Chapter 1: Forced marriage

WARNING SIGNS:

LANGUAGE THAT IS UNAMBIGUOUS

CURSING

VIOLENCE, GUN VIOLENCE

SELF-INFLICTED HARM

BLOOD, DECEASE, and GORE

VALENTINA’s POV

I gripped the razor-sharp blade firmly. I paid no attention to how deeply the blade sliced into the flesh of my palm. My crimson blood that spilled out and stained the floor beneath went unnoticed by me. I felt relieved. Experiencing physical pain in my body was a wonderful diversion from the mental anguish that plagued me.

Although I didn't have a history of self-injury, I was at a loss for what to do, and my knife was right there.

My father wished me to marry a man I didn't know.

He made me do it against my will. I had no other options.

I could run, sure. I had the option of hiding.

However, I will not.

This just confirmed that I've been a disappointment to him my entire life. I was simply a commodity, something he could trade at his whim. I did nothing to gain his approval since I knew I would never have it, and he never liked me in the least.

I am Valentina Moretti, the Italian mafia's Don. The poor man's only reason for giving it to me was that he was dying and had no male children. Even though he had sex every day, he didn't even have any illegitimate children.

He despised seeing me assume control of his mafia and make it my own, along with the authority. However, I never requested this kind of existence.

Regrettably, my childhood was spent in the care of nannies and maids, since I was an only kid. Father was busy and didn't like me.

The expression I've heard "Hai assassinato tua madre”(You murdered your mother) almost every day of my life. My lovely mother passed away giving birth. I never wanted to be born, and I had no intention of murdering her. Thus, there was my ruthless, horrible father, who had coerced my mother into marrying him.

She couldn't have been in love with him since I'm certain he forced her.

The maids frequently informed me of how attractive my mother was. What a lively character she was. And the way father gradually broke her. I'm sort of happy that she's not here; she got out of it, but I'm still here.

As a result, I was here, pondering how to get out. It was not doable. My life would be a lie if I fled. I was meant to be a Don. My veins were full of power. Not to mention that my father would pursue me and probably kill me while I was sleeping. Maybe I may murder the bastard. However, if someone discovered, damn, I'm in trouble.

He offered my hand at the age of twenty-four without even asking me. He would never have inquired. I didn't even consider getting married. Maybe twice or so during my early childhood. However, I always pictured myself getting married to a prince. Not in charge of the American mafia.

The American mafia was notorious for its reputation for manipulation and brutality.

They were so lethal that even I was amazed. I only knew the name of the mafia Don, but I didn't know much else. I was meant to marry Luca Delgado.

In mafias, the roles of women are quite traditional. To follow orders and perform service. To be laid-back doormats. For fuck's sake. Father is mistaken if he believes that marrying me to fucking Luca would mean me surrendering my mafia and bringing the mafias together, he is fucking mistaken!

I will also happily rip out Luca Delgado's heart and stuff it down his throat if he thinks I will obey and serve him. I won’t let anyone walk all over me.

As he put it, my father gave me up to join forces with the American mob. In order to maintain peace between our mafia and theirs. Nobody wanted a war. So, what should I do? Nothing more than a calculated decision.

"Vix!" I shouted. A beautiful fair-skinned woman came into my room a few moments later. I have a lot of guards, but Vix is my closest companion. She is a talented murderer and very bright. I primarily wanted a female bodyguard to help me bring down the mafia's oppressive patriarchal system.

"Vix, I need you to phone a maid to get my stuff ready for tomorrow," I said, my eyes fixed on my hand. As the wound in my palm continued to bleed, my fingertips were coated with dried blood. I didn't mind the pain. I've endured worse and come out alive.

She nodded and walked up to me, As she knelt next to me, she sighed. She softly took the knife out of my hand and held it in hers. She gave me a kind grin and said, "Let's get you cleaned up." She knew what transpired without asking.

She bandaged my hand softly and flawlessly, which I observed. I felt alone, chilly, and speechless. In an attempt to warm me from the inside out, I drank bourbon from a crystal glass, but to no avail.

The pain in my hand was nearly as bad as the headache I have now.

"Does your father still want you to marry?" Vix inquired as she sat on the edge of my bed with her legs crossed. She is aware that I have practically begged him to end this marriage and that he has simply ignored me, telling me to fuck off.

"Yes." I went to my balcony windows and gazed up at the night sky. A shooting star fell as the stars twinkled and sparkled. I wanted joy.

Despite my attempts, I've been unable to persuade my father. It's finished.