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EMILY'S POV.

The atmosphere in the room became thicker, and I felt smaller as my father's gaze rested on me.

"Emily, it is no longer avoidable." He said, pulling me out of my train of thoughts.

"What do you mean?" I muttered.

"There is a threat to make another major shareholder, CEO. We have worked so hard keep this company afloat, and we can't have it being snatched away from us now. The Russos have offered their assistance, and we wouldn't reject it."

"You confuse me. What business do the Russos have with us or the company?"

"They recently bought out one of our major shareholders. As it stands, Anthonio Russo has the one vote that determines whether or not, I remain CEO."

"Wh...wh...what does this mean?" I stuttered, scared where this was headed. He gave me a pointed stare, following it up with the most dreaded response.

"Anthonio insists we come to an agreement. In exchange for his vote....... he wants you to marry his son."

Everywhere fell silent, and my heart fell to the pit of my stomach. I looked at my father, unable to hold his gaze for long. I had never done differently from whatever he wished of me. What he and his wife wished of me. But this was different. On every level.

Asides the fact that I had no interest in Marco Russo, The Russo mafia family were age long enemies with The Ferrari mafia family; my bestfriend's family.

My bestfriend was Alexandra Ferrari, younger sister to the fearsome and Ruthless Don of the Ferrari family. Dante Ferrari.

"But...." I finally found my voice. "It wouldn't work." I tried to sound firm, but it sounded like a plea.

"Emily, it will." I heard my stepmother's stern voice. "The Russos are giving us a way of escaping this ridicule, and retaining our position in the company."

"This is a company that has fed you and clothed you all these years, yet you don't have the decency of fighting for it? Don't be useless!" Her tone became harsher, making my heart clench painfully.

"Alina." Father called her.

"What?" She glared back at him. "Going soft wouldn't work now. We've hit the walls, Luca. Emily has to marry Marco. It's either this, or we lose control over Collombo Finances!" Alina yelled out in annoyance.

"Emily," Father called out to me immediately. "You will marry Marco Russo."

"So you're just going to sell me off, for the sake of your company?!! All for a mere vote?!" I yelled out in disbelief, before I could even think my words through.

"The nerve of you...." He gritted out, so much disappointment in his eyes. "After all I have done for you?!" His voice thundered, making me swallow hard.

I wondered when the emotional blackmail was going to end. I was his child too. Legitimate or not.

"That 'mere vote' determines my position in the company." He continued. "And unless you have plans of finding another family, secure me that damned vote!"

Realizing the meaning behind his words, my world stood still for a moment. Was I really that useless to him?

Without thinking straight, I picked up my bag and headed for the door.

I was walking out on them for the very first time in my life, and I knew I might regret my actions later on.

"Emily Collombo!!" Father literally growled, but I refused to cave in. Not today.

I could be strong for just one day.

Hopping into my car, I crazily drove out of the gates. Right now, I needed to be away from them and the only person I thought of calling, was my bestfriend.

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

I woke up to see Alexandra fully dressed, standing in front of the mirror for a fit check.

"Good morning." I muttered, releasing a yawn.

"You're finally awake." She turned to me, a small smile on her face. "You were a mess last night." She said, making me release a sigh as I sat up on the bed. "You couldn't make out a coherent word, so I just decided to let you be, until you slept off eventually. How do you feel now?"

"I'll be fine." I forced a smile, worried about dropping the bomb on her just yet. How could I tell my bestfriend that I was to marry her family's enemy? "Where are you headed?"

"Just off to do some quick shopping. But before I leave, I need to be sure that you're fine." She looked so bothered, and it made me feel sadder.

"I would tell you everything when you return." I whispered.

"Promise?" She asked, and I nodded. "Good."

She dropped a chaste kiss on my cheek, and started walking towards the door.

"Alexa." I called, the moment it occurred to me.

"What is it?" She turned back immediately.

"Your brother....." I bit my lower lips, not sure how to frame my next question without sounding offensive. This was technically his mansion after all.

A smile broke onto her face, and she shook her head in amusement.

"You don't have to be on your toes, Em. He isn't in the country, and wouldn't be back for another week."

Hearing that, I released a low sigh of relief.

It was so obvious that Dante Ferrari never really appreciated my presence in his home. The man disliked me, but Alexa always insisted I was overthinking things.

"You have to stop thinking my brother doesn't like you, Em. You're my bestfriend, and he respects that."

"He respects it, not 'accepts it'." I pointed out.

"Whatever." She rolled her eyes. "Take care of yourself, I'll be back soon." She blew me a kiss, before walking out.

Few minutes later, I heard her car drive out of the compound, and I couldn't help but wonder how my life was going to turn out in the next couple of weeks.

Her brother was most likely going to force her to keep her distance from me, once he found out Marco Russo and I were to be married.

Gosh!!! I badly needed to clear my head.

Surfing through my bag, I took out my airpods and plugged them into my ears. One of my favorite songs began playing, and I got lost in the moment.

I didn't realize when my hands traveled down my belly, settling at my mound. A sneaky finger pushed aside my panties, and slid it's way in.

I couldn't tell why I was suddenly horny, but I guessed having my release would also help me feel calmer.

Midway through my joy session, I started to feel quite self conscious. I had no idea why, but it felt like I had eyes on me.

Slowly, I opened my eyes and they instantly locked with the shocked ones of a familiar looking man.

My heart almost gave out on me.

Dante Ferrari??!