Chapter 4 - Meeting the Devil

---

Chapter 4

~ Elena’s POV~

I sat near the window, staring aimlessly at the sky painted in pink and blue hues. Birds soared freely, their wings gliding against the soft breeze. If only I could be free like them.

The door to my room burst open with a loud bang. My stepmother strutted in, arrogance dripping from every click of her heels. The maids followed behind her like obedient shadows. She was beautiful brown hair, striking blue eyes but behind that face was a heart as black as coal. God, how I loathe her.

“Stand up,” she ordered, a scowl twisting her features. I obeyed, confusion tugging at my brow

“Go take a shower,” she said sharply. “But I already—”

“Did I ask for your opinion?” she snapped, rolling her eyes. Without sparing me another glance, she barked orders at the maids. Before I could resist, they dragged me into the bathroom. After another bath, I emerged to find a dress laid neatly on my bed.

“You’re meeting your soon-to-be husband,” my stepmother announced, venom lacing her words. “At least look presentable. We wouldn’t want that ugly face of yours to scare him off.” My eyes widened in shock , I was meeting the devil.

The maids dressed me in a strapless white floral gown. My long dark hair was pulled into a high ponytail, a few strands framing my face. Handling a pair of black flats to complete the look. When they were done, my stepmother stood back, her blue eyes glinting with pure hatred.

“A maid will come for you later,” she said, voice dripping with mock authority. “Do not say a word. You know what your father will do if you mess this up.” She slammed the door behind her. I clenched my fists, swallowing the urge to scream. Dragging myself toward the mirror, I sighed. The reflection staring back at me wasn’t mine it was my mother’s. The same brown eyes. The same long dark hair. The same rosy lips. A tear slipped down my cheek. I wiped it away quickly, refusing to crumble.

One thought haunted me soon, I would face the devil in person. Just the thought sent shivers racing down my spine. A soft knock broke through my fear. When I opened the door, Jane, the head maid, stood there. She had always been like a mother figure to me. Her eyes softened with pity as she patted my shoulder.

“Everything’s going to be okay,” she whispered. I forced a smile, though inside I was breaking. Together, we descended the stairs. My heartbeat quickened with every step. My palms grew clammy. What if he’s one of those monstrous men with scary face and tattoos covering every inch of their skin? What if…

My thoughts froze as polished brown leather shoes entered my vision. slowly, I lifted my gaze, my breath catching in my throat.

He was tall at least six feet compared to my short height his tailored Armani suit molding perfectly to his chiseled body. Sharp jawline, thick brows, long lashes framing cold Gray eyes that pierced straight through me. His lips , soft and pink, looked as though they were sculpted by an artist. He was the embodiment of a Greek god powerful, magnetic, terrifying. But it was his eyes that rooted me in place. Cold gray orbs, sharp as steel, yet carrying shadows I couldn’t decipher. They held secrets… dangerous ones. His expression was unreadable, like a storm brewing behind calm waters.

Stop staring, Elena. He's the devil.

His gray eyes locked onto me with a predator’s focus. For a fleeting second, the corner of his lips twitched not quite a smirk, not quite a disdain just enough to unsettle me. My breath hitched, my chest tightening under the weight of that gaze. I tore my eyes away, forcing myself to look at the door, but the chill lingered as though he has branded me with it . Two towering men in black suits and sunglasses stood behind him ,his bodyguards, no doubt.

The silence in the room was deafening until my father cleared his throat.

“Mr. Romano,” he said, extending his hands

Adriano Romano’s gaze lingered on the hand for a moment before he shook it, slow and deliberate. My stepmother bowed slightly, smiling as if she hadn’t just spat venom at me upstairs.

“I’m Natasha,” she said sweetly . “This way, Mr. Romano.” My father gestured to a seat. Adriano sat with effortless authority, while I slipped into a chair as far away as possible.

“So, Mr. Romano,” my father began, his tone falsely confident. “As we agreed, I’m prepared to finalize the arrangement.” Adriano leaned back, his cold eyes sweeping around the room before settling on me. His voice, deep and commanding, carried a weight that silenced everyone.

“You know what I want,” he said. “Your shipping company controls the largest weapons import in this region. With it, my empire will expand beyond borders.”

My father chuckled lightly. “And in exchange, you gain not only the contracts, but my daughter’s hand. A marriage between our families ensures loyalty… and your legitimacy as the Don. It protects your people’s future.”

The air grew heavier. One of Adriano’s guards stepped forward, handing my father a document. a contract. My father signed with trembling eagerness, handing it back with a triumphant smile. Just like that, my fate was sealed.

I fought back tears, keeping my gaze fixed on the floor. When I finally looked up, Adriano’s eyes were already on me, sharp and unyielding. It felt less like a look and more like a claim. He stood. My father and stepmother scrambled to their feet, showering him with farewells. Adriano gave a slight nod, turned, and walked out, his men following close behind.

I stared after him, devastated. My life was no longer mine it belonged to the devil who had just sealed my future with a single signature.

What I didn't know was that Adriano Romano wasn't here for married alone.... he was here for vengeance.

---