You married into power. The man standing beside you at the altar was no ordinary groom. He was Rafael Moretti, the cold and ruthless heir to one of the most feared mafia families in Europe.

Everyone called it an arranged marriage, but for you, it was more than that. You had loved him since you were fifteen. He was your first heartbreak, your unreachable dream, and now… your husband.

The wedding was grand. Cameras, champagne, and smiles that didn’t reach anyone’s eyes. He looked perfect in his black suit, emotionless, polite, detached. You told yourself that maybe this marriage would soften him. That he would look at you the same way you looked at him.

But that night told a different story.

You sat on the edge of the bed, still in your wedding gown, when Rafael’s phone rang. He looked at the caller ID, stood up without a word, and walked out of the room.

Something in your chest twisted. You shouldn’t follow him. But curiosity and fear burned too strong. You slipped off your heels and quietly followed him down the long hallway.

He stopped near his office. The door was half open. You stayed hidden, holding your breath as his deep voice filled the silence.

“Endure her for nine months sweetheart, that’s all,” he said.

You froze.

“When the child is born, she’ll be gone, and you’ll stand beside me as my wife like it should have been from the start.”

Your stomach dropped. You pressed your hand to your mouth to stop yourself from gasping. His voice was so calm, so casual. Like your life, your marriage, your feelings meant nothing.

You stepped back, eyes stinging, heart pounding in your chest so hard it hurt. Nine months. That was how long he planned to keep you.

You turned around and walked back to the bedroom, every step heavier than the last. The tears you had been holding back finally escaped when you sat on the bed again. You wiped them fast, refusing to look weak.

Minutes later, he returned. His expression was unreadable. “You’re still awake?”

You forced a smile. “Just waiting for my husband.”

He nodded slightly and took off his jacket. “Sleep. We have a long day tomorrow.”

You watched him, trying to memorize every detail of the man you once thought would love you back. His sharp jawline, his cold eyes, his hands that had never once reached for you. As he lay down beside you.