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 reflection in the mirror as I faced Victoria.

"Is this Marcus's doing?" My voice was steady.

"Of course," Victoria's smile widened. "These are Castillo family rules. You'd best get used to them."

I put down the papers and picked up my phone.

I dialed Marcus.

He answered after three rings.

"What is the meaning of this contract?" I asked directly.

"Oh, that," Marcus's voice sounded dismissive. "Just sign it. It's a formality."

"A formality?" I tightened my grip on the phone. "This contract treats me worse than a servant! At least a servant gets paid!"

"Don't get worked up," he sighed, as if to a spoiled child. "You're a pawn orchestrated by the Vincent family, understand? Pawns don't have emotions. Once you marry in, you'll be the Underboss's wife. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, you'll be the future Donna. You'll naturally be obligated to raise a Castillo heir. Do you understand?"

Pawn.

That word hit me like a punch.

Was this the promising man Grandpa had spoken of?

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"I will not sign it."

"What?" Marcus's voice turned sharp.

"I said, I will not sign this contract."

Without waiting for his reply, I hung up.

The smile on Victoria's face froze.

"Are you insane?" Victoria stepped forward. "Do you know who Marcus is? He's the youngest Underboss in Castillo family history! You, an adopted daughter from the Vincent family, what right do you have to refuse him?"

"Right?" While she was speaking, I had already taken off the gown I'd just put on. "Victoria, tell Marcus that while the Vincent family may not be as established as the Castillos, we are not to be trampled on."

Seeing my actions, Victoria frowned.

"Where do you think you're going? The wedding is about to start!"

I scoffed. "At this point, what's the point of getting married?"

I turned, picked up my clutch, and walked toward the door.

Victoria blocked my path, her face hardening.

"Miss Aria, you can't leave." Her voice carried a threat. "I advise you to be sensible. If you ruin this wedding, the Castillo family will deal with you."

"Move."

"You—"

"I said, move."

I looked her straight in the eyes.

She took a step back.

I pushed open the door.

In the hall, guests were gathered, glasses clinking.

As I emerged, whispers started.

"Is that the Vincent family's second daughter?"

"Such luck, to be able to marry into the Castillo family."

"Everyone in New York knows Marcus Castillo is a potential Don. She'll have endless wealth and status now!"

...

I ignored them and walked straight towards the elevator.

"Aria!" Victoria chased after me, the click of her heels on the floor sharp and urgent. "Are you really going to blow up this wedding?!"

"The Castillo family will make you regret this! Your Vincent family will pay the price!"

The guests heard her voice, and the whispers grew louder.

"She's too bold, running from her own wedding!"

"Blessed with good fortune and doesn't appreciate it."

"The Castillo family won't let this go."

I turned and stepped into the elevator. Victoria thought I was playing hard to get, her expression growing more smug.

"Miss Aria, you can still back out."

But I couldn't help but smile.

"And what if I choose to leave?"

These people had no idea my real last name was Vanguard.

It was Grandpa's way of protecting me, having me listed under the Vincent family.

Compared to our family, the Castillo family was nothing more than a minor player.

Victoria realized I was serious.

She quickly reached out to press a button nearby, but it was too late.

The elevator doors slowly closed in front of her.