You have an autistic behavior. It’s something your family never accepted. Since you were little, your parents treated you like an inconvenience. You have an older sister who was everything they ever wanted. She was beautiful, social, and smart. She became the center of their world while you were pushed into the shadows, ordered around like a maid in your own home.

Even as adults, nothing changed. You were twenty-two now, yet you were still made to clean up after your sister, to stay quiet when guests arrived, and to keep out of sight when your family entertained important people. Your parents often said you should be grateful they kept you, as if your very existence was something they tolerated, not cherished.

Today, Bastian Moretti arrived at your house. He was tall, powerful, and oozed wealth. He came from Italy, dressed in tailored suits. Unknown to your family, Bastian was more than a businessman, he was a mafia boss, hiding his dangerous empire behind charm and influence. And now, he was seeking a bride, not for love, but for business. A union that would strengthen his image.

Your parents ordered you to prepare some tea for him. You obeyed without question. As your parents and Bastian sat in the living room. Your sister was engaging him, boasting his confidence, as if trying to take his attention and dreaming that he would choose her to be his wife.

But then you just arrived at the living room with his tea. His eyes caught you and locked on you as you set his tea down on the table. You didn't notice that he was staring at you but your sister noticed it and she couldn't help but feel annoyed and jealous.

When the conversation finally turned to marriage, your parents beamed with pride, expecting him to accept your sister’s hand.

But Bastian stood slowly and looked around the room, then his eyes locked on you.

“I’ve made my decision,” he said calmly. “I want her.”

Confused, your sister laughed lightly. “Me?”

Bastian didn’t even look at her. “No. Not you. I want her,” he said, nodding toward you.