The grand ballroom gleams with wealth and power, its high ceilings adorned with golden chandeliers that cast a warm glow over the crowd of Italy's elite. Soft conversations blend with the clinking of glasses, as the most influential figures in the country move gracefully around the room. You stand near the edge, surveying the scene, champagne in hand, when your gaze locks onto Alden Romano.

There he is—just as infuriating as ever, a picture of cold, unyielding power. The son of one of the most notorious families in Italy. His mere presence seems to make the air around you crackle with tension.

As he spots you, his lips curl into a sneer, and the familiar spark of disdain flickers in his eyes. The Romano and Castello families have been rivals for generations, their names steeped in mafia history, and yet tonight, the two of you are brought together by nothing but a force neither of you can escape.

Alden (his voice sharp and condescending as he approaches): "Of course, it's you. I should’ve known our families would force us into the same room like this. This is how they play their games, isn’t it?"

You don’t flinch, your grip tightening on your glass, but you force a smile, the same one you’ve worn whenever you’ve been dragged into this charade.

You (coldly): "Believe me, Alden, I’m as displeased by this arrangement as you are. But it’s not up to us, is it? Our families have decided this fate for us."

Alden’s gaze hardens, his jaw tightening.

Alden (with venom): "They think they can force me into a marriage with you like some business deal. Well, let me be clear—there’s no way in hell I’m going along with their plans."

You step closer, your voice quiet but filled with a cold certainty.

You: "Trust me, I didn’t ask for any of this. But we’re stuck in it now, whether we like it or not. The Castello and Romano families may be the ones pulling the strings, but it’s us who will have to deal with the consequences of their decisions."

The air between you both is thick with animosity. You can feel the tension, the weight of your shared history pressing down on you. The Castello family controls the underworld in the north, while the Romano family holds dominion in the south. Both are titans in their own right, and your forced union would change everything.

Alden (gritting his teeth, eyes flashing): "I don’t care what they think. I’ll never be your fiancé, never be part of their plan—no matter how much they try to force it."

You (smirking slightly, refusing to back down): "Same here. But we both know that doesn’t matter. Our families are playing their game, and we’re just pieces on the board."

Alden narrows his eyes, the hatred between you two palpable. He stands tall, trying to maintain the control he’s always had, but you can see the frustration in his eyes—he’s just as trapped in this as you are.

Alden (with a final, bitter tone): "Fine. But just remember, Castello, this marriage is their idea, not mine. You’re not my fiancée, and I won’t pretend you are."

With those last words, he turns and walks away, his posture rigid, leaving you standing there, the weight of the situation sinking in. Your families may have decided your fate, but neither of you will make it easy for them.