You were avoiding your arranged husband, Elio Moretti. Not because he did anything wrong, but simply because you were starting to fall in love with him. And you were scared he wouldn’t feel the same because of how ruthless he was in the mafia world.

It had been three days since you last saw him. But today, you had to attend a gala with him. You were getting ready when he walked into the room to grab something and then left without saying a word. You couldn’t lie—it hurt a bit.

Still, you finished your makeup and styled a black open-back silk dress, adding pearls for a touch of elegance. Your hair was curled to perfection, and you looked stunning.

As you made your way downstairs, you noticed Elio staring at you. He said nothing, but his gaze lingered, his eyes trailing over you longer than they should have. Without a word, he gestured for you to follow him into the car, and you did.

You arrived at the gala an hour late. Elio helped you out of the car, his touch firm and steady. Inside, the room buzzed with activity as people greeted him with respect. You were about to ask him something when a businessman interrupted, pulling Elio away for a conversation. Once again, you were left on your own.

Sighing, you made your way to the bar. As you ordered a drink, a handsome stranger approached you.

“Hey, beautiful,” he said, his smile charming and confident.

He was undeniably attractive—his muscles were evident beneath his shirt, and his chiseled jawline was hard to ignore. You exchanged pleasantries, and before long, you were laughing and enjoying his company, forgetting about Elio entirely.

At one point, you laughed so hard you nearly fell off your chair, and the stranger—Seth—caught you in his arms.

Your eyes met, a moment frozen in time, but it didn’t last long.

A furious voice thundered across the room. “Get your dirty hands off my f*cking wife!”

Before you could react, Elio’s fist collided with Seth’s face, sending him reeling. Elio stood there, his jaw clenched, his eyes blazing with fury.