From Their Stand-in to Center of His Universe

Adriana's POV

“WHAT?” I screamed. I couldn't understand why my father would arrange such a thing without my approval first. “I will never marry him, Dad!”. I said, filled with anger and hoping for him to change his mind.

“I know that you despise that family and mafia as a whole, but I am doing this for your own good”, my dad replied. I didn't like his tone; he sounded genuinely concerned about me which was rare coming from him.

“I raised you as a single dad, but now that you have grown, I need to be reassured that you are safe and in good hands.

“Good hands?”. That word felt wrong to me. They are a mafia family and our worst rivals. How could I ever feel safe in their so-called hands? My tone sounded sarcastic but I didn't care. I didn't want to reason with my dad; it felt futile.

“I am doing this to stop bloodshed among us and keep you safe” he continued, trying to convince me. These explanations weakened me the more.

“I have arranged the marriage and you will get married to him. It is final”. Before I could say anything, he finalized his words; his tone stern and authoritative. That tone was more like him.

I stormed out of his office, still furious, unable to utter a word.

All I could think about was a way to change my dad's mind. Nothing would ever make me marry into the Castillo family.

As soon as I entered my bedroom, I picked up my phone and dialed Juan's number. He was the only person I could think of who might help change my father's mind.

“Hey, Juan, how quickly can you get back to Mexico?”.I asked him, skipping our usual conversation and pleasantries.

“Is everything alright?”I could feel his sudden worry, so I didn't want to add to it. “Just please get here before 8 a.m. tomorrow” was all I managed to say. I couldn't explain anything over the phone.

His assurance after that meant everything to me but a small part of me still felt uneasy and uncertain about tomorrow.

I lay down on my bed, trying to figure out a way out of my situation when memories began flooding back.

I still remember that day vividly.

I was just eleven years old, barely knowing much about how life or death was. My mum had been in the hospital for a week and my dad didn't want to tell me what was wrong with her. My driver was supposed to take me to see her after school, but I didn't make it in time.

Diego had locked me inside my classroom when the school session ended. By the time a teacher found me and I reached the hospital, my mum had already died.

“She waited a long time for you, dear, but she couldn't wait anymore.” That was all I could hear my dad say. I regretted not telling her goodbye or hugging her one last time, and it was all Diego's fault.

Deep down inside, I wished I had never known Diego since childhood. I could never forget that painful memory, and I could never forgive him either. And now, I was being forced to marry him?

I could never let that happen.

“Shoot!” I exclaimed, as I got an urgent call and remembered my schedule.

Diego's POV

“What do you mean he escaped?”I glared at Rodrigo.

“That fool knew we were coming and escaped the moment we got there. We couldn't do anything!.”Rodrigo said.

I want him caught and brought to me by tomorrow noon. Do you hear me?” I glanced at Rodrigo and he nodded.

“Diego, please calm down. They at least tried to catch him,” my best buddy Luis said, patting my shoulder. I glanced at him.

“They still did a poor job by not catching him. I trained them very well, yet they haven't managed to capture a single guy in three days.” I was disappointed in them and I wanted it to be evident.

“Diego, I have an important message from your father,” Luis said seriously while holding out his phone.

I signaled for Rodrigo and the rest of my men to leave my office and they complied. Luis stepped closer to me and read the message on his phone. He then pulled out an envelope from his pocket and handed it to me, explaining that someone had delivered it.

“WHAT?” I roared, standing up from my chair. My bodyguards standing near the entrance shook and I liked it.

“Calm down, please,” Luis urged, but I was too angry to listen to him.

“Why would my father do such a thing without my consent first?” I demanded, trying to get an understanding but failing.

“Tell the driver to get the car ready now” I instructed Luis. He quickly went to follow my order. Without hesitation, I left my office and headed for the car. As I passed my men in the lobby, they all stared at me.

“Gather as many men as possible. You must bring that man to me tomorrow, no matter what it takes.” I commanded, pointing at Rodrigo.

“Yes, boss,” he replied, and I was satisfied. I left the building immediately, forgetting the envelope in my office.

|||

“Mr. Diego, your father wants to see you in his office now,” one of the servants said immediately I entered the living room.

“Wait here for me; I'll be back,” I told Luis before storming off.

“What the hell dad!” I roared as I barged into his office.

“I am sure you have heard the information clearly. You need to be ready for tomorrow.” He spoke casually but his words only made me angrier.

“Is that all you have to say? Why did you arrange such a thing without my consent?” I was torn between anger and confusion. No matter what, I wasn't going to leave without a valid reason or answer.

“You need to see this as a peace treaty to stop bloodshed among us. Besides, you are old enough to get married.” That was all he could say. I felt so enraged at the thought of marrying the daughter of my rival.

“Couldn't you choose anyone other than the daughter of our rival?”I needed a more valid explanation.

“Son, you will marry her tomorrow, if not for anything else, then for my sake.” With that, he ended our conversation and left his office.

I am Diego Castillo, the most feared person in all mafia syndicates and here I am, being forced into something I didn't bargain for. I could never agree to this.

“Where are you going, Diego?” Luis asked, concern evident in his voice as I exited the office and headed for the living room door.

“You will not follow me,” I commanded, casting a quick glance at him. With that, I left for my car, wanting to drive alone. I sped beyond the driving limit, heading to an unknown destination. I didn't care.