MATTEO'S POV

My head tipped back against the hospital bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling as the sound of the heart monitor beeping steadily irritated me even further.

I had been stuck here for over twenty-four hours, trapped in this sterile building the family called a "private hospital."

The bullet had almost been fatal but thankfully, I was out of danger, and the doctor said I would be discharged by evening. I hated it here already.

There was a knock-two short raps. Familiar. I could feel my jaw clench as the door opened.

I already knew who it was.

Don Enzo Romano, my father, walked in, flanked by two of his usual guards that never left his side, his face was hard and I could feel the atmosphere in the room became thick with the tension.

The door shut behind him, and he barely spared me a glance before muttering, "Out. Leave us."

The guards didn't hesitate; they simply bowed and walked out, the door shut behind them.

The moment we were alone, silence descended heavily on us both.

I didn't move and he didn't sit on the low visitors chair that was beside my bed.

"I assume you know what I'm going to say," he began, voice as cold and collected as it had been since I was a kid.

I didn't respond for a moment, I just let my lips curve slightly, bitter and tired. "You're going to berate me for getting shot. For 'shaming the family' and for putting the Romano name in the mouth of every other bastard in this city."

His eyes narrowed and I could tell he wasn't exactly pleased by my accurate description. Too bad. "Good. Saves me the effort." He muttered.

He stepped closer, his gaze heavy. "Do you know how many phone calls I've answered in the last twenty-four hours? How many allies think we're 'weak' now because my son-my heir-was nearly gunned down in our own event like a damn rookie?"

I laughed under my breath, shaking my head slightly. "I was ambushed, not incompetent."

"Don't speak." He snapped at me, his voice cutting through like a whip.

I scowled, sitting forward slightly while trying to ignore the fresh ache in my abdomen.

"That stunt at the gala has thrown off negotiations with three syndicates," he continued. "And to top it all off, you still think you can run this empire with your arrogance and that mouth."

"And yet," I said calmly, "I'm the one bleeding in this bed, not constantly spying on his son while refusing to do something too"

That earned me a long, hard stare from him then he scoffed. "You're lucky you didn't die, Matteo but perhaps you should be more concerned about the next few days."

I looked up, my brows furrowed. "Why?"

He straightened his cufflink. "Because the event is underway."

My brow twitched. "What event?"

"The bride selection."

I laughed again, but it didn't reach my eyes. "I told you, I said it more times than I can count, I'm not interested in parading women like cattle just to choose one."

Don Enzo didn't laugh. Instead, he gave me the last blow-calmly, without flinching. "Then let me make this clear. I've announced my retirement. Publicly. And I've signed the legal transition documents."

My blood ran cold. "What?"

"In my will," he continued, his voice devoid of any emotion. "you take control of the Romano estate but only on one condition. You marry within the next three months. If not, everything-everything passes to Rico."

I stared at him, stunned. The room seemed to spin as I tried to come to terms to what he was saying. "My bastard half-brother? You would give the empire to him?"

"If you continue to shame this family and act like a boy instead of a leader," he said, eyes locked on mine, "then yes. Gladly."

I clenched my fists under the sheets. Marriage. I didn't believe in it. Especially not one arranged by my father for the sake of more power but I wasn't about to hand over my birthright to someone who didn't earn it.

"...Fine," I said, my voice tight. "I'll do it."

Don Enzo gave a small nod, like he knew I would. He turned toward the door.

"One week," he said. "Impress me."

Then he was gone.

********************

A WEEK LATER

The sun was high in the sky but not scorching as we all gathered in the garden of the Romanos Villa. I sat at the forefront, flanked closely by trusted guards, while I looked at the women who had just arrived for the competition that would take the span of two weeks.

They called it a competition, but I called it a joke.

I sat at the head of the table, my eyes distant, ankle crossed, bored out of my mind.

They were all here. Some daughters of mafia syndicates thought marrying into the Romanos was a way of pushing their family up the power ladder. Others were just city-bred wannabes in expensive shoes who wanted a taste of the power that the underground business had to offer if they were picked.

They were all pretending not to look at me and they were all failing woefully.

"Left side," my bodyguard, Theo, leaned down and whispered. "Two of them are already plotting who gets to speak to you first after the party. I overheard them."

I didn't react and he continued.

"They're also very attractive. The blonde one is the daughter of Luca, biggest drug cartel," he added, amused. "Should I keep track for you?"

I was about to tell him to shut up when I glanced up idly and stopped breathing for a second.

Off to the far side of the garden, near the orchids stood a woman with her dark hair down, not even sparing me a glance. She wasn't laughing but wasn't talking. She was watching another girl across from her with a strange focus.

But I saw her eyes. Blue.

That was what made me freeze and almost fall out my chair.

Theo straightened beside me. "You good?"

I didn't answer because I knew those eyes.

I had seen them before, but under a mask.

Her.

The girl from that night. The one who saved me.

The one who had plagued my mind for a whole week now. The one that got me intrigued.

"I need her name," I muttered under my breath.

Theo blinked and looked around. "Who?"

"The one by the orchids. Blue eyes. Black hair. Strapless gown." I said breathlessly, unable to tear my gaze away.

Theo glanced discreetly. "Hold on."

I stared at her as he pulled out a tablet and began scrolling through the registry. My pulse had picked up for the first time all day.

If it was her... if it really was her... Then this competition was already over before it could even begin.

ISABELLA'S POV

It felt weird. I couldn't come here with any weapons. Neither could I come here with an earpiece. Security had gotten tight at the Romanos Villa after the shooting last week. We had been searched thoroughly before being let in and there were guards watching us right now.

I was on my own for at least a week.

Shit.

I needed Intel and I wasn't going to get it by sitting in the darkest corner at dinner. I had successfully avoided everyone at the garden in the afternoon. Not like anyone wanted to talk to me anyways. They kept sending me glares and I could tell no one liked the other. They all wanted a goal. Him. And they were ready to tear themselves apart for it.

I smoothed the crease on the silk of my dress and reminded myself I didn’t care. The other girls could tear themselves to bits for him. I was here for one thing—information.

The dinner was in the inner villa, a grand, beautiful hall lined with golden mirrors and chandeliers that looked like they cost more than my entire hometown.

The food was an assortment that would have made my mouth water but I could only toy with it with my fork. This was going to take a while to get used to. And the women. So many women, dressed like sin and seduction itself, clinging to every word that fell from Matteo Romano’s lips.

He sat at the head of the table, looking cool and relaxed like every inch of the dickhead he was, with a few of his people flanking him—his consigliere, a few of his captains, and some dignitaries who were clearly there to make sure everything was going smoothly. Fucking bastards.

The girl next to me leaned in, whispering something about how good he looked in black but I didn’t reply. I think we all knew that he was like a walking sex god but whatever.

I kept my eyes down and drank slowly, playing my role which was unbothered, unremarkable, invisible.

But then the blonde one—Victoria, I think—shifted in her seat and tilted her body in Matteo’s direction, her voice silky and soft.

“Matteo,” she purred, licking the rim of her glass like she was starving for something else. “If your future wife disobeys… will you punish her in private or make it a public lesson?”

Everyone burst into a ridiculous high pitched laughter that sounded forced.

I nearly choked on my drink.

What the hell?

He chuckled lowly, raising his brow. “That depends… on how creative her disobedience is.”

More laughter. Flirty eyes thrown at him. Fake smiles. Like hyenas begging to be devoured.

I didn’t get what was funny. I really didn’t. I forced a smile, sipped water, and counted the exits.

Two guards stood at the side doors, another at the far end of the room. The main house was still a mystery. I needed to move. Dinner would end soon, and we would all be escorted back to our assigned quarters and I wouldn't be able to look around the place for future reference.

Then I saw my opportunity. One of the ladies, someone in red, stood up, excused herself to the bathroom. A guard pointed the way, then returned to his post.

I waited three seconds then I slipped my napkin down and rose slowly, smoothing my gown as I whispered a polite, “Excuse me.”

No one noticed, they were still too busy fawning over him.

I followed the hallway, catching sight of the red dress as the girl exited the bathroom, heels clacking as she passed me with a scowl like I had just insulted her very existence with my presence there. No one liked a pretty competition.

Jeez.

I gave her a polite smile. She looked me up and down, unimpressed, and walked off.

Good. Less distractions.

I glanced around. No one in the corridor. I slipped past the bathroom and slipped deeper into the villa. The walls were dark, adorned with paintings and I heard muffled voices from distant rooms, too far to hear.

My heels were silent on the rug as I moved quickly, carefully, mapping out the halls so I could make a map of it as soon as I got to my quarters.

Then I heard it. Footsteps.

Shit.

I ducked behind a large pillar, holding my breath.

The steps paused… then passed.

I exhaled and straightened only to feel a hand clamp down on my shoulder.

Reacting on instinct, I spun, my elbow jabbing toward the throat only to have it caught midair. My other hand went for the nose—also blocked.

Fuck!

A second later, my back hit the wall with a soft thud and I realized I was pinned. What the hell?

I looked up. Hazel eyes.

No. Not him.

Matteo Romano stared down at me, a strange flicker of interest in his eyes, his breath was calm and his hands were steady.

I felt sick as I realized who I had just walked right into.

His voice was amused. “Do you always attack people who tap you gently?”

I said nothing, my eyes wide.

He stepped back, giving me space. I immediately adjusted my dress and cleared my throat. “I was startled,” I said, schooling my features into practiced innocence. “Reflexes. I didn’t know it was you or anyone else. Just fear. I… I’ll go back to dinner now.”

I turned to leave but he stopped me.

“Wait.” His voice was soft as he stepped closer. “Who are you?”

I turned back to him, my smile never wavering while I tried to slow my heart rate racing. “Oh, it's Emilia Cattaneo from Verona.” I lied.

He stared at me, his gaze unwavering. “Funny because last week… you said your name was Juliette”

My blood froze. He remembered? No way.

My mouth opened. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. You must have mistaken me for someone else.”

His smile vanished and I could make out the tick in his jaw. “Don’t lie to me in my house.”

I held my breath, every exit plan disintegrating in my mind.

He wasn’t flustered. He wasn’t angry. He was calm, too calm, and it terrified me.

I thought of running then he said it. “The competition will last two weeks,” he murmured, like he was thinking out loud. “But… it’s a good thing I’ve already made up my mind.”

My brows furrowed. “Excuse me?”

He smiled slightly. “You. You’re the one.”

I blinked. What?

“No,” I said quickly. “I think you're confusing me with someone else. I’m not even—”

“—Emilia,” he said, cutting me off, using the fake name. “If that’s who you are, then consider this my early proposal.”

I stared at him, heart hammering.

“Marry me,” he said. “At the end of two weeks.”

Excuse me?

ISABELLA'S POV.

“Was he losing his mind now coupled with the fact that he was a dickhead?”

Of course, I didn't say it out loud.

I stayed silent. “Didn't you hear me?” he uttered, and as usual, the tone of his voice indicated how stern and strict he was.

My heart hammered rapidly and violently as he moved closer to where I stood.

I was so sure that he could hear my heart race beneath my silk dress.

He lifted his right hand and brought it closer to my face.

“Oh no.”

I muttered in a very low voice.

No–No–No.

Was he going to kiss me now?

I gulped down saliva.

I closed my eyes in fear.

I soon felt his fingers move my hair that covered my face behind my ears.

“Now, I can see your face better.”

“Now, I'm sure you're the girl from the other day who saved my life.” His hot breath brushed my face as he spoke.

Suddenly, my heart stopped pounding.

I was sure now that he wasn't going to kiss me.

He moved backwards and away from me. My eyes were now opened and I couldn't help not to notice the devilish smirk he had across his cheeks.

“So the badass woman who slit a human’s throat can be this shy?”

He asked.

I just looked away and ignored his question, “I only just met you, Matteo, how are you so sure that I am the one?”

“I'm nothing compared to the other women on the table.”

He stood there in silence. Well, it wasn't the usual silence even though he was quiet and said nothing, his facial expression said a lot.

I just wondered what was going through his head.

Since he wasn't talking, I guess now was the best time to slip away from him.

I swallowed down the anxiety I felt and bolstered up and walked past him.

When I thought I had finally got rid of him–At least for now, I felt a warm masculine hand grab my soft palm from behind.

I already knew who it was because there was no other person here apart from Matteo and me and I obviously wasn't the one who grabbed my own palm.

I stopped walking and just stood there wondering what was going to happen next.

I didn't even turn around yet to see what he wanted because I was in shock.

He in turn put his other hand on my waist and turned me around.

“I wasn't joking when I said you're the one I am going to marry Emilia.”

When he mentioned Emilia I was startled at first, I wanted to say my name wasn't Emilia but I remembered I had given him a fake name.

Actually two fake names now, I just had to find a way to convince him that my name isn't Juliet.

In fact, since I never told him my name was Juliet, he probably heard it wrongly since he was under tension and being attacked. That was more than a perfect lie. I just hope that he bought it when the time comes.

“I was only saying it was almost impossible because we just met,” I replied to him with a low-toned voice.

“I guess we will see at the end of two weeks Emilia.” He responded and smiled.

He finally released me from his grip and turned his back towards me.

This was an indirect way to say that I was free to go. He just used his body language to communicate with me.

I guess he didn't like to talk too much then.

I walked back to the table and the atmosphere felt uneasy.

As I came closer to where the other women were, silence filled the room. Although I refused to look them eye to eye, I could feel their eyes pierce through my skin.

I guess they had noticed my absence and most especially Matteo’s.

I pulled my hair out silently and sat back next to the woman with blonde, blonde and silky hair. Uhm—What was her name again?

Oh yes, Victoria.

“Why were you gone so long,” Victoria asked and of course loudly.

I looked up to her to see jealousy and rage.

I guess she wanted to be the one that Matteo spoke to for that long so badly.

“Did our darling Matteo give you special attention already?”

Before I could even say a word the table erupted with fake laughter.

“Hey. Stop it right this minute! I won't have you all disrespect her.”

I heard Matteo say.

They all kept shut.

“You know what, this is over. I have my bride already. Thank you all for showing up but you can now live.”

The women muttered inaudible words but Victoria was the one who was confident enough to ask, “Who is she then? Who is she that she's better than me Matteo?”

Matteo didn't say a word to her…Like I said, he didn't like to talk too much.

Instead, he moved closer to where I sat and played a slight perk on my lips.

I gasped in shock.

“But I hadn't agreed to be his wife.”

I said to myself. Well, the moment I walked into this place I already knew what was going to happen if he picked me, I have no other choice now.

“Oh ew, Matteo. You are going to regret this.” Victoria picked up her red glitter purse and stormed off.”

The other women followed suit without arguing any further. They knew they were in no place to exchange words with Matteo—The heir to the Romano Empire.

Soon, the huge table was empty.

It was just the guards and servants who were there with Matteo and me.

I didn't know what to say to him.

“The maids would take you to your room, get enough rest. We have a lot to do together soon. My wife.”

My heart dropped when I heard him call me his wife.