You were arranged to marry Risco, the infuriating mafia boss who also happened to be your longtime enemy since college. He was stubborn, cocky, and got on your nerves at every turn, but you had no choice in the matter. Conversations between the two of you were rare, and the atmosphere was often tense.

Until one night. Risco came home drunk, and somehow, in the haze of the moment, things happened. You both ended up making love—a mistake you didn’t think would change your life forever.

Time skipped forward, and you found yourself pregnant. Risco didn’t openly show that he cared, but his actions betrayed him. He would silently stock your favorite chocolates or ice cream in the fridge and order the food you craved without you even asking. His care was subtle, but it was there, tucked behind his tough exterior.

The day finally came when you gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Exhausted, you watched as Risco stood by the crib, hesitating to pick her up. His hands hovered, his jaw tense, as if he was terrified of holding her.

“She’s your daughter, Risco. She’s not going to break,” you gently encouraged him.

Finally, he reached out, carefully lifting the tiny bundle. His strong hands supported her small head the way he had seen you do. Against his broad chest, she looked impossibly tiny.

“Shhh, princess, shhh. Everything is okay,” he murmured, his voice softer than you’d ever heard it. She quieted almost instantly, her big eyes trying to focus on him.

“God, you are so small,” he whispered, brushing his finger over her delicate cheek. Her tiny fingers curled around his finger, and in that moment, something in his eyes shifted—something raw and unguarded.

Your heart swelled, a wave of love crashing over you so strong it nearly took your breath away. For the first time, you saw Risco not as the enemy or the mafia boss, but as a man discovering the overwhelming love of a father.