CHAPTER 4 — THE LION'S DEN

(MARIANNA'S POV)

I can't breathe. 

Vincenzo Lombardo, the man I thought was a mistaken one-night stand, the man I threw money at this morning, is seated across from me at this business dinner between the Kingwickes and the Lombardos.

I took a large sip of wine, trying to hide my trembling hand.

"We will sign an agreement on the terms you have pushed forward with ours in mind," Grandfather says. "We can arrange meetings with the other eight families on whether we can add you to the circle." He looked at Mr Santino “And maybe the Santinos as well” 

Victor Lombardo nods thoughtfully. "We look forward to this.” He began “The eight families have maintained balance for decades, Edward. But times are changing. New players are disrupting the old ways."

I stole another glance at Vin. He's watching me too, his expression unreadable except for a slight tightness around his eyes. 

He looked different in his perfectly tailored suit, hair styled immaculately, every inch the corporate heir. Nothing like the sleepy, naked man I left this morning.

"Another glass, Miss Kingwicke?" 

I was startled as a waiter appeared at my elbow.

"Yes, please," I murmured.

"The Sapru deal you negotiated last month," Vin says suddenly, addressing me directly for the first time. "How did you manage it when everyone else had failed?"

All eyes turned to me. I straightened my spine, grateful for the shift to business territory.

"I offered them something the others didn't," I reply. "Autonomy within partnership. They didn't want to be absorbed, they wanted to be allies."

Vin's eyebrow raises slightly. "Unconventional approach."

"But effective," I counter.

"Indeed," Grandfather interjected proudly. "My granddaughters represent the future of our family enterprise. Both Marianna and Sophia bring unique strengths to our operations."

"Speaking of the future," Victor Lombardo uttered, "we should discuss the specifics of our alliance."

Grandfather nodded. "We've considered multiple avenues for solidifying this partnership. Business interests alone can be fragile. But family ties, those endure."

My stomach dropped as I realized where this was heading.

"I would be honored to represent our family in this alliance," Sophia chipped in suddenly, her gaze fixed on Vin. 

Her smile is practiced perfection. "The European operations have given me extensive experience in cross-family negotiations." Because I was there to assist her

My father cleared his throat. "Sophia," he said quietly, leaning toward her. "Not now."

I watched with growing dread. Sophia had always been the golden child, spoiled from birth while I worked twice as hard for half the attention she was receiving from our parents. 

I was fortunate enough to get the CEO role, thanks to my alliance with the eight families, but these same families ended up betraying me for her. 

She vowed not to get involved with any man until she has established herself well enough to be independent, yet here she is, practically volunteering for an arranged marriage.

"Actually," Vin interrupted, his voice cutting through the tension, "I'd be interested in working with Marianna on this venture."

I choked on my wine.

"Marianna?" Grandfather looked surprised.

"Her approach to the Sapru deal demonstrates exactly the kind of innovative thinking this alliance requires," Vin continued smoothly. "How old are you, Miss Kingwicke?"

"Twenty-seven," I answered and he just smiled, giving a satisfied nod.

Before I could respond, Victor Lombardo chuckled. "My son appreciates talent, Edward. But let's be direct, we're not just talking about a business partnership."

"No," Grandfather agrees. "A marriage would cement our families' interests permanently."

"Marriage?" I blurted out. "You can't be serious."

"It's a practical arrangement," Grandfather dismissed me. "A marriage of convenience to protect mutual interests."

"I have far too many responsibilities to consider marriage right now," I protested. "The Asian and European expansions, the tech investment portfolio—" and my CEO role I'm working hard to get.

"I won't interfere with your work, Marianna," Vin stated, as if that addresses my concerns.

"Marianna is seeing someone," Sophia jumped in. "Tyler Lakewood. They've been together for months."

I stared at her, Why did she exaggerate the months like we've been seeing each other for years? Does she really want to marry a mafia heir that badly? Could it be one of those her grand schemes she had against me? 

Tyler and I went on a few awkward dates, and in my past life, I overlooked everything. Now I realized we have no chemistry.  

Sophia knows mentioning him will make her seem like the more eligible option.

"A minor complication," Grandfather waved dismissively. "Nothing compared to the benefits this union would bring."

I glanced at Vin, expecting disgust or anger. Instead, he's watching me with curiosity.

My grandfather signaled his assistant, who approached with two leather portfolios.

"The initial agreement," Grandfather explains, passing one to me and one to Vin. "A preliminary partnership between our families, to be signed tonight."

I opened the portfolio, scanning the legal language. It's not only a marriage contract, but another agreement that seems like the first step toward entangling our families' interests.

"Sign it, Marianna," Grandfather urged me, his tone leaving no room for argument. "For the family."

I looked up, meeting Vin's eyes across the table. What choice do either of us have? We're pieces on our families' chessboard.

For the love I bear my grandfather, despite everything, I signed my name on the dotted line.

Vin watched me, then took the pen his father extended to him.

I have no idea what he was thinking as his pen hovered over the paper. No idea if he signed or refused.

No idea what happens next if he does.

I arrived home, my mind clouded from what just happened a few hours ago. I paced my bedroom, still in my emerald dress from dinner. 

“Of all people, I have to end up with a mafia.” I mumbled as I touched my neck “And I must have insulted him for throwing that two hundred dollars to his face” 

Sandra would be so pleased if she heard what happened today. I was too ashamed to tell her what happened. That is if I remember what happened. 

This wasn't supposed to happen in my previous life. It's not supposed to happen in this life as well. 

The Lombardos never approached us for marriage, and Sophia was never involved. 

Has the timeline shifted? Leaving me with no advantage from my time-traveling knowledge.

I needed boundaries while I figured out what to do.

I headed over to Grandpa's study to find answers to this predicament immediately after breakfast. If only I have a mind of my own 

"Grandfather?" I knocked on his study door.

"Marianna. Come in."

I settled across from him. "I wanted to discuss the arrangement with the Lombardos."

"You made the right decision signing the agreement. The Lombardos will protect our interests in ways we cannot."

"How long do we need to remain married?"

"Until the alliance is secure."

"And when would that be?"

"When you produce an heir," he says matter-of-factly. "After that, if you wish to divorce, arrangements can be made."

My stomach lurched. "An heir? You expect me to have a child with him?"

"That is generally how these arrangements work, Marianna. The Lombardos need assurance of our commitment."

I stand abruptly. “I only know his name, nothing else” I folded my arms before my chest "I didn't agree to that."

"You signed the preliminary agreement. The marriage contract is being drawn up as we speak."

I did not say anything again and went to get ready for my work. Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, Tyler corners me at the office. 

"Is it true? Sophia told me you're engaged to Vincenzo Lombardo."

We step into an empty conference room.

"It's true," I confirmed. "It's a business arrangement, which means whatever was between us needs to end."

"You can't be serious. We had something real, Marianna."

We had awkward dates and zero chemistry, but I didn't correct him.

"I'm sorry, Tyler, but my decision is made."

"You'll regret this. The Lombardos are dangerous."

"Goodbye, Tyler," I said firmly.

"They'll destroy you," he calls after me. "And when they do, don't come crawling back."

I closed the door, feeling oddly liberated.

I want to agree on things with Vincent and the only way is to visit him. That afternoon, I visited Vincenzo's downtown office. His receptionist reluctantly directs me to wait outside his office.

The door is slightly ajar. I'm about to knock when I hear his voice.

"I don't care what it takes," he said tensely. "Keep her in line. If she tries anything stupid, I'll handle it personally, and she won't like my methods."

My blood turns to ice, stepping back silently while my heart pounded harder. This confirmed my worst fears. 

I've w alked straight into the lion's den, and the lion is planning to devour me whole.

“What I'm I going to do?” I panicked as I headed to the exit. “I need a way out. Fast.”