touched down in Milan, a wave of nostalgia crashed over me.

For a second, I wasn't a heartbroken, penniless woman. I was a little girl again, running barefoot through the sun-drenched streets, my father's laughter echoing beside me. I could almost taste the sticky sweetness of gelato on my tongue, feel the warmth of his large hand holding mine as we weaved through the bustling streets.

Back then, Milan had been magic.

Now, it was just another reminder of everything I had lost.

I tightened my grip on the handle of my suitcase, the wheels clicking softly against the airport's shining floors. The air smelled like freshly brewed espresso, warm pastries, and expensive perfume. I moved through the crowd, my body heavy with exhaustion, my heart heavier with the weight of what awaited me.

By the time I slid into the back of a taxi, the midafternoon sun lights washed the streets in a golden glow.

The ride was silent.

I kept my eyes on the window, watching Milan blur past in streaks of ancient stone and modern glass,couples strolling hand in hand. The city was alive, yet I felt detached from it.

I used to belong here once upon a time.

Now, I wasn't sure where I belonged at all.

The car slowed as we reached the outskirts of the city, where the streets grew quieter, the buildings giving way to stretches of olive trees and sprawling vineyards. My fingers curled against my lap as the taxi took the final turn onto a familiar road.

And then I saw it.

Nana's house.

A soft gasp caught in my throat.

I pushed the car door open before the driver had even put the car in park, my heart sinking as I dragged my suitcase from the trunk.

The villa stood just as I remembered, tucked away behind an old rusty iron gate with stone walls that had been warmed by decades of summer suns. It wasn't grand, not like the mansions my father's wealth had afforded, but it had always felt bigger.

But something felt off.

The windows, always scrubbed clean, were slightly clouded with dust. The shutters, which Nana had insisted be repainted every spring, were chipped, their once-bright white now dull. The terracotta roof, usually gleaming under the evening sun, seemed muted.

My fingers trembled as I pushed open the iron gate and stepped onto the cobbled path.

The first thing I noticed was the flowers.

Nana's favorite roses and hydrangeas, usually vibrant and full of life, were withering. The petals curled at the edges, their once-rich colors fading into dull browns and yellows.

A pang of worry shot through me. Nana loved her flowers more than anything. She used to make me water them every morning when I visited as a child, saying, "A home without flowers is a home without a soul."

For them to be neglected meant her condition must be worse than I thought.

I swallowed hard and walked forward, my heart thudding in my chest.

A small gray cat darted past me, its fur slightly unkempt. Nana's pets had always been well-fed and well-loved. Another bad sign.

The air felt colder as I walked forward, the wheels of my suitcase bouncing against the uneven stones. My breath was shallow, my fingers trembling.

I reached the door, hesitating for only a second before lifting my hand to knock.

I never got the chance.

The door flew open before I could touch it.

"Nana! Il mio dolce melanzana è tornato![Nana! Your sweet garden egg is back!

A blur of movement crashed into me, knocking the breath from my lungs.

Warm arms wrapped tightly around me, and a familiar scent of lavender and citrus filled my senses before I could even process what was happening.

"Giulia!"

My arms instinctively closed around my cousin as she squeezed me in an almost suffocating embrace.

"I missed you!" she breathed, pulling back just enough for me to see the bright smile on her face.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, my heart twisting painfully.

"I missed you, too."

She looked the same yet somehow different. Her dark brown curls were as wild as ever, tumoring past her shoulders in messy waves. Her green eyes, the color of summer leaves, sparkled with emotion, but there was something new in them-a maturity that hadn't been there five years ago.

"You've grown bigger!" she teased, her hands still gripping my shoulders as she took me in.

"It's been forever!"

I let out a breathless laugh. "You say that like I turned into a giant."

She smirked. "Well, maybe a little."

For a moment, the heaviness in my chest lifted.

Giulia had been my best friend growing up, my partner in crime every summer when I visited Italy. We had spent hours running through vineyards, stealing Nana's fresh cookies.

But the moment of joy faded too quickly.

"Where's Nana?" I asked, my voice quieter now.

"What's wrong with her?"

Giulia's smile faltered.

She opened her mouth, but she didn't need to say it.

I already knew.

Inside, the house smelled exactly the same.

Tomato sauce is simmering on the stove. Fresh bread cooling on the counter. The softest hint of lavender from Nana's favorite soap.

But there was something different about the air. A heaviness.

And then I saw her.

Nana sat in her favorite chair near the fireplace, wrapped in a thick wool blanket.

She looked smaller.

Her once rosy cheeks were pale, her silver hair thinner than before. The warmth in her honey-brown eyes was still there, but exhaustion weighed heavily on her features.

"Alina, mia cara [my dear,]" she whispered, reaching for my hands.

I dropped to my knees beside her, taking her frail fingers in mine.

"Nana..."

She smiled softly. "You're still as beautiful as ever. Your father would be so proud."

At the mention of Dad, my chest tightened.

"I miss him," I admitted.

"I do too, tesoro[darling,]" she said with a sigh.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then she squeezed my hand.

"Mio dolce melanzana, Nana is getting too old. I don't have much time left," she chuckled dryly.

"But there's something I need to tell you," she said. "Your father left something behind for you. Some properties and fortunes. A hidden inheritance."

I blinked in shock. "What?"

"He anticipated that things might take a wrong turn in the future. To protect you, he made arrangements to secure your future. His wish is for you to settle down before claiming the inheritance, so you can build a stable life with your husband and children. That's the only way he can ensure you're safe from those who would take advantage of you."

My breath hitched.

"Dad wants me to get married first before I can claim the inheritance?"

"Yes," she nodded weakly.

"That's why I wanted to see your fiancé," Nana continued.

"The last time we spoke, you told me you were engaged. Where is he?"

My stomach dropped.

"Hmm... Nana, he's coming soon. He got caught up with something."

Her gaze searched mine as if she could sense my hesitation.

Finally, she nodded. "Alright. I'll wait for him."

I forced a smile, but inside, panic twisted like a knife.

I had no fiancé, thanks to Ethan and Jade.

I had nothing to my name. No home, no money. I had spent all my savings on the penthouse and the wedding, only for everything to fall apart.

I needed this inheritance.

And if that meant finding a fiancé overnight, then so be it.

The idea was reckless, but I had no choice.

I had explained everything to Giulia-how today was supposed to be my wedding, how I had lost everything in a single night.

And thanks to her, I now stood outside Inferno, one of Milan's most exclusive and dangerous clubs. According to her, it was also the easiest place to find a man without complications.

"Just promise them a hot night, and they'll be begging to play fiancé," she had teased with a smirk.

At the time, I had rolled my eyes. But now, standing here, I wasn't so sure she was wrong.

The night pulsed with life, music and voices spilling onto the street. Inferno stood before me, tall, sleek, and ominous, its black glass exterior reflecting the golden city lights.

Before I could take a step forward, a sleek black SUV pulled up beside me.

I barely had time to register the movement before something struck the back of my head.

A sharp, searing pain exploded through my skull, like a bolt of lightning splitting my senses apart. A dull ringing filled my ears, my vision tilting as my body lost all strength. My knees buckled, and the world around me blurred into nothing but shadows and distant noise.

Then, darkness swallowed me whole.

    ~Alina~

   A slow, steady beeping sound pulled me from the darkness. 

  My head throbbed and the air smelled different.

    I woke up slowly, my eyes adjusting to the soft light from the chandelier above me. 

  The bed beneath me was too soft, the sheets cool against my skin.

    As I turned my head, the rest of the room came into focus: furniture, heavy velvet curtains partly covering tall windows, and shiny black tiles.

    This wasn’t my room.

    A chill ran down my spine as last night’s memories hit me.

    I had been kidnapped.

    Panic shot through me and I tried to sit up, but my movements felt restrained and uncomfortable.

    My hands flew to my chest, gripping the unfamiliar fabric and as I slowly looked down, a violent shiver ran through me.

    I was wearing a pristine white lace wedding gown.

    My breath hitched.

    What. The. Hell?

    A scream tore from my throat before I could stop it.

    The door burst open, and three women hurried in, dressed in identical black and white uniforms. Their heads were bowed as they approached, their movements careful and elegant.

    Maids, most likely.

    “Ma’am, is something the matter?” one of them asked.

    I stared at them, my heart hammering.

    “Where am I? What the hell is happening? Who are you? And why—” I gestured wildly at the gown “—am I wearing this?!”

    The maids exchanged confused glances before one of them gave me a soft, almost pitiful smile.

    “You must still be disoriented from last night. It seems you had a little too much to drink.”

    My mouth fell open.

    Drunk?! I never drank. What nonsense.

    The maid continued, her tone gentle, as if she were speaking to a child.

    “We’ve been ordered to prepare you. Today is your wedding day, after all.”

    My blood turned to ice.

    Wedding day? Hell no!

    Yesterday was supposed to be my wedding day. Not today.

    Before I could demand answers, a deep, smooth voice cut through the room.

    “Excuse us.”

    The maids immediately stepped aside, their heads lowering in silent obedience.

    I turned toward the door.

    And my entire body locked in terror.

  He stood in the doorway, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that hugged his tall, broad frame. 

  His black hair was cut short on the sides with the top left longer, tousled stylishly in a way that drew attention to his chiseled jawline and sharp cheekbones. 

  His golden eyes burned into mine, sharp, stormy yet hypnotic.

  Expensive cologne and something dangerous filled the air as he approached the sole of his shiny shoes barely making a sound against the floor.

  Behind him, several guards loomed, their expressions blank and their presence threatening. But they halted as he crossed the threshold, radiating something far more menacing than all of them combined.

    My breath stilled.

    I had never seen this man before, yet my gut screamed that he was the one who kidnapped me.

    He had to be.

    A tremor ran through me as I inched back on the bed, grabbing the nearest pillow like a weapon.

    “Stay away from me!” I yelled, my voice breaking.

    “Who are you? Why did you kidnap me? What do you want from me?”

    He didn’t answer.

    He simply chuckled, the sound deep and amused, like I was nothing more than a silly little thing throwing a tantrum.

    His smirk sent a cold chill down my spine as he strode toward me, his presence swallowing the room.

    Instinctively, I clutched the pillow tighter, stretching it at him like a gun.

    “I said stay back!”

    He stopped at the edge of the bed, tilting his head slightly.

    “That’s a pillow, dummy.”

    Before I could react, he flicked my forehead lightly, the action so unexpected that I jolted.

    Then, just as easily, he yanked the pillow from my hands and tossed it aside before taking a seat, completely unfazed by my fear.

    His audacity left me speechless.

    “Open the drawer,” he instructed, his voice slow but commanding.

    “What?”

    His golden eyes darkened. “Don’t question me.”

    A shiver ran through me at the warning in his tone.

    My fingers trembled as I reached for the nightstand, pulling open the drawer. Inside were two brown envelopes.

    “Take them.”

    I did. My hands shook as I opened the first one.

    My stomach twisted painfully as I scanned the documents.

    It was an agreement. A contract.

    Between my father and a man named Valentino Romano.

    My breath caught in my throat.

    My father… had borrowed an absurd amount of money from this man six months before his death. 

  And the terms were brutal.

   If he failed to repay it within two years, Valentino had the right to seize three of his properties.

    The paper nearly slipped from my hands.

    Why?

   Why would my father take out such a loan? What had he been planning before he died?

    I lifted my gaze, my lips parting in disbelief.

    “What is this?”

    He leaned back lazily. “Your father owed me.” His tone was casual, as if we were discussing the weather.

    “He couldn’t pay before he died. Afterward, the banks confiscated his properties and wealth for… reasons I can’t disclose.”

    “What reasons?” I demanded.

    He smirked. “I can’t tell you.”

    My hands curled into fists. “Yes, you can’t! Because you’re lying! Stop pretending you knew him.”

    His expression didn’t change, but something in his gaze sharpened.

    “I knew your father, Luca Moretti. I knew your mother, Cindy Moore Moretti. I know the truth behind their deaths. I know you live in Toronto, that you attended Soreheights College of Medicine. That you studied nursing. I know you were engaged until two nights ago. That you were supposed to be married yesterday.”

    A cold weight settled in my chest.

    He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

    “I know your friend Jade and your fiancé Ethan have been deceiving you for years. I know you came to Italy to visit your grandmother, Nana.”

    My entire body turned to stone.

    He stared at me, completely calm.

    “I know everything about you, amore.”

    I couldn’t breathe.

    Who the hell was this man? How did he know so much about me and my family?

    And the truth behind my parents’ deaths…Everyone said it was an accident. Was that a lie?

   Valentino continued, “I don’t care how righteous you think your father was. What matters is that he owed me. And now, you’re going to pay his debt.”

    My pulse spiked. “How am I supposed to afford that kind of money?”

    “You can’t,” he said, smirking.

    “That’s why I’m offering you a deal.”

    He gestured to the second envelope.

    “Check it.”

    My stomach twisted as I opened it.

    My blood ran cold.

    A marriage contract?

    My eyes flew to his in horror. “What! You want me to marry you?”

    “Yes. Be my wife for six months. Our wedding is set for 10 a.m. today.”

    His lips curled into a smirk.

    “That’s the first payment of your father’s debt. We’ll figure out the rest later.”

    “Hell no!” I shot up from the bed, wobbling slightly.

    “I’d rather chew glass!”

    Valentino chuckled. “Funny, considering you were out last night looking for a fake fiancé.”

    My breath hitched.

    How does he know that?

    He rose to his feet, slipping his hands into his pockets. 

  “You don’t have a choice because this isn’t a request, it’s an order. Sign the papers, the car is waiting.”

    I shook my head furiously.

    “No. I’m not interested, thanks.”

    He smirked. “Your grandmother and cousin are already on their way to the venue. Don’t keep everyone waiting.”

    “What?” I screamed, my eyes popping out in horror.

    He arched a brow.

    “Why so surprised? Didn’t you promise to bring your fiancé to her? I did you a favor. Don’t be an ingrate.”

  I blinked at him in disbelief.

   But he was right after all, Nana is still waiting to meet my fiancé. 

  Seems like I truly had no choice.

    I don’t know exactly who he is, but he’s definitely dangerous and I guess there’s no escaping him.

   And then there’s what he said about my parents’ deaths. 

  He knows something—something no one else has ever mentioned. If I marry him, I can get close, learn the truth.

    He didn’t say anything about the inheritance, which means he’s unaware.

    Good.

    I just have to be his wife for six months. Secure the inheritance, get the information I need, then disappear.

    That’s it.

    With trembling hands, I reached for the pen on the nightstand, my fingers cold and unsteady.

    My voice barely came out, a whisper of defeat.

    “I agree.”

    The tip of the pen scraped against the paper as I scribbled my signature, sealing my fate.

    I swallowed hard, forcing the words past the tightness in my throat.

    “I’ll marry you.”

~Valentino~

I stretched out a hand to her, my gaze locking onto her perfect, full-figured body. For some reason, I had always preferred curvier women. Society glorified tall, thin women with sharp cheekbones and endless legs, but that wasn't what I wanted.

I wanted a woman with flesh, softness, and curves that could handle a man like me.

Alina had all that and more.

Her rich, dark hair cascaded past her back in loose waves, framing a heart-shaped face. Her bright green eyes were filled with fear, an emotion that, for some reason, intrigued me. Her full lips trembled slightly, and her porcelain white skin had lost its color from shock.

The maids had dressed her while she was unconscious to avoid any delays, and I had to admit, they did a damn good job. The fitted silk dress hugged her curves perfectly, cinching at the waist before flowing elegantly to the floor. The makeup they applied made her look more mature, stripping away the innocence her bare face carried.

She didn't move.

I sighed, rolling my eyes. Women were so damn troublesome.

If not for the loyalty I owed Padrino for pulling me out of the gutters of Toronto and giving me a better life, I would have killed him, overthrown him, and taken his place as Don instead of dealing with this hassle.

Without a word, I bent to her eye level.

She flinched slightly.

"Why so scared? I don't kill," I murmured, reaching out and tucking a loose strand of her silky hair behind her ear.

My voice turned colder.

"Unless you steal from me, owe me, or stress me like you currently are."

Her breath hitched. Fear crept into her expression like a cornered rabbit realizing it had no escape.

Good.

This was exactly why I chose her to be my wife-gentle, naive , and timid. Seeing her cower before me was exactly what I wanted.

"I have important things to attend to after this wedding, and I won't let you delay me with your sluggishness."

Without warning, I gripped her waist and hoisted her into my arms in one swift motion.

She let out a soft gasp, her hands instinctively clutching my shirt in fear.

I sent her a deadly glare. "Let go."

Her eyes widened. "What?"

"If you stain my shirt, I swear I'll wash it off with your blood."

She yelped and released me immediately.

I smirked.

Carrying her out of the room, I strode into the courtyard of my mansion, where a convoy of blacked-out SUVs was already waiting. The moment Rocco spotted me, he rushed over, his usual stone-cold demeanor slightly tense.

"Boss, there's an emergency."

I adjusted Alina against my chest, my expression flat.

"I told you no business today. I don't want any disturbances."

"Yes, sir, but it's urgent. The Capo of-"

I raised a hand, silencing him. Alina was too timid. If she realized who I truly was before the wedding, she might panic and make things difficult.

Rocco understood immediately, lowering his voice as he whispered in my ear.

"The Capo of the Cortés Crew is causing trouble in Toronto. Andre reported that his men were spotted at Milan's airport. I think he's here for you."

I scoffed.

"That weakling? Ignore him. This is my city. He won't make it past the airport. Padrino has men stationed everywhere."

"Yes, sir." Rocco bowed and opened the limo door.

I placed Alina inside the limo, watching as she nervously adjusted the silky folds of her dress. She was jittery, biting her lip, her hands smoothing over the fabric as if she could iron out the tension crawling up her spine.

I smirked, leaning back into the plush leather seat.

The ride was silent, but I could feel her fear thick in the air, suffocating.

I reached into my pocket, pulling out a sleek, rose-gold phone. Without a word, I handed it to her.

The moment her fingers touched the device, her eyes widened.

"My phone!" She snatched it from my hand like a drowning woman grabbing a lifeline.

"Thank God. I thought I lost it last night."

She scrolled through the screen rapidly, her expression shifting-relief, then confusion, and finally heartbreak.

Her shoulders tensed. Her breathing hitched. Then soft, muffled sobs.

I exhaled through my nose, the sound sharp in the silence as I turned to her slowly.

"What's this nonsense about? Are you trying to ruin your makeup?"

She didn't answer.

Patience was not my virtue. I grabbed the phone from her hands with a sharp tug. Her head snapped up, but I wasn't looking at her anymore.

My gaze had landed on the screen, taking in the image before me. It was a wedding picture of her friend and her ex-fiancé.

I scoffed. Pathetic.

"There's nothing to cry about. He doesn't deserve you." I tossed the phone back onto her lap and turned my attention to the view outside.

"But I still love him."

The words sent a bolt of irritation through me.

I turned to her sharply, my voice cold and clipped.

"Shut up!"

She flinched.

"You're getting married to me in a few minutes. How dare you cry over another man-a weak, broke man at that."

Her eyes locked with mine, glossy with unshed tears, before she quickly looked away, sniffling softly.

The limo fell into silence.

I finally turned, resting my fist on my temple, already dreading the rest of my days. Killing the Don of the Russian mafia was far easier than having a woman in my life.

Just six more months, and I'll finally be free from her when Padrino steps down for me.

Everything remained quiet until a soft clicking sound broke through the silence.

The noise was subtle, but my ears were trained to pick up every little detail.

I turned back sharply, my voice tinged with irritation.

"What the hell did you just do?"

Alina wiped at her tear-streaked cheeks, her chin lifting in defiance.

"Pictures. I want them to know I got married to someone better."

I stared at her for a moment, an unfamiliar flicker of pity stirring inside me.

If only she knew-I'm not better.

"Delete it."

"Why?"

I sighed. Women were so damn talkative.

The Cortés Crew was in Milan. If she posted that picture, they'd find me in an instant. This wedding was low-key for a reason. I didn't need my enemies knowing I now had a weakness.

"Just do it. I don't like my pictures on social media."

"I won't delete it," she said stubbornly, "but I promise not to post it."

I glared at her in silence. She was disobeying me?

Forget it.

It was just some pictures. Let her keep them.

By the time we pulled up to the Milan Community Registry Hall, Alina had calmed slightly. The old building stood tall before us, its stone weathered but still looking strong.

I stepped out first, adjusting the cuff of my Brioni suit before turning back to her.

Her hesitation irritated me, but I held out a hand.

"Here."

She placed her trembling fingers in mine, and I led her inside.

The hall was adorned with dark marble floors, towering chandeliers, and heavy velvet drapes.

Padrino was already inside, dressed in a charcoal suit, his presence as commanding as ever.His sharp eyes assessed me, then flicked toward Alina before he gave a slow nod of approval.

Alina's face lit up when she spotted her grandmother and cousin waiting near the front.

A rare, genuine smile stretched across her lips and something unfamiliar stirred in my chest.

Why did I care? I looked away.

The officiant began the formalities, and everything went smoothly. Within minutes, we were declared married.

A quiet sigh of relief escaped her lips.

I turned to her, my voice low and teasing.

"No backing out now, moglie[wife]."

She shot me a glare, but before she could speak, a deafening explosion rattled the hall.

The chandeliers trembled and the floors shuddered beneath us.

What the fuck?

I spun sharply, my hand already reaching for the gun holstered inside my jacket.

Rocco, who had been guarding outside, rushed in, his face grim as he approached me.

"Boss, we're under attack!"

Impossible. This wedding was kept a fucking secret.

Unless-

My head snapped toward Alina. She stood frozen, eyes wide with horror.

I took one step toward her, my voice low and lethal.

"Did you post that picture?"

She swallowed, guilt flashing across her face.

"Yes... I wanted to make them jealous."

Fucking hell.

"You stupid woman!" My rage ignited like gasoline. I seized her wrist in a bruising grip, dragging her forward without a second thought.

Gunfire erupted around us. The sharp crack of bullets echoed through the hall, screams blending into the chaos.

Padrino-where the fuck was he? He was too old and too weak to be caught in this fight.

I turned sharply, my eyes locking onto him. He stood near the front.

"Padrino!" I barked, pushing Alina toward cover.

"We're under attack. I need to get you to safety."

His lips pressed into a thin line, but he nodded without argument.

I moved fast, gripping his arm as I led him toward the exit. His steps were steady, but I could feel the tension in his body, the way his shoulders stiffened as bullets tore through the marble walls behind us.

"Who betrayed us?" His voice was low, dangerous.

Alina whimpered beside me, her body trembling.

I didn't answer.

I just tightened my grip on her wrist and kept moving while my eyes scanned for Alina's family. They were just guests, I couldn't allow them to be involved in my mess.

I didn't make it to the door when a thick voice cut through the chaos.

"Well, well. Look who's running-the Devil of Milan himself."

I turned.

El Dorado. The Capo of the Cortés Crew.

He stepped forward, a predator's smirk playing on his lips. The bastard was dressed like he was attending a gala, not orchestrating a bloodbath.

"You thought you could kill my men over five kilos of shipment and walk away?" he mused.

"You took five of my finest soldiers. Now, I'll lay them to rest with the blood of your beautiful bride and your precious godfather."

My grip tightened on my gun.

"You have a lot of guts coming to attack me in my territory, Dorado," I said coolly.

"But I'll let this slide. I'm not in the mood for bloodshed today. Let's talk. You and me. These people are innocent."

El Dorado tilted his head, then c*cked his gun, pointing it directly at us.

"So were my men."

The gun fired.

I barely had time to react before Alina's scream tore through the air.

"Nana!"

Her grandmother had stepped in front of her, taking the bullet meant for her.

My chest clenched.

Another shot rang out, louder than the rest, cutting through the chaos like a blade.

I turned just in time to see Padrino stagger, his body jerking as the bullet struck. A crimson stain bloomed across his charcoal suit, spreading fast.

His sharp eyes widened for a fraction of a second before his knees buckled.

"No!"