Emma After the engagement dinner, when the guests and his family members finally departed, I felt a momentary relief. Being introduced to his family had made me extremely nervous; marrying him weighed heavily on me. It was evident that they were involved in the worst criminal activities, and this reality was hard to ignore. With a sigh of relief, I kicked off the uncomfortable heels and walked to the balcony. The cool night breeze calmed my nerves as I gazed at the stars in the sky. The distant sounds of the city, mixed with the silence of the mansion, created a contrast that made me reflective. The mansion's view was breathtaking, but I knew that behind the beauty, there was a terrifying darkness. Sitting on the balcony, I began to reminisce about happy moments with my father and the life I used to have before being dragged into this dark world. I remembered how my father used to take me to the park and tell bedtime stories. I recalled the laughter, the smiles, the sunny days when

EmmaAs they fuss over my face and hair, I feel the mounting pressure on my shoulders. The days have passed in a blur, and I begin to wonder if I'm capable of going through with this marriage and what it will mean for my future. Every time I look in the mirror, I see a reflection I don't recognize. A bride who doesn't fit in this dark world but is about to marry one of the most dangerous men I've ever seen.Yet, there's no viable alternative. My father depends on it, and in a way, so do I. If I don't fulfill my part of the agreement, his fate will be sealed, and I won't escape unscathed either.Lying on the bed, I remembered him walking into my room and catching me off guard; I had forgotten to close the door, his eyes fixed on my body, and shame overwhelmed me entirely.Andrew DeLuca, the Don, decided to send a complete team of beauty professionals to ensure I have an appropriate "bridal day." A makeup artist, a hairstylist, a pedicurist, and a manicurist, they're all here to transfo

EmmaWe arrived at our honeymoon on a remote island, and the scenery before us was spectacular. It was hard to believe we were on a secret mission to keep up appearances in a fake marriage. The island was a tropical paradise with white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation. However, I was far from feeling in paradise.I wanted to let go of everything and relax, but it was impossible. I kept reminding myself of the reason I was there.Andrew and I disembarked from the private jet and were greeted by a man who seemed to be waiting for us. He took us to a luxurious beachfront villa, which would be our "love nest" for the next few days.I was nervous, and Andrew's mere presence made me even more uncomfortable. It was as if we were playing a dangerous game, and I didn't know the rules, but I knew I was at a disadvantage.Andrew remained reserved during the journey to the villa, and I felt like a prisoner in a golden paradise. He made it clear that there was a reason for

Andrew DeLucaOn that morning, after waking up, something different hung in the air. I could feel Emma's presence, her eyes on me while I slept. This wasn't something I was accustomed to; women had always been fleeting in my life, never eliciting anything more than passing interest. But with Emma, something was different. She was nice, too.After getting up and getting dressed, I observed Emma. She was sitting in the living room, gazing out at the sea, looking somewhat distracted. Her eyes lifted to meet mine, and there was a moment of tense silence."Emma," I began, "last night... were you watching me while I slept?" I arched an eyebrow.She blushed slightly, clearly caught off guard by my direct question. "I... I couldn't sleep, I wasn't watching you. I was worried about what happened at the restaurant."I approached her, my eyes fixed on hers. "I saw you, Emma. And somehow, I'm very observant too."She looked away, appearing

Andrew DeLucaThe pain throbbed in my body as I tried to keep my mind clear. That night had been a nightmare, a bitter reminder of how my world could unravel in seconds.Flashback:It all started when I headed to the nightclub. It was something I did quite frequently, a temporary escape from the responsibilities and dangers of my world. That night, I chose the company of a woman I had been with a few times before. It wasn't anything serious, just a physical connection that helped me forget, at least temporarily, the woman who had ensnared me in her web."Lorenzo, come with me, buddy," I insisted that my consigliere join me at the club."I'm good, DeLuca," he replied, and I immediately grew suspicious.The Lorenzo I knew would never turn down a night at the club, no doubt about it. He must have been meeting some girl."You're in love, aren't you?" I grinned."No, I just don't want to go. Have fun. But what about you