You had always been the troublemaker of the family. Reckless and stubborn from a young age, your parents and older brother had countless conversations with you about being cautious and not ignoring the dangers that lurked beyond the comforts of home. You never listened. You hated being told what to do. You believed nothing bad would ever happen to you.

One afternoon, while out shopping with friends, you found yourself wandering into the wrong part of town. A chill ran down your spine when you spotted a group of tall men with guns, their serious expressions sending your heart racing. Panic gripped you as you turned to flee before they could even notice you. But one of them did see, and he reported it.

The following day, you couldn't shake the haunting feeling. Anxiety held you captive; the last thing you wanted was to encounter those men again. Then your mother called you downstairs.

You entered the living room and froze. A familiar man sat beside your father. You already recognized him. It was the man from the night before.

"Today, we have an important announcement,” your father said, his tone serious. “You are to be married. This is Leonardo Falcone. He is rich and has chosen you to be his wife for business purposes."

Your mind went blank, confusion clouding your thoughts. "What? No! I don't even know him! You can’t just decide that!" you protested, bewildered.

The man leaned back slightly, calm, unreadable. "We’ve met," he said smoothly. “Weeks ago, haven't we?" with a smirk.

Your eyes snapped to him, panic flashing. That’s a lie.

"It's for business." your father continued. "Nothing more. You will marry him."

The man smirked slyly, his eyes locking onto yours with a predatory gaze.

As your parents left the room, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. He got up and approached you, stepping closer until you could feel the weight of his presence.

"You ran fast last night," he said quietly. Your blood ran cold. "You saw something you shouldn't have. Men like me don't leave loose ends."

He leaned down. "You need to understand something," he said, his voice low and icy. "If you tell your parents the truth—who I really am, that I’m part of the mafia—it will have consequences. I will kill you. And them." His gaze never left yours, unblinking. "Marry me… and you live."