Chapter 1

"It is just a business deal. If my father did not want the Vitiello family's power, I would never marry her."

Julian’s suppressed complaints echoed clearly from behind the heavy velvet curtains of the balcony.

I held my champagne, tapping the glass lightly with my fingertips, completely unfazed.

As the sole heir to the Vitiello family, I knew full well this marriage was nothing more than an exchange of turf.

Whether Julian Simpson loved me or not was not even on my radar.

"Is that so? Seems like you really dislike your wife," a deep, magnetic, and dangerously smooth voice chimed in.

It was Cassian Russo.

Half an hour ago, Julian had brought this young Don of the Russo family over to introduce us.

When Cassian shook my hand, his thumb subtly stroked my skin, and his dark, burning gaze lingered on me just a second too long.

I was a little confused. As far as I knew, this was our first time meeting.

Before I could figure out what that look meant, the atmosphere on the balcony shifted drastically.

A frantic phone vibration pierced the air, followed by Julian’s panicked, cracking voice.

"Damn it! How could this happen... impossible!" Julian sounded frantic. "Cassian, Chloe got snatched by a rival crew!"

"Chloe?" Cassian’s voice did not even ripple.

"My girl! She is pregnant with my kid, barely two months along!" Julian was practically having a breakdown, tearing at his hair. "I have to go save her, but the wedding is about to start... my father will kill me!"

Dead silence fell over the balcony.

I took a sip of champagne, waiting to see what Julian would do next.

A moment later, Cassian spoke up. He sounded incredibly sincere, even showing a hint of brotherly sympathy. "If the marriage falls through, the Simpson family might still survive. But if a woman carrying your flesh and blood dies, Julian, you will live in guilt for the rest of your life."

Those words perfectly struck Julian’s weak nerve.

"But I cannot just ditch the wedding! The guests are all out there; the Vitiellos will tear me apart!" Julian rambled.

"You only have one life. A ceremony can be redone," Cassian said softly, like a siren luring a sailor, pushing him step by step. "If it were me, I would never let my woman and child get hurt."

"You are right... I have to go!" Julian panted heavily, suddenly grabbing onto a lifeline. "Cassian, you have to help me! We are about the same size. Put on a mask, walk down the aisle for me, and buy me two hours! Once I get Chloe, I will rush right back!"

The proposal was so absurd it was almost funny.

Having someone else stand in for your own wedding? Julian’s stupidity truly reached new heights.

Just as I was about to step out and confront Julian, Cassian spoke.

He let out a very light sigh, sounding incredibly torn and forced. "Julian, this is a betrayal to the Vitiello family. If we get caught, the fallout will be disastrous."

"Please, man! I will owe you my life!" Julian begged.

"...Fine." Cassian sounded completely helpless. "Take my car keys, use the secret passage in the back garden, and do not let anyone see you. I will handle things here."

"Thank you! Brother, I will make this up to you!"

"Wait... hold on."

Cassian stopped him.

Julian stiffened and looked back. "What is wrong, you are not backing out, are you?"

Cassian pointed at his suit. "Take off the tux, or you will not make it out."

Julian froze for a second, then stripped off his jacket without a second thought and shoved it into Cassian’s hands.

Frantic footsteps faded into the distance.

Standing behind the curtain, a mocking smirk tugged at my lips.

But compared to my runaway loser of a groom, I was suddenly a lot more interested in someone else.

Cassian Russo, the most powerful mafia Don in New York... why would he agree to such a ridiculous favor?

I did not buy for a second that he was just being a good guy.

What was his endgame?