Chapter two

Violet

I walked into my father’s office, unsure of what he wanted to discuss. But judging from the sudden heaviness in my mother’s mood, I already had a sinking feeling it wouldn’t be good news. Deep down, I feared it might be the very thing I dread for years.

I sat across from him, watching in silence as he wrapped up his work. He glanced at me and gestured toward the chair, then dropped the grenade.

“Your future husband reached out today,” he said calmly. “He’s ready. He wants the wedding to happen in two weeks. You’ve been groomed for this your whole life, and honestly, we expected it would come sooner. But he said he wanted you to bloom into a full woman first.”

He paused, studying my reaction.

Yes, I’ve always known this was coming promised to a man I’ve never met. I didn’t know his name or his family, just that I was to save myself for him. To wait. To put my life on hold until he decided I was ready.

So I didn’t go to college when my friends did. I wasn’t allowed to move out. My job was handpicked for me. My friendships? Monitored and minimized. I wasn’t allow to socialize at all, because any exposure to the real world might interfere with the life they planned for me.

My dad seemed surprised that I didn’t react. He continued, “Please, do well to represent this family with dignity. We've built a reputation over the years, and that’s why the Rossis consider us worthy of marrying into. I want you to behave yourself, and remember your husband is your head. Whatever he says is right.”

The Rossis one of the wealthiest families in the world, feared, ruthless, rumored to be tied to the mafia. And somehow, my father had managed to form a relationship strong enough to offer me his first daughter as a gift to seal their alliance.

I’ve always been grateful to the Adams family for adopting me when I was just two. They gave me everything, the best schools, a beautiful home, a loving family. But being forced to marry a family who probably enjoys violence more than food, that was the moment I knew I was truly doomed.

I went straight to my room and locked the doorI just needed to be alone. My life has been planned from the very beginning no freedom, only duty. Now, I’m expected to spend the rest of my life trapped in a role I didn’t choose. A wife, a mother, that’s all I’ll ever be.

When I scroll through social media I see my friends, the one that have graduated, thriving, building lives they chose for themselves. My life has been on pause because my husband to be was “busy.” And now that he’s ready, I’m expected to step into place and play my part.

I wish I had my sister’s fire,her courage to speak up, to fight back. But she’s not the adopted one. She doesn’t carry the weight of gratitude like I do. I owe everything I am to the This family. And freedom, it seems, is the price of my loyalty.

I didn’t step out of my room until the next morning.I tried heading outside, desperate for air, but the housekeeper blocked my way.

“You’re not allowed to leave Vee, ,” she said sympathetically,

I look at her, ready to challenge her, but she cut me off. “Take it up with your mother.”

Not long after, Mom came downstairs.

“Good morning, Mom,” I said, barely keeping my voice steady. “Can someone explain to me why the hell I’m not allowed to leave the house?”

“Language, Violet. Watch it,” she said, then motioned to the living room. “Come sit. We need to talk.”

I sat down beside her, my hands clenched.

“I know you’re angry, Vee,” she began softly. “But we’re doing what’s best for you. Marrying into that family will secure your future and give you protection we can’t provide.”

I cut her off, my voice sharp. “Why the hell do I need a man to secure my future? I could go to college, build something for myself. We’re not poor. And protection? From what? We don’t even have enemies!”

Mom exhaled slowly. “The world is cruel, Violet. You think we’ve been safe all these years by chance? The Rossis have been protecting this family for decades. This alliance was arranged long before you came into our lives. It is important to stay in everyone’s good graces, including the extended family. Most importantly, even if your husband is not going to love you or never will, make sure he respects you and supports you, Try to survive, that’s all I ask.”

I stared at her, stunned. “Wait… Are you saying my husband might never love me? And his family might not even like me?”

My voice dropped into a whisper.

“In our world, love is a fantasy than reality,” she said. “But respect? That matters. Make sure he respects and supports you. You will learn to grow a tough skin with time, Just remember never cry in front of anyone but your husband. Only he should ever see your vulnerable side.”

All I could manage was a quiet, “Okay, Mom.”

But inside, I feel empty.

I stood to go outside, needing space.

“Oh, she called after me, “you won’t be allowed to leave the compound until your wedding day. You can go outside, but not beyond the gates.”

I turn to her, eyes wide with disbelief. “Are you serious?”

“That was your husband’s instruction,” she said. “Your father agreed. His guards are surrounding the property already. It’s for your safety.”

I walked out.