Chapter 3

We quickly put the unpleasant encounter with Murray and Craig behind us once Harper and I started shopping.

The twins we were engaged to were from the Luciano family.

The elder brother, Leopold Luciano, was calm and dependable, while the younger, Dylan Luciano, was gentle and kind.

Although they would not be returning from overseas until the next day, our frequent online chats had sparked Leopold’s interest in me. I, too, was very pleased with someone as handsome and outstanding as him.

Harper felt the same way about Dylan, who clearly liked her.

We both carefully picked out gifts for Leopold and Dylan. Both of us looked forward to our first meeting the next day.

The following morning, Harper and I were fully dressed and were holding our gifts, just about to head out, when the doorbell rang.

The moment the housekeeper opened the door, Murray and Craig barged in.

They were stunned when they saw that Harper and I were all dressed up.

“How did you two know about the important banquet tonight?”

Before we could answer, the observant Murray noticed my exquisitely wrapped gift.

His initial confusion instantly turned into smug satisfaction.

“You actually bought me a gift? Let me see it.”

Afraid he might snatch it, I immediately hid the gift behind my back.

“It’s not for you.”

Craig, standing nearby, also spotted Harper’s neatly wrapped present and said, “Laurel, if your gift isn’t for my brother, who else could it possibly be for?”

He then turned to Harper.

“And you? What did you get for me?”

This was beyond ridiculous.

Seeing us silent and clutching the gifts tightly behind our backs, Murray and Craig sneered in contempt. They sprawled casually on the couch, acting as if the house belonged to them.

“Alright, forget about the gifts. We get that you two are being difficult. We know you’re into us and can’t live without us.

“As long as you stop giving Lulu a hard time and quit throwing fits about her, we won’t treat you badly either. Life will be easier for both of you from now on.”

‘Treat us badly?’ I thought and smiled in disdain.

My family was New Yark’s most prominent arms dealer, deeply entwined with multiple mafia syndicates.

If Harper and I had not clung stubbornly to them since childhood, our parents would not have spared these two mere capos a second glance.

Murray failed to notice my cold, disdainful smile. He looked at me condescendingly and in displeasure.

“Where’s that diamond bracelet I gave you? Put it on!

“The Don’s twin sons are back in the country. There’s a family dinner tonight at the top estate. Wear it, and don’t make me look bad.”

Craig looked at Harper and added, “My brother’s right. This dinner is a formal event. Only the most trusted capos are invited. The fact that I’m willing to take you along means I’m acknowledging your status. Consider it a sign of respect.”

Murray was worried we might cause trouble, so he gave us detailed instructions.

“The Don’s family values tradition and respect above all. Mind your manners. Don’t bring up anything inappropriate, and that includes Lulu.

“Speaking of Lulu, she couldn’t attend due to… formalities. She was so upset that she stayed home crying. She spent all of yesterday crying because of you two. After this is over, you’ll be coming back with us to apologize to her.

“And remember, until the wedding is official, Craig and I can still call this off at any time!”

After Murray was done, he and Craig walked to the limousine that was waiting at the entrance.

Harper and I exchanged a glance and shrugged helplessly.

It did not matter. After tonight, they would finally learn exactly who we were engaged to.

When we entered the estate’s banquet hall, the Luciano family had not yet arrived. Only their name cards occupied the empty seats.

Harper and I deliberately avoided the seats near Murray and Craig. Instead, we took our places beside the seats reserved for Leopold and Dylan.

Murray and Craig, who had just returned from greeting the other bosses, saw us seated and frowned. They stood up and walked over to us.

“You two are getting more willful by the day! We already assigned your seats. Stop causing a scene!

“Those seats are meant for the Don’s eldest son and his fiancee! Don’t embarrass me! Get up now! Our seats are at the other end of the table!

“Laurel! Did you forget everything I said to you before we left?”

Craig grabbed Harper’s hand and forcibly pulled her up.

“You have no manners at all! If you offend the Don’s family, you’ll be dragging us down with you!

“Those seats are reserved for their fiancees, not for you two!”

At that moment, two tall figures appeared at the banquet hall entrance.

Leopold and Dylan walked in unhurriedly. They were dressed in elegant suits and looked as handsome and refined as two princes.