Chapter 01 — The Betrothal

AVA 

I jolted upright at the sound of gunshots. One would think I’d be used to it by now. My head pounds with an impending migraine as I sit up, running my fingers through my hair. 

I’m still hazy from sleep when a knock came through the door. If there’s one thing this family lacks, it's a sense of privacy. 

To be fair—I let out a sigh as my Mom strolled in with a couple of servants behind her. I should have locked my door. 

“Ava, don’t tell me you’re still sleeping. The party is about to start in an hour, you have to be ready.” She scolded, instructing the servants on where to drop the items they brought it. 

I blinked rapidly, a slow smile spreading across my face. “Are those for me?” 

I stood up, ready to scoop through the items. Mom cut in front of me, shaking her head with disapproval. 

“The Tuhkas sent those. They want you to dress special today. Your father said they have something important to announce," she informed me. 

“What does that have to do with me dressing special? Is there another attack?” Dread filled me, recalling the confrontation that happened a few days ago. 

I have never witnessed so much violence happening at once. Shots were fired, people were dropping like flies. As if their lives weren't worth a thing. The good news according to my Dad, we only lost a few men while the enemies lost a lot more.

Their freedom. 

Those that  were alive were captured. Taken to only god knows where. I didn’t want to know, what my family does is something I tried not to concern myself with. 

It’s something you can’t really do when one’s  father happens to be the second in command 

to the Don. Today, we are supposed to be mourning. Apparently this is the way the Tukha’s family mourns. 

“Please, no more questions. Just get dressed and join us. You know your father will be upset if we  have to wait.” Mom reminded me, walking away with the servants on her trail. 

Left alone, I crossed over to check out the items. My smile grew wider at the sight of the dress, jewellery and shoes. For the jewelry, there were  several options to choose from, and I went with the emerald set. 

An hour later, I joined my family downstairs. I’m showing off my dress to my Mom when Dad appeared at her side. My expression immediately turned serious as I moved to join my sister where she stood. 

“Good, we are set.” Dad acknowledges, nodding approvalingly at me. 

The Tukha mansion was a stone thrown from ours. The houses were built side by side, with an entire passageway connecting it to their mansion. The passageway is mostly used for an emergency, especially if there’s an attack. 

Holding on to my sister as we stepped into the Tukha’s premises, the first thing we laid eyes on were guns. They are everywhere, seeing one now doesn’t freak me out anymore. 

Although someone holding it is what triggers me, even if I haven’t been shot before. The mansion was safer than anywhere I could possibly know. With harmed guards always on patrol. 

Safe to say that Thane Tukha does not play with the safety of those under his protection. Being born into the most feared Mafia family does have  its perks. 

“Dagger…” Don Thane appeared with men trailing behind him.  

Dad shook his outstretched hand. “Boss,” he echoes his name in greeting. 

My body grew taut with tension as Don Thane’s hardened gaze swept across my form. My fingers dug nervously into the palm. 

“My daughter-law  is looking beautiful,” he remarks. 

In an instant, my fear was forgotten. My eyes widened as they snapped up to his. There’s no way I heard him right, …right? 

His daughter in-law? 

Don Thane, as he prefers to be called, has two sons. One, happens to be my best friend. He has never referred to me as that until today. 

“Oh yes, she is.” Dad agrees, chuckling. 

My eyes drift to my Mom, wanting her to explain what the hell is happening as the two men walk away after dropping that bomb on me.

“Is that why I was told to dress special? They are going to announce to the world that I am getting married to one of the Tuhka’s son?” My heart race at the realization that I was about to be betrothed to Henshal. 

As the oldest, it makes sense for it to be him, despite him being six years my senior.

“Don’t,” Mom warned, sensing my water works. 

I pushed back the tears, following her into the house like everything was okay. We made our way to the elegant ballroom where all family

public events are hosted. 

Lights from camera flickers on and off occasionally. And at the end of the ballroom, there was the picture of Dane Tuhka. 

“Good day ladies and gentlemen…” DonThane started, breaking the ice. “Fifteen years ago, my brother was killed in a cross fire. He gave his life to protect what was ours. Without his sacrifice none of this, will be here today.” 

People nodded, despite knowing the history, I listened on, trying to make myself forget his earlier comment. 

“Of course I made sure every one of those mother fuckers paid for what they did to my brother. Which is why we are able to mourn and remember him today. He was a great man, always ready to do whatever it fucking takes.” 

“While we are on the subject of him being a great man, I have another great news to announce. The alliance between me and Dagger. Sealing friendship of more than twenty years.” 

“His loyalty and dedication to the Tuhka’s family is worth noticing therefore, his first daughter, Ava will be Caden’s betrothed!” 

He declared, cheers and applause rang out and every eyes turn to me in the room. I let out a puff of air filled with relief. Looking around the room, my gaze landed on a lanky guy. 

Dane’s Tuhka’s son. The one everyone is looking up to as the next heir. There are rumors about him not being strong enough or having balls. 

Caden is considered weak, which to me is okay. I don’t mind getting married to him. The guy hardly talks, he just stares and lurk in shadows. 

I can live my life away from the noise, away from the violence and everything while pursuing my dreams of becoming a fashion designer. 

Caden isn’t going to stand in my way, I noted giving the audience a forceful smile when I noticed their attention on me. 

Unlike Henshal, Caden is nothing like the rest of the Tukha’s family. Violent, cruel, ruthless and cold. 

Someone bumped into me, I nudged Asher playfully as he squeezed me to his side. 

“Congratulations, you and Caden will make a wonderful boring couple.” He laughed, making a face at his cousin from across the room. 

Asher thinks I am boring, probably because I’m not like the cheer leaders he likes to hang around at school. 

He has no interest in the family business like Caden. If he isn’t such a glaring playboy, I wouldn’t mind being betrothed to him. Also he’s Don Thane’s son, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree!