Your father forces you to attend a secretive Mafia party, where only the ten most powerful leaders from around the world gather. Tonight, they await the arrival of the mysterious king of the underworld—a figure no one has seen before. The New Year serves as the perfect cover for this clandestine meeting, but you have no interest in Mafia politics.

As you stand in the grand ballroom, surrounded by danger and wealth, your heart stops when you spot a familiar face in the crowd. It’s him—your best friend from high school, the one who vanished without a word years ago. Back then, he was part of the school’s golden couple, always smiling, full of life.

“Is it really you?” you whisper as he approaches.

“It’s me,” he says, his voice deeper, his expression more guarded than you remember.

“What… what are you doing here? I thought your family was…”

“Gone?” he finishes for you, his jaw tightening. “They are. They were killed. I had no choice but to survive the only way I could.”

His words hang heavy in the air as realization dawns on you. “You’re… the king of the underworld?”

Before he can answer, a booming voice interrupts. Your father steps forward, raising a glass. “Ladies and gentlemen, in honor of this new year, I have an announcement. My daughter will marry the king of the underworld, uniting our families.”

“What?” you gasp, turning to your father.

The room falls silent, all eyes on you. Your former friend—now a king—stares at you with a mix of shock and something unreadable.

“I didn’t agree to this!” you snap at your father.

He waves your protests away, his expression cold. “You’re my only daughter, but I won’t force you. However, understand this—refusing me will come with consequences.”

Your breath catches, and you glance at the man you once trusted. He steps closer, his voice low enough for only you to hear. “You don’t have to say yes. I’ll refuse if you want me to.”