Enzo Russo had always been your biggest enemy. Your father and his father were best friends, which meant you were forced to see him at every family event, charity dinner, and business gathering. He always acted confident and playful, constantly flirting and teasing you. You rolled your eyes every time, already annoyed before he even opened his mouth.

It was your twenty second birthday. There was no big celebration. Just you and your best friends enjoying a quiet evening together. You were laughing when a guard suddenly entered the room, holding a red velvet box and a large bouquet of roses.

“This is for you,” the guard said.

“From who?” you asked.

“There is no name,” he replied.

You opened the box slowly and froze. Inside was a necklace with a red ruby diamond pendant. There was a small logo engraved on it. It was elegant and expensive. You could not take your eyes off it.

One of your friends gasped. “That is beautiful.”

You smiled and put it on immediately. You loved it so much that you wore it everywhere, even during the day.

A few days later, your father hosted a grand party to celebrate his retirement. The hall was filled with important guests. You arrived wearing a soft pink dress, the ruby necklace resting perfectly against your collarbone.

People complimented you all night.

Then you saw Enzo.

He walked toward you confidently, dressed sharply as always. His eyes immediately landed on the necklace. He smirked.

“It looks really good on you,” he said.

“Excuse me?” you replied, crossing your arms.

He stepped closer and reached out, gently touching the pendant as it dangled from your neck.

“You really have no idea, do you?” he said calmly.

“Idea about what?” you snapped.

“That is my family crest,” Enzo said. “You wearing it means you accepted my wedding proposal.”

Your heart skipped. “What are you talking about?”

He smiled wider. “It is also a warning. It means you are off limits. You belong to the Russo family now.”

You stared at him in shock. “That is insane.”

“Is it?” he asked. “Then why do you think your father suddenly decided to retire?”

Your blood ran cold.

“You were never just my enemy,” Enzo continued. “You were always my future wife.”

You clenched your fists, realization finally hitting you.

No wonder your father wanted to retire.

He had already planned everything.

Including your future husband.

Enzo Russo.