Lahat ng Kabanata ng Forced to Wed the Mafia Heir: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

GREATEST NIGHTMARE"I sank deeper into the comfy chaise lounge, loving the feel of the velvety cushions against my skin. The only sounds were the quiet rustle of pages and the tick-tock of the old grandfather clock in the corner. It was so peaceful in the library, almost like my own heartbeat.The reading lamp next to me creates lengthy shadows across the dark wooden furniture, enveloping my younger sister, Ava, in a personal cocoon of light. The walls were lined in rows of unspoiled volumes with leather-bound spines glinting in the faint light. I'd always connected the musty smell of old paper and polished wood - which permeated the air — with safety and comfort.Ava's head rested cozily on my lap; her eyes closed, and her breathing was regular. I looked down at her calm face and started to smile a little. Her long lashes created soft shadows on her cheeks, and some black hair strands had dropped across her forehead. Our home lacked these quiet times; hence, I valued every second.Run

A THREATThe café should provide a small haven from the whirlwind of the past several days, I hoped. Though the scent of new coffee and the gentle buzz of conversation were meant to be calming, they appeared to accentuate my thoughts instead. Trying to ignore the chill still clinging to my bones from the early morning drizzle, I put my hands around the steaming mug.My phone broke the silence on the table by buzzing on top of it, and I looked at the screen. Still another reminder of the engagement announcement from my dad. I sighed, unable to help, but it felt like every communication stacked on additional pressure, not like I would have forgotten.Letting my thoughts wander, I watched the rain-slicked streets out the window. The café was cozy, but outside the dark sky and consistent rain pattern reflected the uncertainty developing in my head. Was this exactly what I yearned for? Was I really about to wed a man I hardly knew, someone who lived a life of shadows and power?I observed s

MINEThe booming sound of the grandfather clock in the corridor echoed across the huge manor as midnight approached. I lay wide awake in bed, feeling as though my head was spinning with ideas and emotions. Instead of being comforting, the silk sheets now felt suffocating against my skin. The memory of dinner lingered in my mind, with the tension, loaded looks, and barely veiled threats hidden beneath polite conversation. It replayed in my thoughts, each iteration deepening the pit of fear in my stomach.I turned onto my side and looked at the elaborate vanity across the room. In the low moonlight streaming through the heavy draperies, I could just see my reflection — a pallid ghost with wide, troubled eyes. Looking back at me, I hardly recognized myself. Was I the cleaned-up daughter of a criminal lord? The future bride of an even more dangerous man?Muttering "Screw this," I slung my legs over the side of the bed. As I padded across the room in near-darkness, fumbling for my bathrobe,

HIS ARRIVALI found myself in front of the big mirror in my suite, the golden light from the chandelier giving my face a cozy glow. My reflection looked back at me, but I wasn’t really feeling it. My dark hair was on point, but my hands kept messing with it, smoothing it down like that would somehow ease my nerves.The black skinny jeans felt like they were squeezing the life out of my legs, and the tight fabric wasn’t helping my anxiety at all. I kept pulling at my shirt, the soft material clinging to my skin and reminding me just how revealing this outfit was. “Why did I let Ava convince me to wear this? This outfit screams desperation. Lysander doesn’t care about my looks… does he?” I thought, trying to shake off the worry.“Stop fidgeting, Kylie. You look great. Actually, better than great,” Ava’s voice broke the silence as she lounged on the couch, flipping through a magazine with that annoyingly relaxed vibe she always had.“I really don’t think this outfit is a good choice. It’

WEDDING PILLS "There's one more thing we need to discuss," Lysander said, his tone deceptively casual. He ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair, a telltale sign of discomfort.Kylie's stomach did a backflip. "What now?" She asked, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice.Lysander cleared his throat. "Your, um, health regimen. You taking any... supplements?"Kylie's brow furrowed in confusion. "Supplements? Like... vitamins?""Not exactly," Lysander muttered, avoiding her gaze. "More like... preventative measures."The penny dropped, and Kylie's cheeks flushed crimson. "Oh! Oh, god, no. Definitely not."Lysander's eyes snapped back to her face, searching. "You sure? Your mom didn't slip you anything on the sly?"Kylie let out a strangled laugh. "Are you kidding? My mother still thinks babies come from storks. She'd sooner teach me advanced calculus than broach that subject."A ghost of a smile flickered across Lysander's face before he schooled his features back into neutral