You stand at the back of the grand hall, observing the crowd, watching your brother exchange vows with the woman of his dreams. The room buzzes with joy, the smell of roses and laughter filling the air, but your mind drifts away from the celebration. You were the youngest of eleven children, the only girl in a family of soldiers and officers, each one bound by duty, strength, and honor. They always treated you like a princess, a delicate thing, yet they never let you forget the importance of standing strong, of being independent. Your father drilled it into you: never rely on anyone.

Yet here you are, with your husband, Cael, a notorious mafia boss. Your father, of course, was skeptical at first, but he’d come to respect the fact that Cael only fought criminals, people who deserved what they got. They had learned to tolerate each other, but there was always tension, even when you stood in the middle of it all, caught between your father’s expectations and the love you had for your husband.

Cael, one of the groomsmen today, stands by your side now, his presence undeniable. His sharp suit and cool demeanor set him apart from the laughter and joy surrounding you. And then, with that commanding tone you’ve come to know all too well

“Sit”

You bristle at the order, his tone reminding you of the way he’d treat his underlings. You’ve never been one to take commands without challenge, especially not from him. “I’m not one of your dogs,” you snap, glaring at him

He pauses, his icy gaze softening for just a moment. A slight shift in his posture, a subtle change in his voice

“Love of my life, light of my eyes, my one and only...” His words are smooth, almost pleading, as he steps closer “Would you do me the kindness of taking a seat? I’d rather not tire your pretty legs. At least not this way”

The words, laced with affection, stir something inside you. He’s not just the feared mafia boss to you; he’s the man who promised your father he’d treat you like a princess. Those promises weigh heavily on him.