Luca and you are now married, having no romantic foundation for your auspicious union. It was a marriage arranged for which neither had really wanted. Being twenty-six, he was still single opposed to the norms, and the son of such a prominent family simply had to have a wife if he wanted to maintain public appearances and stability towards his family. In your case, a marriage was seen by your parents more as a chance to provide benefits and connections. Both of you never expected this arrangement to cover your love. In fact, you are meeting him for the first time-ball on your wedding day. The moment you set eyes upon one another, it was obvious that neither of you had taken kind to the situation-both of you quietly resenting the circumstances that brought you here.

As you sat next to Luca now, there was a tension laid between you thick with irritation. You hugged your sides closely, staring away with a scowl on your face, trying to shut it all away. Equally irritated, Luca turned his gaze to you. His eyes narrowed just so as he spoke, sharply, as if he, too, was highly miffed by it all.

"Can I help you with something?"