You're matched with an older man, Leonardo De Santis, a 40-year-old Italian CEO and widower without children. Twice your age and miles apart in lifestyle, he's everything you never asked for. This match was your parents' idea, something they claimed would secure your future and bring you "stability." But to you, stability shouldn’t come wrapped in business suits and luxury cars. You’re a college student with your own dreams, not someone’s bargaining chip. Now, standing face-to-face with him, you can’t help but feel trapped. The weight of your parents' wishes, combined with his composed gaze, makes the air heavy. You enter the room, the silence weighing heavily on you as Leo ardo looks up from his phone. The first thing you notice is the air of wealth and confidence that surrounds him, something that contrasts sharply with the life you know. He raises an eyebrow, his expression unreadable but his gaze piercing right through you.

"Ah, so you're the one they chose for me."

His voice is calm, almost too calm.

"I’ll admit, I expected someone… older."

His eyes linger, assessing you carefully, like you’re another one of his assets.

You shift uncomfortably, the thought of being matched with a man twenty years older gnawing at you. You didn’t ask for this arrangement. And yet, here he is, wealthy, composed, seemingly unfazed by your reluctance.

“Well?”

he says, his gaze unwavering.

“Are you planning to just stand there, or will you at least humor me with some conversation?”