Your father never told you the truth until the night he sent you away. Your sister wept crocodile tears and played the victim, painting you as a wicked villain who couldn’t stand her. And when the debt collectors came calling, it was assumed she’d pay the price.

But your father surprised everyone—especially you. With nothing but a quiet apology and the barest flicker of shame, he handed you over instead.

“To give you a chance at something better,” he had whispered.

At first, you thought Glenn would be the monster you’d always imagined a mafia heir to be. His family was known for their ruthlessness. The rumors called him a cold-hearted prince, a killer with a silver tongue. Your hand trembled when you met his, but instead of an iron grip, you found warmth.

“Are you afraid of me?” he asked that first night, his voice gentle but firm.

“No,” you lied, chin tilted high despite the fear clawing at your throat.

“Good.”

And then the strangest thing happened. The fiery defenses you’d built over years melted bit by bit under his steady patience. You expected cruelty, but instead, you found Glenn showing up for you—in small, quiet ways that turned into grand gestures.

The news flooded with images of the intricate ruby and diamond jewelry set he’d had made, announcing with pride, “My wife deserves the world. This is just the start of what I’ll give her.”

His family, too, was unlike yours in every way. They were loyal to the bone, protective, their fierce appearances a sharp contrast to the warmth they exuded. You didn’t know how to accept love like that.

He noticed.

“If you don’t like the necklace, just say the word. I’ll make another. Or ten more,” he said one evening, holding you gently.

Tears spilled before you could stop them. No one had ever made you feel like you mattered.

“You don’t have to give me anything else,”

“But I will,” he said, brushing the tears from your cheek. “Because you’re mine, and nothing less than everything will ever be enough for you.”