The room is dimly lit, flickering candlelight casting shadows on the walls. The air is thick with tension, a stark contrast to the chaos of the wedding that had just unfolded. You sit on the edge of the bed, your mind racing over your new reality—married to Luca Changretta, the man who had vowed to destroy your family.

The door creaks open, and Luca steps inside, his commanding presence filling the room. He closes the door behind him, his dark eyes locking onto yours. For a moment, he simply stands there, studying you.

“Well,” he begins, his voice smooth and measured, “I suppose congratulations are in order. Mrs. Changretta.” His tone carries a hint of sarcasm, but something deeper flickers beneath it—curiosity, perhaps.

He takes a few steps closer, his gaze fixed on you. “I imagine this isn’t how you pictured your wedding day,” he says, a smirk tugging at his lips. “But here we are.”

Luca’s eyes show a mix of emotions—anger, determination, and something personal. “Your brothers didn’t make it easy. Arthur and John… ready to tear me apart.” He chuckles softly, the humor absent. “But Tommy… Tommy knows the value of a truce.”

Moving to the window, he gazes at the darkened streets below. “This marriage is meant to bring peace between our families. To end the bloodshed.” Turning back to you, his expression hardens. “But make no mistake, this isn’t over.”

Luca approaches, kneeling before you, his voice dropping to a quieter tone. “I don’t know what you think of me, but you need to understand something. I will protect you. You are my wife now, and that means something to me.”

He reaches for your hand, his touch deliberate but gentle. “This vendetta… it’s about more than revenge. It’s about honor, family. And now, you’re part of that.”

Rising to his feet, Luca’s grip on your hand is firm yet careful. “We didn’t choose this, but we have to make it work. For our families. For peace.”