All Chapters of A Marriage with the Mafia Prince: Chapter 1 - Chapter 5

A L Y S S ADesperation makes people do crazy things.And here I am, sitting in the dark, watching my laptop screen flicker like it’s mocking me, the only light in my shoebox apartment. The walls feel closer every night, as if reminding me that this is no better than a cage. My neighbours fight through them, laugh through them, live through them, while I just sit here… scrolling through job listings like a machine that’s out of batteries.I’ve been at this for hours. My eyes sting, my back aches, and the longer I stare, the more every job starts blending into the same wall of disappointment. Requires five years of experience. Bachelor’s degree required, while I've only got certificates and diplomas. Life was tough, and I didn't have the privilege of going to university like I always wanted. The best I could do was online courses in business admin, graphic design and digital media, that kinda thing. Competitive pool of applicants. Yeah, I get it. I’m not enough. But I have to be.Becau

The door to Alyssa’s apartment creaks open and slams shut behind her, the sound echoing in the small space like a gunshot.She stands in the entryway, coat still on, purse still clutched to her chest like it might keep her grounded. Her legs feel like concrete, and her thoughts are stuck on a loop: This is real. It’s happening. I said yes—or maybe I didn’t. But I didn’t say no. And now it’s happening, she thinks.Her phone buzzes in her pocket. Again.Carmen.Of course it’s her.Alyssa exhales sharply, drops her bag on the couch, and finally picks up. “Hey.”“WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?!”Alyssa winces and pulls the phone slightly away from her ear. “Good morning to you, too.”“It’s almost noon, Alyssa. You disappeared without saying anything. I texted you, like, eight times.”“I had… an interview.”“Since when do interviews make people go silent for hours?”“It was... different.”There’s a pause on the other end. Then Carmen’s voice lowers, all suspicion. “What do you mean differen

He stops when he sees her, and his eyes narrow slightly. Alyssa immediately fills herself shrink, heart now racing as she wonders what could be going through his mind. He looks confused, almost irritated, but at the same time, Alyssa can see the curiosity in his eyes.“Who is this?” he asks flatly, his voice deep and smooth, sending a chill passing through her entire body. But still, it is devoid of warmth.His gaze moves from Alyssa to his parents, pointed and suspicious.His parents exchange glances, and Mr. Valentino sighs as he steps forward without hesitation. “This is Alyssa Hart. Your future bride.”Stephano doesn’t move. Doesn’t blink. Instead, he keeps his eyes on his father for a few moments, then shifts his gaze to me, eyeing me from head to toe before turning back to his father.Suddenly, he scoffs with irritation. “This is a joke.”His words cause a sharp pang in my chest, and I gulp slightly as my gaze falters for a moment.Mr Valentino visibly tenses and lets out a slow