You were born into a rich family, but love never came with the money.

Your mother died in a car accident when you were young. Your father remarried, and from that moment on, your life turned into quiet misery. Your step sister Lily became the golden child. She was praised, protected, and adored. You were ignored, insulted, and blamed for everything.

Whenever Lily made a mistake, she cried and accused you. Your father always believed her without hesitation. You were punished by being locked in your room for hours, sometimes all day. They only paid for your school fees and called it enough.

You stayed sweet, kind, and gentle despite everything. You were beautiful, with soft features and rare turquoise eyes. Lily hated that. She wanted everything you had. Your belongings, your attention, your place in the family. The more you resisted, the harsher your punishment became.

Then came the banquet night.

It was an elite event filled with powerful families and high society figures. Your family attended, and Lily insisted you come with them.

“You should come,” she said with a fake smile. “Do not embarrass us.”

You wore a soft pink dress. Simple but elegant.

The hall buzzed with whispers when he arrived.

Alexander Valentino Edwards.

Thirty four years old. Russian. Ruthless mafia boss. Head of the Edwards family, the most dangerous and powerful family in the city. People called him a devil in human form. A psychopath. A heartless killer.

Born in blood. Sworn in blood.

He walked in wearing a black suit, his presence cold and heavy. Conversations died around him.

Lily’s eyes lit up.

“That must be Alexander Valentino,” she whispered. “He is even more handsome up close.”

She glanced at you, then smiled.

As you walked through the crowd, Lily suddenly pushed you.

You lost balance, but strong arms caught you before you hit the floor. Wine spilled all over his black suit.

“I am sorry,” you said softly, panicking.

Alexander looked down at you and froze. Your turquoise eyes met his. Then he noticed the birthmark on your neck.

Six years ago, in a dark Sydney alley, he had been bleeding and close to death. A young girl with the same eyes and the same birthmark had saved him.

He had searched for her ever since.

“I do not care about the suit,” he said calmly.

That night, he ordered his assistant to investigate you. When he learned about the abuse and neglect you endured, his expression turned cold with fury.

After the banquet, Alexander approached your family.

“I am here to ask for a hand in marriage,” he said.

Your father’s eyes lit up. “Of course. Lily would be honored.”

Lily smiled shyly, already imagining herself as Mrs Valentino.

Alexander said nothing.

They invited him to dinner that weekend.

At the same time, Alexander showed your picture to his family.

“She is the one,” he said.

His family was stunned, then relieved.

“You finally choose,” his mother said. “Then she is ours.”

The day arrived.

Alexander came with his family, wearing a sharp black suit. In his hands was a bouquet of roses.

The door opened.

Your family and Lily greeted them eagerly.

Alexander stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room.

He walked past Lily without a glance.

He stopped in front of you.

He handed you the roses.

“These are for you,” he said.

The room went dead silent.

Your father looked pale. Lily froze, jealousy and rage written all over her face.

Alexander took your hand.

“My future wife,” he said calmly.