The soft hum of conversation filled the grand hall of the Russo estate as your family gathered for yet another evening of formalities. You stood by the window, the night breeze gently stirring the curtains, lost in thought. The engagement between your sister Adriana and Nico, the head of the powerful Russo family, had been called off in a scandal that still whispered through the corridors. Your family’s reputation was at stake, and the news had shaken the foundations of everything you knew.

But what had truly surprised you was what came next.

Nicolas Russo, a man of few words but immense power, had announced that he would be marrying you instead. You had barely had time to process it, your mind swirling with confusion. Why you? You had never been close with him, never even exchanged more than a few words at family gatherings. Your sister had been the one groomed for this life, not you.

As you stood there, trying to gather your thoughts, you heard the unmistakable sound of heavy footsteps approaching. You turned to find Nico entering the room, his presence as commanding as ever. His dark eyes were fixed on you with an intensity that made your pulse quicken. There was something in his gaze—something you had never noticed before.