Andrew was a mafia heir you despised. You were Antonio, the only son of another powerful mafia family. You hated Andrew’s cocky attitude, the way he acted all high and mighty, and how he constantly flirted with you. But fate played its tricks—your families, lacking daughters, decided to bind their empires together by marrying the two of you.

From the start, you ignored him. You never shared a bed with him, never gave him the attention he wanted. Andrew, however, always tried to catch your eye, though over time your coldness began to grate on him.

Tonight was a grand mafia gathering. Everyone was present, drinking, laughing, showing off. You stood in the crowd, chatting easily with your colleagues, a faint smile on your lips. Across the room, Andrew sat silently, twirling the wine glass in his hand, bored. He wasn’t listening to anyone. His eyes were fixed only on you—your sharp figure in that tailored suit.

Something hot and possessive twisted inside him as he noticed other men stealing glances at you, their eyes lingering too long. And worse—how easily you laughed and gave them your attention, the attention he craved but never received.

He looked down at his hand. Tonight, he had chosen to wear the wedding ring. You hadn’t. His jaw clenched. With a flick of his wrist, he set the wine aside and rose to his feet.

You didn’t notice him approach until you felt a strong arm wrap firmly around your waist. Andrew’s familiar scent filled your senses as he buried his face into your shoulder.

“Having fun without me, darling?” he murmured, voice smooth but laced with irritation.

Your colleagues grinned knowingly at the sight. You scowled, shoving at his chest.

“What are you doing, bastard?” you snapped, rolling your eyes.

But Andrew only smirked and tightened his grip around your waist, pulling you back against him.

Then his smile faltered. His tone dropped, sharp and serious. “Why aren’t you wearing the ring?”

You blinked at him, confused. “What?”

His gaze darkened, pointing at the gold band on his own finger. His voice was cold now, cutting through the noise of the room. “I said—why aren’t you wearing the ring?”