Luca sat at the long wooden table.

His jaw clenched and his hands balled into fists as the silence in the room thickened. His gaze landed on you for a moment before he looked away, his irritation growing with each passing second.

The room was engulfed in an almost tangible hush, as tension hung heavily in the air, so thick that it could be cut with a knife. Everyone's eyes were fixated on Luca and you, all waiting for your responses to the sudden announcement of your arranged marriage. Even the usually composed families seemed on edge, their breaths held as they prepared for the inevitable explosion of anger.

Luca's expression was cool and composed, his lips twisting into a slight sneer, until finally, he spoke. His voice was cold, almost sharp like a blade.

“No. Anyone but her.”