The Hidden Queen

"Miss Aria, the contract. Sign it."My fiancé's personal assistant, Victoria, tossed the papers onto the vanity as I adjusted my gown.I'd picked this wedding dress myself. Victoria had been with me then, paying with the Castillo card.It felt odd, really. Grandpa had only said he'd found me a fiancé. I hadn't even met the man since we'd gotten engaged.If Grandpa hadn't vouched for him, saying the man was good and his family was well-off, I wouldn't be marrying him.I paused, then picked up the papers.The first page read: "Marriage Contract."Line after line of ridiculous clauses met my eyes. Two full pages. My fingers stopped at the last one."If the groom fathers a child, the bride must raise it, regardless of the mother."My blood hammered in my temples.The Castillo family, yes, they were a major power in New York. My status now was that of an adopted daughter from a second-rate family.I'd expected them to set rules for me, but not ones this outrageous.I looked up, catching my

Marcus's face paled.He clearly hadn't expected me to be this firm, and for a moment, he was unsure how to proceed.The guests were here, and the press had been tipped off. Canceling the wedding now would be a real slap in the face to the family."Mr. Marcus, if Miss Aria is set on this, why force her hand?""Someone of your standing deserves a better woman," she continued. "Perhaps… the daughter of the Saranto family, Miss Isabella."Saranto?I narrowed my eyes.The family that ran the show in European trade?"The Saranto family?" Hearing that, Marcus perked up, his interest piqued."That's right," Victoria smiled. "Miss Isabella is twenty-two, a graduate of Columbia Business School, fluent in five languages. More importantly, the Saranto family's trade network in Europe is precisely what the Castillo family needs right now."Marcus's eyes lit up.Watching this, I suddenly understood."Marrying into the Vincent family gets you nothing but a pretty doll," Victoria continued. "But marry

The Don's roar made the phone vibrate.I deliberately injected more distress into my voice. "Grandpa, I'm terrified. The man who took the fiancé you arranged is threatening to ruin me. He said that crossing the Salanto family means neither I nor the Vincent family will have a place in New York..."Before I could finish, Victoria lunged forward and snatched my phone."Enough!" she sneered at me. "Stop your act! Let me tell you, Mr. Antonio of the Salanto family is a major player in New York! The union of the Castillo and Salanto families, that's what you call a proper match! As for your Vincent family—"She let out a cold laugh. "You're just a second-rate family. You think you're worthy of Mr. Marcus inconveniencing himself? Besides, you're just some adopted kid. Who would dare cross two powerful families for you? I'm telling you, this wedding is still happening today, but the bride will be Miss Isabella, a far better match for the Castillo family!"Silence fell over the room.Everyone

Hearing that, Julian's face turned ashen, cold sweat beading on his forehead.He opened his mouth, but no sound came out.As the Don of a prominent New York mafia family, he'd seen his share of tough situations. But now, he was fumbling like a scared rookie.He knew who was backing me.Just as he was about to speak, I cut him off, my voice ice-cold:"Alright, Don Castillo, you don't need to say another word.""I've given you plenty of chances, and you heard Marcus just now. I can't just let this slide!"But then, Marcus, seeing his Don groveling like that, his face instantly darkened.He strode over to me, looking down his nose, his voice dripping with menace."I'll give you two choices right now." He held up two fingers. "One, get on your knees, crawl out, and I'll pretend this never happened. Two"He paused, a cruel smile curling his lips."Get carried out by my bodyguards. It won't be so dignified then."The bodyguards, hearing the cue, immediately closed in.Isabella, who'd been si

The moment I spoke, the room ignited.Everyone realized it wasn't a joke.Smack!A sharp slap rang out, connecting with Marcus's face.Julian, who had been unnervingly silent, turned pale, veins pulsing on his forehead."My son, do you have any clue what you've done?"Julian's voice was strained. "It took me three full years to get the Vanguard family to agree to this marriage alliance! Three years!""Do you know the price I paid for this?"Marcus clutched his face, stunned speechless."The Vanguard family, can you hear me?""In front of them, what are the Castillos? What are the Salentos?"He pointed a trembling finger at Marcus. "And you, you idiot, you've thrown away a golden opportunity!"His voice cracked with despair, tears finally spilling."Father." Marcus's voice was barely a whisper. "I truly didn't know her identity…""You didn't know?" Julian scoffed. "There's a lot you don't know!""Kneel!" he bellowed.Seeing Marcus obey, Julian turned to me, bowing deeply. "Miss Aria, on